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    Category Home » How to » How to Caramelize Onions

    How to Caramelize Onions

    Published: Mar 14, 2020 · Modified: Sep 23, 2020 by Leigh Anderson · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    How To Caramelize Onions

    Here’s how to make rich, sweet, and deeply golden brown caramelized onions. Perfect for french onion soup, topping burgers, and all your favorite pasta, stews, and more!

    Caramelized Onions in Three Stages on a White Oval Platter

    Cooking onions low and slow over a long period of time intensifies their natural sweetness as the sugar in them caramelizes. The result is sweet, super-soft, deeply golden brown onions that enhance the flavor of just about anything you add them to!

    The process isn’t quick, but it is easy. All you need is a couple of onions, some oil or butter and a bit of patience. Trust me caramelized onions are worth the time and effort!


    Caramelized Onions in Stages→

    Soft + Translucent→

    This is the start of your onion sautéing journey. Some recipes, like pureed soups or creamy sauces, call for onions to be sautéed with no color, just soft and translucent. This process takes between 5-10 minutes over medium-low and frequent stirring.

    Golden Brown→

    These golden brown sautéed onions are great for fajitas, pasta, or a base for soups, stews, and chili. This process takes between 30-45 minutes over medium heat with frequent stirring.

    Caramelized→

    Perfect for french onion soup, grilled cheese, or topping a burger! Caramelized onions are deeply golden brown, rich, and flavorful. Season them with salt, pepper, and a touch of vinegar to balance out the sweetness. Stir frequently and add water to the pan while the onions are cooking to prevent sticking and scorching. This process takes between 45min-1hr over medium heat.

    Caramelized Onions in Three Stages on a White Oval Platter

    Caramelized Onions

    Here's how to make rich, sweet and deeply golden brown caramelized onions.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 168kcal
    Author: Leigh Anderson

    Ingredients

    • 4 yellow onions thinly sliced
    • 4 tbsp olive oil or butter
    • salt
    • splash of vinegar

    Instructions

    • Heat a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add in the oil/butter followed by the sliced onions and a generous pinch of salt.
    • Cook until soft and translucent then turn down the heat to medium/low. Cook slowly for 45minutes to 1 hour, stirring frequently to keep the onions from burning. If you notice the onions sticking add a splash of water to deglaze and brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
    • Continue cooking and adding water as needed until the onions are deeply golden brown and super soft. Season with salt, pepper and a splash of vinegar to balance out the sweetness.

    Notes

    Caramelized onions can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refridgerator for up to one week. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 161mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Share a picture on Instagram and tag me: @Craving_California and use the hashtag: #CravingCalifornia!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tyna

      October 17, 2022 at 7:48 pm

      Great easy to understand formulas.

      Reply

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