Caramelized onions elevate the flavor of regular onions to a whole new level. Caramelizing onions is a very simple process: cook the sliced onions with butter and salt at a medium-low temp for about an hour. They make a great topping for burgers and sandwiches. They’re very easy to make, too. In this recipe, I’ll show you the simple and easiest way of how to make caramelized onions!
Ingredients for Caramelized Onions
- Onions – white or yellow
- Butter
- Salt
Step 1: Slicing the Onions
Take your onions (white or yellow) and cut off the ends. Next, cut in half and peel off the flaky, outer layer. Slice onions in long strips like you would for fajitas. Make sure to separate the layers of onion after slicing.
Step 2: Preheating the Skillet
Place a large skillet on either your stovetop or grill surface and preheat to medium-high heat. Add butter to the skillet as it starts to heat up, allowing it to melt completely. The amount of butter depends on how many onions you are caramelizing. I usually do two or three onions at a time and use a half stick of butter (four tablespoons).
Step 3: How to Caramelize Onions
With the butter melted in the skillet, add your sliced onions and a teaspoon of salt (my go-to salt is Redmond Real Salt). Cook on medium-high heat for five to 10 minutes or until the onions become translucent. Stir onions occasionally during this time.
After five to 10 minutes, reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for another 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, you’ll notice onions reducing in size dramatically due to the caramelization.
What Does it Mean to Caramelize Onions?
Caramelization in onions happens when the sugars in it get cooked at low heat, causing the browning effect and reduction in size. This also causes the flavor of the onion to change from a bit sharp to a richer flavor profile, adding sweet and nutty elements.
And when I say reduction in size, it’s quite drastic. For example, here’s an image of a bowl with two sliced onions before caramelization:
…and here is what that same amount of onions looks like after being cooked:
What Can I Use Caramelized Onions For?
Due to their robust flavor profile, caramelized onions can be used in many types of dishes, ranging from steaks and sandwiches to soups and dips. I have a steak and chimichurri sandwich recipe that calls for caramelized onions and it makes for one of the greatest sandwiches I’ve ever had!
How Long Can These Be Stored?
When placed in an airtight container, caramelized onions can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. When frozen, up to two months.
Recipes to Pair With Caramelized Onions
Steak and Chimichurri Sandwich
Reverse Seared Tomahawk Ribeye Steak
Smoked Tri Tip Sandwich w/Lemon Garlic Aioli
Caramelized Onions Recipe
Caramelized Onions Recipe
Caramelized onions elevate the flavor of regular onions to a whole new level. They're very easy to make, too. In this recipe, I'll show you the simple and easiest way of how to make caramelized onions!
Ingredients
- 2 onions, white or yellow
- 1/4 Cup butter
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cut off the top and bottom ends of onions, then cut in half. Put onions face down on cutting board and cut into pencil thin slices.
- Preheat skillet on stove top or grill surface to medium high heat. Put butter in while warming up. Put onions and salt in skillet when butter is completely melted.
- Cook on medium high heat for five to 10 minutes or until onions become translucent. Reduce heat to medium-low for 30 to 40 minutes or until desired brownness. Remove and serve.
Notes
- White onions are a little more mild in flavor. Yellow onions are more bolder. Either one works great for this recipe.
- Substitute cooking oil for butter as desired.
- If onions begin to stick to pan, add a little cooking oil or butter.
- Caramelized onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Frozen up to two months.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 servings Serving Size: 1/2 CupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 116Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 219mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 1g
NOTE: Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
