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    You are here: Home / How To Tutorials / How to Caramelize Onions

    How to Caramelize Onions

    Posted: Nov 10, 2021 Last Modified: Nov 6, 2021 by Carmy · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Super easy to make and packed with flavour, caramelized onions are onions that have cooked on the stove low and slow, turning golden and sweet.

    Sweet might be an odd way to describe onions but caramelizing onions give them a delicious deep, rich, and sweet flavor as the natural sugars inside of the onions start the caramelize. It takes a while a make but it’s worth the effort.

    Caramelized onion on a plate with a spoon.

    It makes for a delicious addition to any dish! Stir it into pasta, mashed potatoes, dips, use it as a topping for a sandwich or burger, and more. It is such an easy way to add flavour.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Ingredients needed to make caramelized onion.
    • onions — you’ll need at the very minimum small 4 onions (or 3 large ones) since they shrink so much as they caramelize. I used small organic sweet onions but you can use any type of onions you have avaiable to you.
    • butter — I use unsalted butter.
    • oil — I use olive oil. Feel free to use a neutral oil of your choice.
    • salt — salt is optional but I like to add a tiny pinch to my onions once they’ve softened.

    How to Cut Onions for Caramelized Onions

    How to cut onions.
    • Cut the onion in half, through the root to the tip.
    • Slice off the ends. Remove the skin.
    • Slice along the natural lines on the onions. See the image up above where I draw along the natural lines with a sharpie haha. I start from the bottom, cutting at an angle and work my way to the top before doing the smal from the other side.
    Sliced onions in a plate.

    How to Caramelize Onions

    • Sliced onions added to a pan of melted butter and olive oil.
    • Onions in a pan, changing colour.
    • Heat the butter and oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the onions and sauté for 5 minutes or until the onions have softened.
    • Add the salt, if using, and reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 50 to 60 minutes. Stir the onions with a wooden spoon or spatula every few minutes, or until the onions are golden brown, and caramelized to your liking.
    • Onions in a pan, turning lightly golden.
    • Onions in a pan, caramelized.
    Can I just use oil or butter to caramelize onions?

    Use both! The butter adds flavour to the caramelized onions and the oil keeps everything from scorching.

    How long does it take for onions to caramelize?

    There’s no shortcut (sorry), as caramelizing onions on the stove takes 40 to 60 minutes. Turning up the heat simply increases the odds of burning your onions and I don’t recommend it.

    How dark should my caramelized onions be?

    Honestly, it’s up to you. I like mine to be a golden brown but others like theirs very dark brown. Give it a taste to find which you like best!

    What type of pan should I use?

    I recommend using cast iron skillet or stainless steel pans as they produce the best caramelized onions. You just want a large enough pan so you don’t overcrowd it as it’ll cause the onions to steam and take longer to caramelize as well.

    Make Ahead Tips

    • Meal prep: once cooled, store the caramelized onions in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
    • Freezer: allow the caramelized onions to cool before transferring them into an airtight container before storing them in the freezer. They can last for up to 3 months.
    Caramelized onion on a plate with a spoon.

    Caramelized Onions

    Super easy to make and packed with flavour, caramelized onions are onions that have cooked on the stove low and slow, turning golden and sweet.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 1 hr
    Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    • 5 small sweet onions, sliced
    • 1 tbsp butter, unsalted
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • pinch salt, optional

    Equipment

    • Cast Iron Skillet

    Instructions

    • Add the onions and sauté for 5 minutes or until the onions have softened.
    • Add the salt, if using, and reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 50 to 60 minutes. Stir the onions with a wooden spoon or spatula every few minutes, or until the onions are golden brown, and caramelized.
    Tried this recipe?Did you make this recipe? I’m always so happy to hear about it! I’d love to see how it turned out. Tag me at @CarmysHungry on Instagram so I can see it! If you enjoyed the recipe, I’d really appreciate a comment with a 5 star rating! ♥

    Nutrition Per Serving

    Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 493mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 92IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 1mg
    Author: Carmy
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American

    More Cooking Basics

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    • How to Roast Frozen Vegetables

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    Carmy is a healthy-ish living blogger based in Ontario. Here, you can find healthy-ish meal prep recipes, Instant Pot recipes, and lightened up family favourites! Follow along as she shares what she learns along the way!

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