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Here is my simple method for how to make perfectly caramelized onions. Use caramelized onions as pizza topping, for pasta, for onion dips and many other recipes.
How to caramelize onions
- Thinly slice 3 large onions.
- To a large skillet add 1 tablespoon olive oil on high heat. When oil is heated, add sliced onions and cook on high heat for about 10 minutes, constantly stirring with spatula. The onions should start to brown, but without burning (a couple of onions may be burnt here and there, but overall they should not be charred).
- Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking onions for 10 more minutes, continuing to stir, as onions brown even more without burning. At this point add just a pinch of salt over onions.
- Continue cooking the onions for 10 more minutes on medium or low heat, stirring occasionally to make sure onions don't stick to the bottom of the pan or burn. Add a little bit of water if they start to stick.
- Total, by now you should have cooked onions for 30 minutes.
- Remove the pan with caramelized onions from heat and sprinkle the onions with a small amount of balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan.
- Using spatula, stir the caramelized onions, scraping the bottom of the pan and coating onions with a pinch of balsamic vinegar you just added.
Ways to use caramelized onions
- Caramelized onions can be such a nice side kick to so many dishes: from pasta to grilled meats and hamburgers; as a topping over pizzas or a condiment in salads.
- I use caramelized onions a lot in my cooking, such as in caramelized onion and mushroom pasta and mac and cheese with bacon and caramelized onions - both recipes are delicious and highly recommended!
- The options and versatility of caramelized onions are endless! For example, have you ever tried caramelized onions in a quiche or a tart? Or, in a French onion soup? What about caramelized onion dip? The subtly sweet flavor of the caramelized onions combined with the savory is so addicting!
How to make caramelized onions
The options and versatility of caramelized onions are endless! Use them in a quiche or a tart, in a French onion soup. The subtly sweet flavor of the caramelized onions combined with the savory is so addicting! This recipe has detailed instructions on how to caramelize onions perfectly.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 onions medium or large, sliced
- pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil on high heat in a large skillet, when oil is heated, add sliced onions and cook on high heat for about 10 minutes, constantly stirring with the spatula. The onions should start to brown, but without burning (a couple of onions may be burnt here and there, but overall they should not be charred).
- Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking onions for 10 more minutes, continuing to stir, as onions brown even more without burning. At this point add just a pinch of salt over onions.
- Continue cooking the onions for 10 more minutes on medium or low heat, stirring occasionally to make sure onions don’t stick to the bottom of the pan or burn. Add a little bit of water if they start to stick. Total, by now you should have cooked onions for 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle onions with a small amount of balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan. Using spatula, mix the onions, scraping the bottom of the pan and coating onions with a pinch of balsamic vinegar you just added.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
How to make caramelized onions
Amount per Serving
Calories
98
% Daily Value*
Fat
7
g
11
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Sodium
4
mg
0
%
Potassium
120
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
8
g
3
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
4
g
4
%
Vitamin C
6.1
mg
7
%
Calcium
19
mg
2
%
Iron
0.2
mg
1
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
What type of Onions did you use?
Plan on trying this evening as I love caramelized onions on many main entrees. I aapparently always used too much oil.
Enjoy! I love using caramelized onions on main courses too. I used them for pasta dish in this recipe: Spinach Mushroom Pasta with Caramelized Onions.
I freeze the caramelized onions in 1/3 cup packages so I always have some on hand.
Great idea!
ingredients lists 2 T butter
But recipe only uses 1 T
could you please clarify?
Thanks!
Use 2 tablespoons! I just corrected the recipe.
i don't see any reference to butter in recipe or instructions ...
I meant olive oil!
Butter or Olive oil?
Saw your comment.
Made these yesterday as a topping for pasta. will make again.
Made them and served over a simple spinach salad. So good!
Which onions do you use - yellow, white or sweet?
I used either yellow or white onions.
I love Carmelites onions. I make this very simple one for eating with rice, good salad and what ever kind of meat. Watch!!!! Olive Oil, butter, Sliced Onions(plenty). Just toss them around until you like what you see. Then pile them on your Rice. Ohh sooo good. It's not steak but you will enjoy it as if it were. Try it!
I love onions no matter how they are prepared. 🙂 I love them raw, I love them cooked - they are so good on everything! Thank you for your tips! Caramelized onions taste great over rice!
Julia, your recipe sounds delicious and I will be using it often in the future. Just wondering, have you ever tried freezing it?
cheers Penny
Sometimes I add a dash of sugar just to make them a little sweeter. ( this is before I found out about the Balsamic vinegar). Also , if u add a little ketchup, u have the same onions that Sabrette makes for their hot dogs ! Just don't Carmelize the onions too much, do more of a sautée. Delicious !
Wow, nice. That spoon of balsamic made it all even better! 🙂 ela
I love caramelized onions! I make mine with butter instead of oil.
love it! your onions look amazing! just right!
I made caramelized onions several weeks ago to be a topper for a burger....quite possibly the best burger EVER! I think your Hubs would approve.
Mine used butter, but I would really like to try a healthier version like you have. Mine just felt so....guilty!
MMMMM!!! I have been wanting to make caramelized onions!!