How to Caramelize Onions Recipe
Introduction
Caramelized onions add a rich, sweet depth to many dishes, from burgers to soups. This simple technique transforms ordinary onions into a flavorful, tender delight that can enhance any meal.
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- 1 pound yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the olive oil and butter together in a medium-large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Once the butter is melted, add the sliced onions, fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
- Step 3: Cook the onions, stirring frequently, until they begin to brown in spots, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Continue cooking for 15 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: If the onions start to stick or the pan becomes too dark, add a small splash of water to loosen them and prevent burning.
Tips & Variations
- Use a wide skillet to allow the onions to spread out evenly for better caramelization.
- Add a pinch of sugar early in cooking to speed up caramelization if desired.
- Swap thyme for rosemary or bay leaves for a different herbal flavor.
Storage
Store caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I caramelize onions without butter?
Yes, you can use just oil or a plant-based alternative if you prefer, but butter adds a richer flavor and helps with browning.
Why are my onions burning instead of caramelizing?
Burning usually happens if the heat is too high or if they are not stirred often enough. Lower the heat and stir regularly to prevent burning and promote even caramelization.
PrintHow to Caramelize Onions Recipe
Learn how to perfectly caramelize onions to bring out their natural sweetness and rich flavor. This simple recipe uses olive oil, butter, and thyme to create deeply browned, tender onions that are perfect for adding depth to any dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 1 ½ cups caramelized onions 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- 1 pound yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Melt: Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a medium-large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is fully melted.
- Sauté: Add the thinly sliced onions, fresh thyme leaves, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the skillet.
- Brown: Cook the onions over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to turn brown in spots.
- Cook Low and Slow: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook the onions for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the onions begin to stick to the pan or the pan gets too dark, add a splash of water to prevent burning and to help them cook evenly.
Notes
- Using a combination of butter and olive oil helps achieve a rich flavor without burning the butter.
- Adding water during cooking prevents the onions from sticking and helps achieve even caramelization.
- Stirring occasionally but not too frequently allows proper browning without steaming the onions.
- Caramelized onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Keywords: caramelized onions, how to caramelize onions, sautéed onions, side dish, onion recipe
