Caramelized Onions – Sugar Spun Run

September 14, 2023

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An in depth information on how one can (simply!) make caramelized onions at dwelling. This can be a step-by-step information for this actually easy method that may elevate any dish!

The Candy Magic of Caramelized Onions: A Step-by-Step Information

As we speak we’re diving into the alchemy of remodeling the standard, sharp-tasting onion into the gilded, caramelized model of itself. Whereas the method of getting ready caramelized onions could appear difficult, it’s really fairly easy and requires little greater than onions, an excellent pan, a dab of fats, and, to be sincere, the endurance of a saint.

On that word, I need to be up entrance with you earlier than we start. Caramelizing onions just isn’t a fancy course of, however neither is it a fast one! Don’t plan on whipping them up as a last-minute addition to a busy weeknight dinner, or something to be began while you’re feeling crunched for time.

That is culinary endurance in motion, and the reward is nicely definitely worth the wait (as you certainly know for those who’ve ever tasted my French onion soup!).

What You Want

The one substances strictly essential to caramelize onions are onions and a little bit of fats (butter or oil, your selection!) to cook dinner them in and preserve them from sticking from the pan. Nonetheless, I do embody a number of different substances for finest style and finest outcomes.

Onions. Yellow onions or candy onions are my choice when caramelizing onions. You’ll must slice them thinly and uniformly in order that they cook dinner evenly.
Butter or oil. Both works nicely, however I choose butter for its taste. This may coat the onion slices and preserve them from sticking to the pan.
Salt. Whereas not strictly obligatory, this provides taste to the caramelized onions.
Sugar. Purists is not going to be glad at me for this advice, however I stand by it. A pinch of sugar not solely provides to the depth of taste, but it surely encourages the caramelization course of alongside, too. With how lengthy this course of could be, I’ll take all of the encouragement I can get 😉
Liquid. Water, rooster broth, vegetable broth, or a dry white wine will work nicely right here, with the latter clearly yielding extra taste to the top end result. You’ll cook dinner the onions on a decrease warmth which can assist preserve the onions from sticking, however for those who discover the onions sticking or burning to the underside of the pan, add a splash of liquid to deglaze the pan.
Persistence. As I discussed, this isn’t a fast course of, so be sure you allot your self not less than an hour for correct caramelization.

SAM’S TIP: You possibly can caramelize as many onions as your pan can accomodate, however word that they may shrink in dimension significantly. I discover that 2.5-3 lbs of onions will yield me a couple of cup of caramelized onions.

That is simply an summary of the substances I used and why. For the total recipe please scroll right down to the underside of the publish!

How you can Caramelize Onions

Put together the onions. Minimize them pole to pole, minimize off the ends, and take away the papery outer layer. Minimize the onions into skinny slices, about ⅛″ skinny.
Soften your butter (or warmth your oil). As soon as the pan is scorching, add your onions and toss them till they’re coated with butter/oil.
As soon as the onions start to shrink in dimension, scale back the warmth to medium-low and proceed to cook dinner, stirring steadily, till they’re golden brown and caramelized. This may take a while! Count on 45-60 minutes.

Often Requested Questions

Which number of onions is finest for making caramelized onions?

Technically you may caramelize any onion you’d like (even shallots). Nonetheless, I personally suggest utilizing both yellow onions or Vidalia or Walla Walla onions (that are candy onions that yield sweeter outcomes). Crimson or white onions don’t develop taste as properly as the opposite varieties and so I don’t suggest them.

Why are my onions burning?

When cooked correctly, the onions ought to by no means burn. The aim is to first sweat them over a medium warmth, then to slowly cook dinner them over a decrease warmth. This enables the pure sugars to be launched, which in flip permit the onions to caramelize. If the warmth is just too excessive or the onions aren’t stirred sufficient, the sugars will burn. Persistence is essential right here.

What’s the finest pan for caramelizing onions?

Use a large, heavy-bottomed pan. A Dutch oven would additionally work nicely. Keep away from non-stick, as you really need a level of sticking to happen with a purpose to get the correct caramelization.

What can I do with caramelized onions?

Use them as a base for French onion soup or French onion rooster.
Toss them into your favourite pasta dish.
Use for burgers or sandwiches (they’re glorious on smash burgers or melted into the cheese of a gourmand grilled cheese).
Combine into scrambled eggs, serve over an omelet, or stir into the custard filling of a quiche Lorraine.
Use as a pizza topping — I really like them chopped and sprinkled over my sourdough pizza.
Stir into risotto, the sweetness enhances creamy risotto superbly.
Serve over or alongside steak and mashed potatoes.

So, what’s going to you do along with your caramelized onions?

Get pleasure from!

Let’s bake collectively! I’ll be strolling you thru all of the steps in my written recipe under! In the event you do that recipe, you’ll want to tag me on Instagram, and you too can discover me on YouTube and Fb