Description

Master the art of how to caramelize onions with this foolproof guide—unlock sweet, rich, golden onions that elevate any dish, from burgers to biryani.

Ingredients

Scale

2–3 large yellow or sweet onions
2 tablespoons butter or oil (or a mix)
A pinch of salt
Optional: Splash of water, broth, or wine for deglazing

Instructions

Slice onions into thin, even slices (about 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick) for uniform cooking.
Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over low-medium heat and add butter, oil, or both.
Add onions and sprinkle with a pinch of salt to help them release moisture.
Cook slowly, stirring every 5 minutes to allow the onions to brown evenly without burning.
Deglaze with a splash of water, broth, or wine if onions begin to stick or brown too quickly.
Continue cooking and gently stirring for 30–60 minutes until onions are deep golden brown, soft, and sticky-sweet.

Notes

Use yellow onions for balanced flavor or sweet onions like Vidalia for extra sweetness. Don’t rush—low and slow is key to perfect caramelization. Store leftovers for up to 5 days or freeze in small portions for easy use later.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Cooking Basics
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Universal

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 45
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: caramelize onions, golden onions, how to caramelize onions, cooking basics