How To Make Caramelized Onions – Learn the techniques to create that amazing sweet and savory flavor right in your own home!
So many times I’ve tasted something that was out-of-this-world amazingly tasty to then find out that the secret lay in the caramelized onions. They enhance the flavor of a dish with their sweet and savory characteristics.
Since they’re so darn good, and since going to a gourmet restaurant every time you have a craving for caramelized onions can get quite pricey, learning how to make your own is definitely worth the effort.
Caramelized onions are easy to make once you know the technique. That said, you can screw them up big time if you just throw a bunch of onions and butter in a pan and hope for the best. Chances are you’ll have a sort of sweet, chewy, slightly burnt onion mixture. Still tasty, but not as amazing as they could be…
Learn the techniques to create that amazing sweet and savory flavor right in your own home!
*Depending on your intended use for your onions you can deglaze with water, vegetable stock, wine, beer, or vinegar.
FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS: Freeze flat in freezer-safe ziplock bags for quick thawing. Or freeze in ice cube trays and then pop them into a freezer safe ziplock bag. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months. To thaw place the in the refrigerator overnight. You can also expedite the process by placing the bag of frozen onions in a dish of warm water.
The Secret to Amazing Caramelized Onions
- The selection of the right onion(s): I always go for sweet onions for their milder, sweeter flavor. I then add a couple of shallots which gives the onions a hint of garlic. The end result is sweet and complex, without the astringency of a white or Spanish onion. Red onions can also be caramelized, but are less ideal as they contain less sugar and the end product isn’t quite as sweet.
- Butter: Butter adds great flavor to caramelized onions. Note: If your onions are easily burning and sticking to the bottom of your pan you can add a drizzle of oil, but still keep the butter the star of the show for that great flavor!
- Caramelize onions slowly: It’s important not to cook caramelized onions too quickly. Rushing them is like a get-rich-quick scheme. It rarely ever pans out. With patience they’ll be sweeter and more savory, without any chewy and unpleasant burnt bits. Read exactly how I do this in the recipe below!
- Deglaze the pan: At the end of cooking add a tablespoon or two of liquid to the pan to pull the up the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Depending on your intended use for your onions, you can deglaze with water, vegetable stock, wine, beer, or vinegar.
Ways to Enjoy Caramelized Onions
Now that you know how to make caramelized onions, here are some ideas on how to enjoy them…
- Sandwiches: Hot or cold. Top off beef/turkey/chicken/veggie burger. Also yummy on a grilled chicken sandwich.
- Pizza and Flatbreads: Top off pizza night with an extra dose of flavor!
- Tarts and Quiches: Add to the top or mix in.
- Pasta: Delicious with buttery or creamy pasta dishes!
- Grilled Steak or Chicken: Imagine topping off your next grilled creation with some caramelized onions and melted mozzarella…
How to Caramelize Onions Like a Pro | Food Network
FAQ
Will minced onions caramelize?
Is grated onion the same as minced onion?
Do diced onions caramelize faster?
Can You caramelize onions at home?
Accept no imitations: Caramelizing onions at home is easy to do. You just need a few onions, a pat of butter or some olive oil, a pan, and some time. Caramelizing onions can take up to one hour; don’t rush it! What’s the Best Onion for Caramelized Onions? Any onion will caramelize, so don’t be shy about experimenting:
Does onion help with postrate?
A study conducted on the effect of onion on prostate specific antigen (PSA) showed that administration of onion extract caused a significant decrease in PSA and total acid phosphatase when compared with the control group. This means onion extact can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.
How do you caramelize onion?
Slice the onion into very thin rounds using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. I like to use a light-bottomed pan when I can to keep an eye on the caramelization process. When the butter is bubbling, add the onion and season with a healthy pinch of salt.
Can you make caramelized onions with red onions?
Classic caramelized onions are typically made with yellow or white onions. However, you can certainly use red onion or Vidalia onion as well. Can you freeze caramelized onions?