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The Ultimate Guide: How to Make Perfectly Sweet and Savory Caramelized Onions

A close-up of a mound of deeply golden brown caramelized onions on a light-colored plate.
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Learn the best technique to slow cook onions until they are deeply golden, sweet, and tender. This foundational recipe is perfect for meal prep and adds rich flavor to burgers, pasta, and sandwiches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Slice the onions thinly and uniformly. Uniform slicing helps them cook evenly.
  2. Place the butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat.
  3. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and toss them to coat them in the fat. Add the salt and pepper.
  4. Cook the onions slowly, stirring every 5 to 7 minutes. This initial phase will take about 15 to 20 minutes, and the onions will soften and release moisture.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Continue cooking, stirring every 5 minutes. The onions will start to turn pale gold. This stage requires patience and low heat to prevent burning.
  6. Continue cooking for another 30 to 40 minutes. Scrape the bottom of the pan frequently to incorporate any browned bits (fond), which add deep flavor.
  7. When the onions reach a deep, rich brown color and are jammy in texture, remove them from the heat.
  8. Use immediately or store for later use.

Notes

  • For quicker caramelization, add a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar during the last 10 minutes of cooking to aid browning.
  • If the onions start to stick too much or brown too fast, add one tablespoon of water to the pan and scrape the bottom.
  • This recipe is excellent for batch cooking; caramelized onions keep well in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://miameal.com/caramelized-onions-ultimate-guide-sweet-savory/