These simple caramelized onions come out perfect every time. You only need 3 ingredients and bit of patience to make these.
Ingredients
For this recipe you only need 4 ingredients and most of them if not all are kitchen staples.
- Sweet onions: Any variety such as Vidalia or sweet yellow onions works here. I have used white onions as well and they work.
- Olive oil: I like to use a high quality olive oil to soften the onions and start the caramelizing process.
- Salt: Helps extract moisture from the onions, speeding up the caramelization process.
- Liquid: I use small splash of water to deglaze the pan through the cooking process but you can use stock if you prefer. I try to keep the onion flavor neutral so I use water.
- Butter: Once the onions have turned golden brown, I like to finish them with some butter.
Some people like to add a small amount of brown sugar and deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar. Depending on what you are using the onions for, these flavors might be too strong.
I like to keep my caramelized onions simple and use the basic ingredients to achieve those sweet, golden brown onions.
Step by step instructions
Start by cutting your onion in half lengthwise.
Cut each half into slices that are not too thick or too thin. Use a large skillet to add the onions, oil and salt.
Using a large skillet allows the onions to caramelize evenly.
The onions will reduce significantly in volume as they cook down.
I like to be constantly stirring the onions and adding small amounts of water to deglaze the skillet as they start browning.
Caramelizing onions takes about 45 minutes and it is a very hands on process. The time and care invested are proportional to the flavorful payout.
Serving suggestions
I made this caramelized onions to pair with a baked halibut dish called Halibut Olympia. The onions serve as a bottom layer to nest the panko crusted halibut.
You can use these onions to make dips, sandwiches, burgers, pastas and soups. They add a nice subtly sweet touch to the dish.
If you love caramelized onions, you'd want to try my bacon jam that features caramelized onions and bacon bits.
Storage
Store this caramelized onions in a mason jar with a lid. They keep well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Caramelized onions can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To defrost just place in the fridge overnight.
Simple caramelized onions
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet I used an 18 inch braiser
Ingredients
- 2 onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt Diamond crystal kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup water plus more as needed
Instructions
- Cut the onions lengthwise then into thin slices.2 onions
- Add the onions to the skillet. Add olive oil and salt.1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt
- Cook on medium-high heat for 3 minutes until the onions begin to soften. Stir them constantly.
- Reduce the heat to medium stirring constantly. When the onions begin to brown and the skillet starts building up brown specs, add a splash of water to deglaze it.1 cup water
- Continue stirring and deglazing the skillet until the onions turn deep golden brown in color.
- Add the butter and cook for 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and store in a glass jar with a lid.1 tablespoon butter
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