Description
Unlock the rich, sweet, and golden flavors of caramelized onions with this simple, versatile recipe. Using just onions, fat, salt, and optional additions, slow-cooked onions develop deep buttery sweetness perfect for enhancing pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, and more. This easy guide shows you the step-by-step process to achieve perfect caramelized onions every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 to 3 large yellow or sweet onions
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (or a blend of both)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients
- Pinch of sugar (to speed up caramelization and deepen sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice (to brighten and balance richness)
Instructions
- Choose and Prepare Your Onions: Start with fresh yellow or sweet onions. Peel off the outer layers and slice them thinly and evenly to ensure uniform cooking, balancing tenderness and flavor.
- Heat Your Fat in a Wide Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add butter, olive oil, or a blend to help with browning and preventing sticking during slow cooking.
- Add the Onions and Salt: Once the fat is melted and hot, add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. The salt draws moisture from the onions, essential for softening and caramelization.
- Cook Slowly and Stir Often: Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and stir the onions every 5 to 10 minutes. This slow process releases natural sugars gradually without burning, allowing the onions to develop their signature golden-brown color.
- Add Optional Sweetener or Acid: Halfway through cooking, optionally sprinkle a pinch of sugar to boost sweetness. Towards the end, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice to brighten and balance the richness.
- Continue Cooking Until Deep Golden: Be patient for 40 to 60 minutes depending on heat and pan. The onions are done when tender, richly colored, and sweetly aromatic.
Notes
- Use a wide pan to provide more surface area for even cooking and evaporation.
- Do not rush the heat; slow cooking prevents burning and enhances flavor.
- Stir regularly to prevent sticking and promote even caramelization.
- If onions start to stick or brown too quickly, splash a bit of water, broth, or wine to deglaze the pan.
- Choose fresh, firm onions for best flavor and texture.
- Caramelized onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for up to three months.
- Reheat gently on low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Universal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: caramelized onions, slow cooked onions, sweet onions recipe, savory onion topping, easy caramelized onions
