How to make caramelized onions is so easy. The most important thing you need is the time! This is not quick, but it is easy and I’m going to show you how.
What is a caramelized onion?
Caramelized onions are simply onions that are cooked for a long period of time over low heat with some fat. The sugars in the onion are released and begin to brown and become very sweet.
How to make the onions:
You are not sautéing the onions, which is a much quicker process. By cooking the onions over low heat you are gently coaxing the flavor out. You do not continuously stir the onions- that bothers them and they don’t get a chance to do their thing. So after about 10 minutes, you really want to leave the onions alone. Only stirring occasionally. The onions will start to stick a bit to the pan, and that’s ok! Let them stick a bit get brownish and then stir. Repeat this process until they are completely golden brown, very soft, and naturally sweet. This takes some time about 45 minutes to an hour. It is totally worth it and you’ll thank me later!
What to serve these onions with?
You’d be surprised at how many things these onions go with or on. First, they are delicious on a burger. Next, I would definitely recommend serving them on top of my French Dip Sandwich sandwich. I also love them served alongside a nice New York steak. But really they are good with anything. Throw them in your salad, add them to a Sheet Pan Quesadilla. Serve them with my Stovetop Flank Steak. Add them to tacos or a burrito bowl. I could go on and on, I’ll let you decide!
Step-by-step instructions on how to caramelize onions:
First, thinly slice the onions. It’s going to seem like a lot, but 4-5 onions get you about 2 cups of cooked caramelized onions. Next, using a deep pan, melt two tablespoons of butter and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Once melted add the onions, some salt, and pepper and then lower the heat to low. Stir to evenly coat the onions with butter and oil. After 10 minutes, add the optional one teaspoon of sugar. This is not necessary, but I find with just a bit of sugar added gives the onions a little help caramelizing. But again, it’s optional and the onions will still be great without it.
After you add the sugar you really want to leave the onions alone. Avoid stirring constantly. You want the onions to get a chance to brown and naturally coax the sweet flavor out. The onions will start to stick slightly to the pan. Let them and then gently stir to release them from sticking. Do this a few times. As they become caramelized they will not stick as much.
If you find that the onions are browning too quickly or are drying out, you might need to lower the heat or add a little water to the pan. (A teaspoon or so should do the trick.) Keep the heat low and continue cooking for about 45 minutes.
After the onions reach the desired doneness add one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and give them a stir. These onions are ready to be devoured! Serve them any way you choose. Enjoy!
How to Caramelize Onions
Making caramelized onions takes time, but they are so worth it! Simple ingredients needed like onions, butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper. They are great on top of a sandwich or burger or served alongside a steak.
Ingredients
- 4-5 onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
1. Warm oil and melt butter in a deep high-sided pan.
2. Add onions, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes over medium-low heat.
3. After 10 minutes, sprinkle with sugar. If onions seem dry add a teaspoon or so of water.
4. Continue cooking for about 35 minutes to 1 hour over low heat. Stirring occasionally. About every 5 minutes or so.
5. *PRO-TIP!!! The onions will start to stick a little to the pan. Let it and then stir. You want to leave the onions alone and let them do their thing. Allowing them to get brown, but not burn. If you stir them too often they will not brown.
*Keep the heat temperature on the low side.
6. Once onions have reached the desired doneness, add the balsamic vinegar. Sir to combine.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
*Serve alongside your favorite steak or on top of a burger or try it on my French dip sandwich.
Notes
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To reheat, simply add to a frying pan over medium-low heat. No need to add any oil or butter. Stir occasionally this should take about 5 minutes.
