Name: Caramelized Onions in Red Wine (Sip Bite Go)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 red onion (sliced); 1 tbsp garlic; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp red wine

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Red wine caramelized red onions are the epitome of an easy-and-gourmet side dish or topping. Whip up these quick caramelized onions on the stove in 10-15 minutes. Serve red wine sauteed onions on any sandwich, on protein, in pasta dishes, and in eggs.

Side shot of sauteed onions in a pan with a spatula.

Table of Contents

What you need to make them

First off… Since posting this guide on how to caramelize onions with red wine, I’ve had a couple emails asking, “do you need to add white sugar to caramelize onions?”. I think people ask this because they are confused how onions get the sweet caramelized flavor without sugar. But no, you don’t need to use white sugar in this recipe.

When you caramelized onions in red wine, the wine starts the caramelization process and adds deep flavor. For this recipe, I used a Cab Sauvignon called Merf wine from the Pacific Northwest.

Like all my recipes cooked with wine, I suggest you go for one you’d also like to drink – because you will get some of the flavor in the food, and because what else are you going to do with the rest of the bottle??

Side shot of caramelized red onions made quick on the stove in a pan

How to make caramelized red onions with red wine

Step 1. Add onion, garlic, and oil to a pan on medium heat and stir regularly until brown, about 10 minutes.

Add a drizzle of olive oil, as needed, to prevent onions from sticking to the pan.

Step 2. Add wine, reduce to medium-low and cook until the wine is fully absorbed into the onions.

Know what else is amazing with red wine? These sauteed mushrooms with thyme and red wine.

How long do caramelized onions last?

Caramelized onions last a few days in the fridge. If you want them to last longer, freeze batches of caramelized red onions in muffin tins.

Some of my favorite recipes with caramelized onions are salads, sous vide pulled pork sandwiches, sous vide burgers, homemade pizza, eggs, pasta, to any of these grilled cheese sandwich ideas and to top this pear and goat cheese pizza.

If I need an extra “something” for a holiday or party, I’ll serve an onion side dish for steak, turkey or ham. And they’re always welcome and enjoyed on a cheese plate. If you have sous vide equipment, check out this recipe for sous vide onions.

Side shot of red onions caramelized in a white pan on the stove.

If you’re looking for a tasty side to use caramelized onions, see this scalloped potatoes gratin with pesto. It’s a super easy side dish – or maybe a main if you toss some ham in there, too. It has potatoes and pesto, milk, caramelized onions, frozen peas, cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Caramelized Onions in Red Wine (Sip Bite Go)

Red wine caramelized red onions are the epitome of an easy-and-gourmet side dish or topping. Whip up these quick caramelized onions on the stove in 10-15 minutes. Serve red wine sauteed onions on any sandwich, on protein, in pasta dishes, and in eggs.

5 from 17 votes

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Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: people

Calories: 161kcal

Author: Jenna Passaro

Ingredients

▢ 1 red onion sliced
▢ 1 tbsp garlic
▢ 2 tbsp olive oil
▢ 2 tbsp red wine

Instructions

Make caramelized onions. Add onion, garlic, and oil to a pan on medium heat and stir regularly until brown, about 10 minutes. Add a drizzle of olive oil, as needed, to prevent onions from sticking to the pan.
Add wine, reduce to medium-low and cook until the wine is fully absorbed into the onions.

Video

Notes

For wine, use any red wine you like. I used a Cab Sauvignon called Merf.

Show me your onions! Ping me at @sipbitego and tag #sipbitego on Instagram.

Nutrition