Carmelized Onions Recipe

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Do your onions often end up tasteless or lack the depth of flavor you’re looking for in your meals?

Many people find it tricky to turn this simple ingredient into something extraordinary.

But with a bit of patience and the right method, you can achieve rich, sweet, and flavorful onions that will add a new layer of taste to your dishes.

Caramelized onions, with their deep golden color and intense flavor, are the perfect way to enhance everything from sandwiches to soups.

Here’s how you can easily make them yourself.

Table of Contents

Caramelized Onions Recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 medium yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced
½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Sprinkle the sea salt over the onions, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let the onions cook slowly for 50 to 80 minutes, stirring every few minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a deep golden brown and have a soft, sweet flavor. The cooking time will vary based on how thick the onions are sliced and how hot your stove runs.
If you notice the onions sticking to the skillet, lower the heat a bit more. If, after 50 minutes, they haven’t browned enough for your liking, you can turn the heat up slightly, but be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.

Tips For Perfect Caramelized Onions

Use the right pan: A wide, heavy-bottomed pan like cast iron works best because it distributes heat evenly.
Low and slow is key: Patience is your best friend here. Cook the onions slowly on low to medium-low heat to bring out their sweetness.
Don’t rush the process: It can take 50 minutes or more to fully caramelize onions. Rushing with high heat will burn them instead of making them soft and golden.
Stir regularly: Keep an eye on the onions, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking or burning.

How To Serve Caramelized Onions?

Caramelized onions are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ideas:

Topping for burgers or sandwiches: They add a rich, sweet flavor to savory dishes like burgers, grilled cheese, or sandwiches.
In soups or stews: Stir them into soups like French onion soup or hearty stews for extra depth of flavor.
On pizza: Spread caramelized onions on pizza for a sweet and savory twist.
With grilled meats or vegetables: Serve them alongside roasted chicken, beef, or veggies to elevate any meal.
In omelets or quiches: They add a delightful taste to breakfast dishes like omelets or quiches.

Oil Or Butter: What’s Best For Caramelizing Onions?

Both oil and butter work well for caramelizing onions, but each gives a slightly different result.

Olive oil is a great choice because it has a high smoke point and creates a cleaner flavor, making it ideal for a longer cooking process.
Butter adds a richer, creamier taste. However, since butter burns easily, it’s best to use a combination of oil and butter for a balance of flavor and safety.

Should You Use Low Or High Heat To Caramelize Onions?

Always use low to medium-low heat to caramelize onions. High heat will cook the onions too fast, causing them to brown or burn on the outside while staying raw inside.

Cooking them low and slow allows their natural sugars to break down gradually, creating that deep, sweet flavor you’re aiming for.

How To Store Caramelized Onions?

Once your caramelized onions have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container.

Keep them in the refrigerator, and they’ll last for up to a week. If you want to store them for a longer time, freeze them!

Place the onions in small, freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen caramelized onions can be stored for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to use them, just thaw them in the fridge or reheat them directly in a pan.

What Kind Of Onion Is Best For Caramelizing?

Yellow onions are the top choice for caramelizing. They have a balance of sweetness and sharpness that works perfectly for this process.

Sweet onions, like Vidalia or Walla Walla, are also great options if you want an even sweeter flavor.

Red onions can also be caramelized, but they tend to be less sweet and give a slightly different flavor profile.

White onions, while possible to caramelize, don’t develop the same rich taste as yellow or sweet onions.

How Long Are Caramelized Onions Good For?

In the fridge, caramelized onions stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days if stored in an airtight container.

If you freeze them, they can last up to 3 months. Just be sure to divide them into portions before freezing, so you can thaw only what you need each time.

Reheating is easy—just warm them up in a pan or microwave, and they’ll be ready to add to your meals.