Caramelized onions

Discover the rich, sweet flavor of perfectly caramelized onions with this simple recipe. Made with red onions, brown sugar, olive oil, and a splash of vinegar, these caramelised onions are perfect for enhancing sandwiches, burgers, salads, or as a topping for your favorite dishes. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious!

17 May 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 5 min

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
2 red onions
2 tsp brown sugar
2 tbsp vinegar
Caramelized onions

Caramelized onions are a delicious addition to a wide variety of dishes, offering a rich and sweet flavor that enhances any plate. Whether you're adding them to burgers, salads, sandwiches, or even as a side dish, this simple recipe can elevate your meal to the next level.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Onions:
- Peel the red onions and cut them in half lengthwise.
- Thinly slice the onions into half-moons.
2. Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Swirl the pan to ensure the oil coats the surface evenly.
3. Add the Onions:
- Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan. Stir to coat the onions with the oil.
- Spread the onions out in an even layer in the pan.
4. Cook the Onions:
- Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until they begin to soften and turn translucent.
- Keep an eye on the heat to make sure the onions aren't browning too quickly. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
5. Add Brown Sugar:
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions. Stir to combine. The sugar will help with the caramelization process, giving the onions a deeper flavor and richer color.
6. Caramelize the Onions:
- Continue to cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for another 20-25 minutes. Patience is key here; allow the onions to cook slowly to develop a rich, caramel color and sweet flavor.
- If the onions start to stick to the pan or cook too quickly, reduce the heat slightly and add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.
7. Add the Vinegar:
- Once the onions are deeply caramelized, pour in the vinegar. Use the vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vinegar has evaporated and the onions are glossy and deeply flavored.
8. Serve or Store:
- Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl and let them cool slightly.
- Use immediately as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or pizzas, or incorporate into dishes like pasta, salads, or soups.
- If storing, allow the onions to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

Tips:

- Use a non-stick or heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

- Slice the onions thinly for quicker caramelisation.

- Stir occasionally but not too frequently, allowing the onions time to brown.

- Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning, keeping it mostly medium-low.

With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a batch of caramelized onions that will add depth and flavor to many different dishes. Follow these tips, and enjoy the sweet, savory result of your efforts in the kitchen.

Nutrition per serving

2 Servings
Calories 88kcal
Protein 1.51g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 3.52g
Sugar 12g
Fat 14g

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