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 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.