How To Make Caramelized Onions (Seriously Delicious!!)

caramelized onions in a jar with string and a label

5 from 4 votes

How To Make Caramelized Onions (Seriously Delicious!!)

How to make Caramelized Onions in the most delicious way possible. These 5 easy but crucial steps results in sweet and sticky caramelized onions every single time. Makes approx 2 cups worth, serving size is 1/4 cup.

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Servings: cups

Author: Chris Collins

Cost: 50c / 50p

Equipment

12" Non-Stick Skillet
Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

2 lbs / 1kg Onions, sliced (see notes)
2 tbsp Butter (see notes)
2 tbsp Brown Sugar
2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
3/4 tsp Salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp Black Pepper, or to taste
2 sprigs Fresh Thyme (optional)

Instructions

Melt 2 tbsp Butter over low heat into a suitably sized non-stick pan and mix in your onion slices. Once fully coated, stir in 3/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp Pepper and Thyme (optional).
Stir occasionally ensuring an even cook for all the slices. After around 20-25 mins they will begin turning brown and releasing sugar. At this point add in 2 tbsp brown sugar and 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar. Keep on low heat.
Cook for a further 25-30mins, stirring occasionally until dark brown and sticky. Eat hot or store in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.

Video

Notes

a) Type of Onion - White, Sweet, Red or Yellow Onions all work great!

b) Low and Slow - The aim of the game is to cook them low and slow. I've actually made caramelized onions over 2 hours before on a really low heat (they were absolutely gorgeous). If they start catching and/or charring at any point the heat is too high. Patience is a virtue with these bad boys.

c) Balsamic Vinegar and Sugar - Onions are packed with natural sugars, which caramelize when brought to the surface. So if you cook them low and slow enough they'll still turn sweet. Balsamic vinegar and sugar just add flavour and slightly speed along the process.

d) Butter or Olive Oil - You can absolutely use olive oil instead of butter, or even half and half!

e) Calories - This recipe will make around 2 cups of Caramelized Onion. Nutritional guidance is based on 1/4 cup i.e 8 servings.

Nutrition