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The Ultimate Guide: How to Perfectly Caramelize Onions

A close-up of deeply browned, glossy caramelized onions piled high in a small white serving bowl.
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Learn the slow cooking method to achieve deep, sweet, jammy caramelized onions, plus a quick trick for faster results.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for faster browning)
  • 2 tablespoons water or beef broth (for deglazing)

Instructions

  1. Slice the onions thinly and uniformly. Uniformity helps them cook evenly.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, combine the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
  3. Add the sliced onions and salt. Stir to coat the onions evenly with the fat.
  4. Cook the onions slowly, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes. Keep the heat low to prevent burning. The goal is slow evaporation and browning, not frying.
  5. After about 30 minutes, the onions will have softened significantly and released most of their liquid. If you are using the optional sugar, add it now.
  6. Continue cooking, stirring more frequently as they begin to brown, usually another 30 to 45 minutes. If brown bits stick to the bottom of the pan, add 1 tablespoon of water or broth and scrape them up (deglazing).
  7. Once the onions are a deep, rich brown color and have a jammy consistency, remove them from the heat.
  8. For the quick trick: If you need them faster, after the initial 30 minutes of softening, increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, until the desired color is reached, about 15 to 20 minutes more. Watch closely to prevent scorching.

Notes

  • Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the sweetest results.
  • For vegan caramelized onions, substitute the butter with an equal amount of high-heat oil or vegan butter substitute.
  • These onions store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Use these as an onion topping idea for burgers or mix them into a creamy onion pasta sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorzine.com/caramelized-onions-recipe-how-to-make/