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    Home » Basics

    Apr 24, 2020 · Modified: Mar 3, 2023 by Lindsey Jenkins · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Caramelized Onions For Burgers (And Beyond)

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Caramelized onions are a flavorful, versatile condiment for burgers, bowls, sandwiches, pizza, and so much more! Make them ahead of time so you always have an easy way to add heaps of flavor to your meals.

    Caramelized Onions

    Caramelized onions are one of the homemade condiments I always have stashed in my fridge. For me, they're a non-negotiable topping for burgers, pizza, scrambled eggs, and more. They have so many uses and are very easy to make.

    They just require a little patience because onions must be cooked at a low temperature to achieve even browning of the natural sugars that get released when heated.

    Ingredients

    Peeled Onions
    • Onions - yellow onions are always my go-to since they’re so versatile and readily available. Plus, they caramelize nicely. But, you can also use white or red onions or even shallots. Just avoid using sweet onions.
    • Olive oil - to cook the onions.
    • Kosher salt - helps draw out the natural sweetness in the onions and also balances the flavor.
    • Deglazing liquid - water, broth, vinegar (sherry, balsamic, red wine, etc.), wine. It really depends on what you have on hand and your flavor preference.

    How to Make Caramelized Onions

    Step 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat (no higher). Once hot, add the oil to coat the bottom of the pan.

    Step 2. Add the onions to the pan and mix them around to coat them in the oil. Then spread them out and let them cook untouched for about 6-8 minutes.

    Sliced Onions
    after 30 seconds

    Step 3. Season with a pinch of salt and stir the onions. As they continue to cook, the onions will start sticking to the pan a bit more (which is when the fond starts forming). If you notice the onions starting to brown too quickly, turn the heat down a little.

    Lightly Caramelized Onions
    after 10 minutes

    Step 4. When you notice they're starting to stick, deglaze the pan with about 1 ½ tablespoons of deglazing liquid and then scrape the bottom of the pan to help break up the fond and stir the onions around.

    Step 5. Continue cooking the onions while stirring occasionally. Once you notice them starting to stick again, deglaze the pan with another 1 ½ tablespoons of liquid while scraping the bottom of the pan.

    Caramelized Onions
    after 20 minutes

    Step 6. Continue with this method until you’ve deglazed the onions three times.

    Step 7. After 30 minutes, turn the heat down to low. Let them caramelize and deepen in color for an additional 10 minutes before removing them from the heat. 

    Caramelized Onions
    after 30 minutes

    Helpful Tips

    Use the right pan. Stainless steel or cast iron pans work best. Avoid using a non-stick pan.

    Avoid high heat. You’ll end up with burnt onions instead of caramelized onions.

    Don’t slice the onions too thin. Cutting them too thin can cause them to burn.

    Deglaze your pan. This means you’ll be releasing all the caramelized, flavorful bits (called fond) that have stuck to the bottom of the pan.

    Practice patience. Good things take time, and this is definitely the case when making caramelized onions.

    Don’t remove the onions from the pan too early. You’ll miss out on that rich, caramel flavor.

    Caramelized Onions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does it mean to deglaze the pan?

    Deglazing is a cooking technique that helps remove the browned bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pan during the cooking process. These flavorful, browned bits called fond need the help of a liquid to release their flavor back into the onions.

    How to store caramelized onions?

    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

    Do you serve them hot or cold?

    Both! If used for burgers though, I find they taste best served warm.

    What to Serve Caramelized Onions With

    • Butternut Squash Pizza
    • Any Kind of Savory Galette
    • 10-Minute Pizza Wraps
    • Creamy Polenta
    • Healthy Breakfast Hash
    • Homemade burgers or burger bowls
    • And more!
    Caramelized Onions
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Caramelized Onions For Burgers (And Beyond)

    Caramelized onions are a flavorful, versatile condiment for burgers, bowls, sandwiches, pizza, and so much more! Make them ahead of time so you always have an easy way to add heaps of flavor to your meals.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time40 minutes mins
    Total Time45 minutes mins
    Author: Lindsey Jenkins

    Ingredients

    • 5-6 cups sliced yellow onions about 2 large
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • pinch kosher salt
    • 4 ½ tablespoons deglazing liquid, divided water, broth, vinegar, or wine

    Instructions

    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat (no higher). Once hot, add the oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
    • Add the onions to the pan and mix them around to coat them in the oil. Then spread them out and let them cook untouched for about 6-8 minutes.
    • Season with a pinch of salt and stir the onions. As they continue to cook, the onions will start sticking to the pan a bit more (which is when the fond starts forming). If you notice the onions starting to brown too quickly, turn the heat down a little.
    • When you notice they're starting to stick, deglaze the pan with about 1 ½ tablespoons of deglazing liquid and then scrape the bottom of the pan to help break up the fond and stir the onions around.
    • Continue cooking the onions while stirring occasionally. Once you notice them starting to stick again, deglaze the pan with another 1 ½ tablespoons of liquid while scraping the bottom of the pan.
    • Continue with this method until you’ve deglazed the onions three times.
    • After 30 minutes, turn the heat down to low. Let them caramelize and deepen in color for an additional 10 minutes before removing them from the heat.
    • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

    Notes

    Use the right pan. Stainless steel or cast iron pans work best. Avoid using a non-stick pan.
    Avoid high heat. You’ll end up with burnt onions instead of caramelized onions.
    Don’t slice the onions too thin. Cutting them too thin can cause them to burn.
    Deglaze your pan. This means you’ll be releasing all the caramelized, flavorful bits (called fond) that have stuck to the bottom of the pan.
    Practice patience. Good things take time, and this is definitely the case when making caramelized onions.
    Don’t remove the onions from the pan too early. You’ll miss out on that rich, caramel flavor.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Evie Ugrin says

      May 01, 2020 at 2:36 pm

      This recipe is delicious for French Onion Soup. With a food restriction on dairy and gluten, the recipe only needed the substitution of avocado oil in place of butter. I used homemade chicken bone broth to deglaze. The soup (for the restricted diet, was fine with substitute cheese and gluten free (toasted) bread.

      I will make this recipe for caramelized onions with ease. It's a very versatile and flavorful.

      Evie

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Lindsey. My goal is to teach you how to become a better cook, rely less on recipes, and be more adaptable in the kitchen depending on what's in season, in your pantry, or to fit your dietary needs. All recipes are dairy-free but come with a "make it your way" substitution section to get you started.

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