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    Home » Recipes » Side dishes » Caramelized Onions For Steak, Burgers, Sides

    Caramelized Onions For Steak, Burgers, Sides

    Published: Aug 4, 2021 · Modified: Apr 21, 2022 by Jenna Passaro · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Caramelized onion photo collage with text overlay.

    Learn how to caramelize onions on the stove – the easy way. You’ll use ‘em on everything once you learn my super simple method for cooking onions. Let’s start caramelizing!!

    Cooked Caramelized Onions
    Make caramelized onions for steak sides, burger toppings, chicken dishes, and a simple side dish.

    Table of Contents

    • Why this is the best way to caramelize onions
    • Ingredients
    • ​​How to slice onions for caramelizing
    • How to caramelize onions on the stove
    • Recipes with caramelized onions
    • FAQs
    • Meat thermometer recommendations
    • Are you a foodie, too?
    • Caramelized Onions Recipe | Sip Bite Go

    Why this is the best way to caramelize onions

    • Few ingredients.
    • Simple steps with photos to help you through the recipe.
    • Timeless recipe. Enjoy these delicious onions as an easy toppingfor steaks, burgers, pizzas, pastas and more.
    • Great for entertaining. It’s a simple side dish with onions for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
    • Plus, see my tips for cooking at different temperatures in a cast iron skillet over medium, low, and medium-low.

    Ingredients

    Here’s what you need to make this caramelized onion recipe.

    Infographic chart with ingredients for caramelized onions Sip Bite Go
    • Yellow onions (Walla Walla preferred because they are sweet and tasty)
    • Olive oil
    • Salt
    • Brown sugar (optional)
    • Butter (optional)

    ​​How to slice onions for caramelizing

    First, let me just walk you through ​​my super simple steps for cutting thinly sliced onions.

    Infographic chart with steps demonstrating how to slice onions for caramelizing.
    1. Peel fresh onions and chop off the pointy ends.
    2. Slice onions on a cutting board in half horizontally across the onion. Don’t cut it in half through the round center, but instead from end to end (where the points were).
    3. Slice each half to ½″ wide, to make half moon shapes.

    How to caramelize onions on the stove

    I swear these are the ​​best caramelized onions! Let’s make ‘em…

    Infographic chart demonstrating how to caramelize onions step by step
    1. Heat a large cast iron skillet on the stove to medium high and add olive oil. Once the olive oil has a slight smoke, add in the sliced onions and salt. Stir constantly (about every 30 seconds) for 5-8 minutes, or until onions are translucent and begin to brown. 
    2. Turn down the temperature of the burner to low or medium-low (depending how fast you’re trying to cook them – the lower the better).
    3. Cook the onions for about 45-60 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes, or as frequently as needed to prevent onions from burning. Be sure to scrape the fond (aka the “brown bits” that stick to the pan) that appears on the bottom of the pan as you stir. Onions will drastically reduce in size as they continue softening and caramelizing. You can actually cook them on low like this for hours, so it’s up to you to decide when they’re caramelized to your liking, and when you’re ready for the next step.
    4. Finally, add in the brown sugar and butter if desired for a bit of extra flavor. Cook for an additional 10 minutes on low, stirring occasionally. The onions should be a deep beautiful color.
    5. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    Caramelized Onions in a cast iron skillet.

    Recipes with caramelized onions

    Wondering what to do with caramelized onions? I can definitely help with that! Once you start making caramelized onions in batches, you’ll find a ton of opportunities to enjoy them…

    • Serve a juicy medium rare steak with caramelized onions on top (see my skirt steak, flank steak, coulotte steak, air fryer filet mignon).
    • Burgers (see ​​how to make hamburger patties).
    • Homemade pizza.
    • Pasta dishes.
    • Add onions to risotto.
    • Gourmet grilled cheese recipes.
    • Egg dishes like quiche and sous vide egg bites.
    • Mashed potatoes or your favorite potato side dishes.
    • Spoon 2 tbsps of onions on ¼ cup hummus and serve in cups for a tasty party appetizer (see this basil hummus).
    • Serve with goat cheese or burrata cheese on bread like grilled toast or ​​​​focaccia.
    • On a summer salad with grilled ​​chicken seasoned with ​​salt and pepper on both sides.
    • Use it as a base for ​​caramelized onion soup.
    • Freezing caramelized onions is an option if you want to meal prep them for later.

    Other side dishes to check out include crock pot sweet potatoes, these simple roasted beets, easy sauteed carrots and onions, and caramelized shallots.

    Cooking Caramelized Onions on the stove.

    FAQs

    How long does it take to caramelize onions?

    The best answer ever is: it varies. Once the onions begin to soften and turn brown, you can eat them then (about 20 minutes into cooking them). Or you can wait until they are all a dark, rich golden brown color like in the photos here on Sip Bite Go. That level of caramelization on onions will take about an hour on low.

    How long to caramelize onions on medium heat?

    If you’re in a rush, you can shave off some ​​minutes for medium heat cooking, but you’ll need to check the onions more often and they won’t get as rich of a flavor. Aim to cook them for about 30 minutes on medium.

    Do you caramelize onions with the lid on or off?

    Either way works. When my husband used to work in a professional kitchen he would leave the lid on for the first few minutes—to allow the onions to soften and release their liquid in a moist, pressurized environment (he was cooking like 20 onions at a time!). But for cooking at home, we leave the pan “topless”.  

    What color should caramelized onions be?

    When your caramelized onions are finished they’ll be a rich, dark brown color and taste noticeably sweet. That’s when you want to take them off the burner– if you keep going, you’ll end up with black onions where the sweetness is replaced by a burned sooty flavor!

    What is the best pan to caramelize onions?

    Since you’re cooking these onions for an extended time and you don’t want to burn them, think heavy: a pan with a heavy bottom will be ideal for caramelizing onions. My ideal pan is a wide, thick-bottomed cast iron skillet, but a stainless-steel pan will also work.

    Spoon stirring caramelized onions.

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    Meat thermometer recommendations

    Every home chef needs a reliable meat thermometer to cook food perfectly. 

    On Sip Bite Go, you’ll often see me using:

    1. Meater thermometer – a fancy wireless thermometer that connects to a phone app – gifted to me from a Traeger partnership.
    2. ThermoPro digital thermometer – which has a wire that connects the thermometer to a display box outside the oven/grill. 

    It’s like being psychic! The great thing about either of the thermometers above is that I don’t have to take the food out of the oven to know the temperature. 

    How to use ‘em… What I do is stick the digital thermometer in steak, pork, chicken, whatever… Then put the food in the oven, on the smoker, or grill.

    While the meat cooks, it reads the temperature so I know exactly what temp meat is as it’s cooking. Without having to take it out and check. It’s really difficult to overcook food when you know exactly what temp it is inside!

    Are you a foodie, too?

    Hey home chefs, did you know I also have a sous vide onions recipe that’s cooked in beer? It’s SO GOOD. You can also learn how to make sautéed onions and peppers here on Sip Bite Go. And air fryer onions, too.

    Almost as strong as my caramelized onion obsession is my chicken wings obsession. You have to check out my new recipes for baked wings, smoked wings, air fryer wings (which only take about 15 minutes per side), and these super flavorful garlic parmesan chicken wings. They’re perfect for a happy hour vibe at home, or for entertaining.

    To get my latest and greatest creative recipes before they’re shared on the site, connect with me on Instagram @sipbitego. And for more deliciousness, subscribe to the Sip Bite Go channel.

    To find more delicious recipes to try on your culinary journey, scroll through the Sip Bite Go recipe collection.

    Caramelized Onions.

    Caramelized Onions Recipe | Sip Bite Go

    Learn how to caramelize onions on the stove – the easy way. You’ll use ‘em on everything once you learn my super simple method for cooking onions. Let’s start caramelizing!!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 225kcal
    Author: Jenna Passaro

    Ingredients

    • 3 large yellow onions Walla Walla preferred
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tsp salt or to taste
    • 1 tbsp brown sugar optional
    • 1 tbsp butter optional

    Instructions

    How to slice onions for caramelizing

    • Peel fresh onions and chop off the pointy ends.
    • Slice onions on a cutting board in half horizontally across the onion. Don’t cut it in half through the round center, but instead from end to end (where the points were).
    • Slice each half to ½" wide, to make half moon shapes.

    How to caramelize onions on the stove

    • Heat a large cast iron skillet on the stove to medium high and add olive oil. Once the olive oil has a slight smoke, add in the sliced onions and salt. Stir constantly (about every 30 seconds) for 5-8 minutes, or until onions are translucent and begin to brown.
    • Turn down the temperature of the burner to low or medium-low (depending how fast you’re trying to cook them – the lower the better).
    • Cook the onions for about 45-60 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes, or as frequently as needed to prevent onions from burning. Be sure to scrape the fond (aka the “brown bits” that stick to the pan) that appears on the bottom of the pan as you stir. Onions will drastically reduce in size as they continue softening and caramelizing. You can actually cook them on low like this for hours, so it’s up to you to decide when they’re caramelized to your liking, and when you’re ready for the next step.
    • Finally, add in the brown sugar and butter if desired for a bit of extra flavor. Cook for an additional 10 minutes on low, stirring occasionally. The onions should be a deep beautiful color.
    • Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Video

    Notes

    So ​​how long does it take to caramelize onions?
    The best answer ever is: it varies. Once the onions begin to soften and turn brown, you can eat them then (about 20 minutes into cooking them). Or you can wait until they are all a dark, rich golden brown color like in the photos here on Sip Bite Go. That level of caramelization on onions will take about an hour on low.
     
    How long to caramelize onions on medium heat?
    If you’re in a rush, you can shave off some ​​minutes for medium heat cooking, but you’ll need to check the onions more often and they won’t get as rich of a flavor. I do not suggest trying to caramelize onions on medium high heat, it’s simply too high of a temperature to get the same results.
     
    What can I serve with caramelized onions?
    These caramelized onions are delicious with burgers, hotdogs, or steak, but they also make a yummy side for chicken dishes! 
     
    See the recipe: https://sipbitego.com/caramelized-onions
    See the recipe video for caramelized onions on Sip Bite Go’s YouTube.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 1224mg | Potassium: 338mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 179IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @SipBiteGo or tag #sipbitego!
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    jenna passaro food blogger from Portland Oregon

    Hey, I’m Jenna Passaro.

    I develop easy recipes that can transform your kitchen into a restaurant – and you into a true home chef.

      

    Where to start?

    Learn the secrets to smoking tasty Traeger recipes and making pizza at home. And cook amazing tri tip steak dinners.

    Or, fall in love with something new to cook with your air fryer, pellet smoker, BBQ grill, sous vide cooker, and more…

    You’ll notice, I kind of geek out over new cooking trends and tools!

    Instagram me @sipbitego & chef hubs @handmodelpatrick

    My story. Growing up, I didn’t learn to cook.

    (I was actually banned from cooking for years)

    And then in my 20’s I didn’t have to cook because my job as an event planner involved a lot of travel and it was easier to eat out. At the time, I was 100% positive that restaurant food would always taste better than cooking at home, and there was nothing I could do about it.

    Until I fell in love with a chef. He would come over and cook me delicious meals right in my own kitchen. My mind was blown.

    Since then, I’ve been on a mission to figure out easy ways to make restaurant style food at home and share it here on Sip Bite Go.

    Love to eat out and travel? I can totally relate. See my guide on where to eat in Portland, OR.

    jenna passaro the home chef's sous vide cookbook

    Never in a million years did I imagine I’d ditch the 9-5 lifestyle in my late 20’s, move across the country on a whim, start a new life, start a food blog, and write a book.

    But here I am!

    See my book on Amazon: The Home Chef’s Sous Vide Cookbook.

     

       

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