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!!
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time1 hourhr
Total Time1 hourhr5 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: best caramelized onions, caramelized onion recipe, Caramelized onions
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-onionsSee the recipe video for caramelized onions on Sip Bite Go’s YouTube.