How to Caramelize Onions – Jessica Gavin

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Introduction

Caramelizing onions is a simple and delicious way to add flavor to a variety of dishes. The process of caramelizing onions involves slowly cooking them in a pan with a small amount of oil or butter until they become golden brown and sweet. The result is a rich, sweet flavor that can be used to enhance the flavor of soups, stews, sandwiches, and more. In this guide, I will provide step-by-step instructions on how to caramelize onions, as well as tips and tricks to ensure the best results.

How to Caramelize Onions – Jessica Gavin

Caramelizing onions is a simple process that can take a dish from ordinary to extraordinary. The slow cooking process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and creates a rich, golden brown color. With a few simple steps, you can easily caramelize onions for a variety of dishes.

Ingredients

  • 2 large onions, peeled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the onions, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.
  4. Remove from heat and serve.

Tips

  • Be sure to use a large skillet so the onions have plenty of room to caramelize. If the skillet is too small, the onions will steam instead of caramelize.
  • If the onions start to stick to the pan, add a tablespoon of water to the pan and stir to deglaze.
  • Caramelized onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Learn how to caramelize onions so you can elevate your favorite meals. The variety, cutting technique, and cooking method all impact taste.

How to caramelize onions in a dutch oven
Table of Contents
  1. Caramelization vs. browning
  2. The best onions to caramelize
  3. How cutting impacts taste
  4. Pan selection
  5. Fat selection
  6. Heat the cooking fats
  7. Season the onions
  8. Adjust the cooking temperature
  9. Stir and scrape
  10. Deglaze the pan
  11. The level of caramelization will determine the stopping point
  12. Ways to use caramelized onions
  13. FAQ
  14. Caramelized Onions Recipe

Onions are an essential kitchen staple. We chop or slice them to add earthy, allium flavor to sauces, stir-fries, soups, and stews, or eat them raw in salsas and burgers. But to take their taste to the next level, combine them with a few simple ingredients to experience the caramelization transformation.

With minimal ingredients in the recipe, this makes onion selection, cutting, and how it’s cooked critical to the final color, taste, and texture. You’ll also need a little attention and time to maximize their flavor potential. Luckily the process is easy to do, and it’s an excellent skill to master to enjoy gourmet meals at home.

Ingredients and sliced onions in bowls.

Caramelization vs. browning

Onions are from the allium family, known for their sulfurous, pungent taste. About 4% of their mass are natural sugars, and if cooked long enough, the glucose, fructose, and sucrose create sweetness. Onions also contain about 1% protein, which, when heated, causes two reactions to occur; caramelization and Maillard browning.

Caramelization occurs when the sugars are exposed to temperatures of 300ºF (149ºC) and above, breaking down into hundreds of flavor molecules and sweet-smelling aromas. Maillard browning occurs when amino acids break down and react with the sugars in the onion. When the surface reaches 300ºF (149ºC), a deep brown color and meaty, roasted, nutty smell emerge.

The best onions to caramelize

There are many different types of onions to choose from. The good news is you can use any kind. Pungent storage onions like yellow, red, and shallots will give a more complex flavor and more profound sweetness when cooked. Generally, I recommend grabbing yellow onions to caramelize. That’s because they have less water and more sulfur compounds, creating dimension.

Sweet and mild onions like Vidalia, walla walla, Maui, Spanish, or white are higher in moisture and sugar but lower in sulfur compounds. There will be a pronounced sweetness when cooked, but they won’t be as balanced with savory notes. If experimenting, try using a combination of onions for the best of both worlds.

How cutting impacts taste

Carmelized onions are typically sliced, diced, or minced, depending on how they’re used in a dish. Did you know that how you cut an onion significantly impacts the flavor and texture? When onions are cut lengthwise, from the root to the stem end, minor damage is done to the cell walls, creating a milder taste with a sturdier structure. When sliced horizontally against the grain, more sulfurous flavor compounds produce, intensifying the taste. It also makes for softer pieces when cooked.

How wide you slice can help balance the impact on texture to prevent mushy onions. Cut between ⅛ to ¼-inch thick pieces, any thinner, and they’ll burn or get mushy. For dishes like French onion soup, I prefer to slice onions horizontally so that they melt in your mouth. Finely cut, onions will be more complex in flavor as more enzymes are released. This is great for toppings or adding into dips.

Pan selection

Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pan that evenly retains heat like stainless steel, cast iron, or a dutch oven. You want a wide surface area, giving the onions plenty of contact with the bottom of the pan. Saute pans and skillets with higher, vertical sides work well too. The more onions, the wider the pan for efficient cooking.

Adding salt into a dutch oven with butter and oil.

Fat selection

I use two types; butter and vegetable oil. Butter contains milk solids that turn brown and nutty in flavor, sticking to the surface of the onions and jump-starting color change. But the smoke point is lower, causing some concern for burning if not watched, especially with longer cooking times. 

For insurance, add equal parts of a higher smoke point fat like olive oil, avocado oil, or other neutral-tasting oil. Ghee is an excellent solution for milky flavors without the solids or clarified butter. If you like, you can just use one cooking oil.

Heat the cooking fats

Add a little bit of fat to the pan to kickstart the dry-heat cooking process. You want just enough to coat the sliced onions, but not so much that they fry to a crisp. Once the butter melts, add in the onions. You don’t want the milk solids to burn. Just brown overtime for a butterscotch taste.

Stirring sliced onions in a pan with a wooden spoon.

Season the onions

Salt promotes the moisture in the onions to move from the interior to the surface. Once the water from the cell walls evaporates, this will soften the vegetable so it can begin to caramelize properly. A bonus is the onions get seasoned throughout to balance and enhance the sweetness.

Adjust the cooking temperature

Raw onions are crisp and contain a lot of moisture. To reduce the volume and soften the fibers, cook them briefly for 5 minutes over moderate heat. You’ll notice that the surface will just begin to brown. Now reduce the heat to medium-low to gently caramelize.

Onions in a pan turning light brown.

Stir and scrape

Once the onions have lost some moisture, the caramelization process can begin. Cook, stirring the pan, then flatten everything into an even layer every few minutes. The natural sugars and juices will start to dry onto the bottom, creating a brown glaze called fond

This process adds color and flavor to the onions. To incorporate it, make sure to scrape continuously, preventing burning. It’s easiest to use a wooden spoon to lift off the fond. Deglazing is an integral part of the process, explained more below. It will take about 35 to 55 minutes, depending on desired taste.

Deglaze the pan

To avoid a burnt flavor on the onions, you need to deglaze the pan when you can’t scrape the fond from the bottom. Reduce the heat to medium-low, after the first 10 minutes. Make a well in the center of the onions and add the water. Quickly scrape the brown bits of fond. 

The extra moisture will dissolve the browned layer, making it easier to coat. Add 2 tablespoons add a time, about every 5 minutes. Repeat this process and cook the onions until you achieve the desired taste.

The level of caramelization will determine the stopping point

  • Blonde Color: Strong sweetness with a balanced savory taste. There should be no strong sulfurous note or crispness. About 30 to 35 minutes of cooking. 
  • Golden Brown Color: Balanced sweet and savory taste, more robust meaty flavor. Soft in texture. About 40 to 45 minutes of cooking. 
  • Deep Brown: Very strong savory, meaty taste, lingering sweetness. Very soft texture. About 50 to 55 minutes of cooking.

Ways to use caramelized onions

FAQ

Do you cover the pan when caramelizing onions?

You can cover the pan during the initial stages of cooking. The moisture in the onions steams, softening them slightly faster. Make sure to check and stir every few minutes. You will need to eventually uncover the pan to evaporate the moisture and allow the onions to brown and caramelize.

What’s the difference between caramelized onions and sauteed onions?

Caramelized onions are cooked for an extended period to develop taste and texture. Sauteed onions briefly cook to retain a crisp-tender texture and lightly browned surface.

Do you use water to caramelize onions?

Yes! Water or another type of flavorful liquid like stock or broth is added. As the onions release moisture, the sugars move to the surface and caramelize. Water is needed to deglaze the fond inside the pan that could burn.

Close up of wooden spoon scooping up caramelized onions.

Using baking soda to caramelized onions

Baking soda adds an instant sweetness boost without using sugar. It breaks down the soluble prebiotic fiber called inulin, a polysaccharide, into sweeter tasting fructose. Use ⅛ teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water per 2 to 3 pounds of onions. Stir it in at the end of cooking for about 1 minute. Adding it too early will break down the onion fibers, turning them into mush.

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  • Prepare the Onions – Use a sharp knife to trim ½-inch from the stem end and ¼-inch off the root end. Cut in half lengthwise with the stem-side down, then peel. Slice each half from root to stem into ¼-inch thick pieces.

  • Melt the Butter – Set a large, wide pan with high sides or dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the butter, olive oil, and salt, and quickly stir to combine. Do not let the butter brown.

  • Soften the Onions – Immediately add in the onions and stir to coat. Increase the heat to medium. Using a wooden spoon, frequently stir until they begin to soften, 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium.Spread the onions into an even layer. After a few minutes, stir and scrape any browned areas on the bottom of the pan. Repeat this process every few minutes, for 10 minutes. Adjust the heat down if needed to prevent burning.
  • Deglaze and Caramelize – Make a well in the center of the pan. Add 2 tablespoons of water and scrape to dissolve any browned bits (fond) on the bottom. Spread the onions in an even layer. Stir and scrape every few minutes. As more brown fond forms, add 2 tablespoons of water every 5 minutes.Repeat the deglazing, stirring, and spreading process until soft and caramelized. Add as much water as needed to deglaze and cook. About 35 minutes for blonde, 45 minutes for golden brown, and 55 minutes for deep brown onions.
  • Recipe Yield: About 1 cup
  • Serving Size: About 2 tablespoons
  • Onion Selection: Yellow, sweet onions, red onions, or shallots can be caramelized. Use a mixture for more depth of flavor.
  • Water Substitute: Unsalted vegetable or chicken stock or broth can be added for a savory flavor. Wines like white or red can be used for a fermented taste with light acidity.
  • Storing: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Freeze in a resealable plastic bag for up to 6 months. Defrost before using.

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Nutrition Facts

Caramelized Onions

Amount Per Serving

Calories 73
Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 4mg1%

Sodium 151mg6%

Potassium 166mg5%

Carbohydrates 11g4%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 46IU1%

Vitamin C 8mg10%

Calcium 27mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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