We are not only going to learn How to Sauté Onions we are going to take their flavor to the next level. Let's take a look first at how to sauté onions and then go on to talk about just why they are so delicious.
This recipe is:
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- Low Carb
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- Gluten Free
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- Paleo
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- Vegetarian
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Recipe
Below are seven reasons why you'll love this sautéed onions recipe:
- Properly sautéed onions bring true satisfaction.
- Pairing them with herbs enhances any dish.
- These onions are perfect toppings for grilled meats, omelets, or salads.
- Ideal base for French Onion Soup.
- Delicious flavor developed with minimal effort — totally worth it.
- Low-carb yet decadently rich, a delightful surprise.
- Simple instructions for restaurant-quality sautéed onions.
Are Sautéed Onions Low-Carb?
Yes, sautéed onions are low-carb. Plus, this recipe is also low-carb as it contains 2 g net carbs per serving. However, remember that onions add carbs to any recipe quickly, so you have to use them in moderation.
The Versatility of Onions: Why Sautéing is Essential
Cooking Methods for Onions
There are a bunch of methods when it comes to cooking onions.
- Onions love to be roasted: you can slice them, quarter them, or cook them whole.
- Roasted onions are incredible.
- Onions also love to be fried. A little batter and you have a tasty onion ring.
- Or don't batter the onion, slice it really thin and you will have some frizzled onion which is the perfect topping for steaks or salads.
Why even cook an onion recipe when they are also delicious raw on burgers or in salads? You can bake, braise, and stir-fry onions. The list goes on.
The Art of Sautéing Onions
Sautéing onions allows for the melding of flavors. Cooking onions in fat transfers the flavors of herbs directly into the onions. This method not only enhances flavors but also softens the onions quickly and initiates the caramelization process. Sautéing develops the sweetness and character of the onions, making it an essential cooking technique.
Sautéed Onions Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you'll need for sautéed onions:
- 6 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 tablespoons rendered bacon fat
- 2 pinches kosher salt
- 1 onion, peeled and sliced (I used a Spanish onion for this recipe)
- ½ fresh rosemary sprig
- ¼ cup water
Ingredient Substitutions
If you find yourself missing some of the ingredients for sautéed onions, fear not! Here are some easy swaps you can make:
- Spanish onions: White onions or yellow onions are excellent alternatives. Sweet onions will caramelize beautifully but contain more carbs due to their higher natural sugar content.
- Bacon fat: Substitute with duck fat, or lard. Or vegetarians can use ghee, or Clarified Butter. In a pinch, regular butter with a teaspoon of olive oil can also do the trick.
- Fresh thyme: Use ½ teaspoon of dried thyme instead.
- Fresh rosemary: Opt for ½ teaspoon of dried rosemary as a substitute.
Additional Ingredients
Looking to amp up your sautéed onions? Here are some delicious additions to consider:
- Garlic: Onions and garlic make a perfect pair. Add 1 clove of finely chopped garlic towards the end of cooking. Stir continuously to prevent burning.
- Bacon: Everything's better with bacon! Incorporate some cooked, chopped bacon into your onions. For an extra flavor boost, try adding Homemade Bacon Bits.
- Veggies: Turn this topping into a hearty side dish by mixing in mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, or even jalapeños.
- Dairy: Ever tried creamed onions? Once caramelized, stir in about ½ cup of cream and a tablespoon of butter. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens. Perfect for pairing with Grilled Pork Chops.
- Acid: Add a touch of balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or wine vinegar just before finishing to enhance flavors. You can also use lemon juice or ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.
- Fresh herbs: Experiment with sage, parsley, or oregano to add a new dimension of sweet flavor to your sautéed onions.
Note: These ingredients are optional and are not included in the recipe.
Cooking Tools Required
Here is a list of ingredients you'll need for the sautéed onions recipe:
- Cast iron or heavy-bottomed pan with a tight-fitting lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife for slicing onions
How to Make Sautéed Onions: Complete Cooking Guide
So, how do you sauté onion? When I first started cooking on my own way back when, I had no idea how to sauté an onion. I thought that water cooked everything on the stove because it seemed like everything that ever went on our stove was steamed or boiled. Makes sense that I would think that onions needed to be cooked in water too—right? So I would add about a cup of water in with the sliced onions and just let them boil away with some salt. The end result was always disappointing, mushy, and flavorless.
Well, that's not going to happen with this recipe. Over the years, I've worked to master the art of how to sauté onions and I'm going to share that knowledge with you. Like I said in the title of this section... it's easy! A little bit of fat, salt, and spice, and the results are amazing. We'll go through in detail just how to accomplish perfect sautéed onions every time in a minute. Stick with me.
Cooking Method
- Sautéing
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Peel and slice onions.
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a cast iron or other heavy-bottomed pan with a tight-fitting lid over high heat. Add in the fat of your choice. When the fat shimmers, add the onion and salt. Stir to break up the onion and then cover.
- Cook over high heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring every minute or so and replacing the lid immediately when done stirring. Reduce the heat to medium and cook another 3-4 minutes. When the onions start to look dry, add in the water and cover again.
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the added water has cooked off.
- Remove from the heat, serve hot, and happy eating!
Step 1: Slice the onions first, then add them to the pan. Break up with a spatula and add in the herbs. It’s that easy.
Step 2: At this point, I have added in the water and it has cooked off. The sauteed onions are just about ready to eat! Yum.
Step 3: When you know how to saute onions, they will always turn out delicious and golden brown.
💡 My Pro Tip
When you're adding onions to the pan, make sure to salt them right away. This step is crucial because it helps to draw out their natural moisture immediately, enhancing the cooking process. After adding the onions to the hot cooking fat, sprinkle in a pinch of salt and give everything a good mix. This simple technique ensures that the onions cook evenly and develop richer flavors. If you wait to salt them later in the cooking process, you'll find that the flavors don't meld as well. This is the best way to sauté onions: always salt early to achieve the best taste and texture!
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Prepare and slice the onions ahead of time to cut down on prep during cooking.
- Have rendered bacon fat ready to go for quicker cooking.
- Finely chop garlic beforehand to add easily towards the end of cooking.
How to Use Sautéed Onions in Recipes?
Sautéed onions add a delicious depth of flavor to various dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Low-Carb Fajitas: Toss the onions with bell peppers and grilled chicken or steak for a flavorful, low-carb fajita filling.
- Perfect Pan-Seared Pork Chop: Top pan-seared pork chops with sautéed onions for a savory, caramelized finish.
- One-Hour Roast Chicken: Place pan-fried onions inside the chicken cavity before roasting to infuse it with rich flavor.
- Porterhouse Steak: Serve a juicy porterhouse steak topped with a mound of sautéed onions for a classic steakhouse touch.
- Pork Burgers: Use this caramelized onions recipe for any type of burger. For this pork burgers recipe, you can stuff sautéed onions to enhance the burger's juiciness and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage
This recipe stores well in the fridge in an airtight container, for up to a week.
Freezing
These onions become delicate when properly browned. Freezing and defrosting changes their texture, making them very soft and somewhat mushy. I do not recommend freezing them.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a pan, covered, with a tablespoon of water to refresh the onions. Heat over medium-high until heated through. Alternatively, microwave on medium-high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Recipe Conclusion
Well-cooked onions will elevate your savory dishes. They're a great topping for your favorite steak, for jazzing up a cheese sandwich, or for mingling with veggies in a stir-fry. With just a few simple steps and a bit of patience for that perfect caramelization, you've mastered a kitchen essential that'll make every meal tastier.
Unleash the delicious potential by learning How to Sauté Onions in your kitchen. Add them to tacos, burgers, or even pasta for a burst of savory goodness. Don't forget to share your culinary creations with friends and family—let them savor the magic too!
More Sautéed Recipes
If you love quick sautéed recipes, here are a few other options to try:
FAQs
Sauté onions for about 10-15 minutes until caramelized.
Sautéed onions can be keto-friendly if consumed in moderation. It also depends on your overall meal plan and carb intake.
To make caramelized onions, cook sliced onions slowly over low heat until golden brown and sweet.
You can sauté onions in either butter or oil, depending on your flavor preference.
How to Sauté Onions (Quick & Easy)
Ingredients
- 6 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 tablespoons rendered bacon fat
- 2 pinches kosher salt
- 1 onion peeled and sliced (I used a Spanish onion for this recipe)
- ½ fresh rosemary sprig
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Peel and slice onions.
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a cast iron or other heavy-bottomed pan with a tight-fitting lid over high heat. Add in the fat of your choice. When the fat shimmers, add the onion and salt. Stir to break up the onion and then cover.
- Cook over high heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring every minute or so and replacing the lid immediately when done stirring. Reduce the heat to medium and cook another 3-4 minutes. When the onions start to look dry, add in the water and cover again.
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the added water has cooked off.
- Remove from the heat, serve hot, and happy eating!
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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Lucy @ Globe Scoffers says
I love sautee onions. Theses look perfect! ?
Scott Groth says
Hi Lucy:
I love sauteed onions too- and these are off the hook!
Let me know if there are any other kinds of recipes you would like to see-
Thanks
Scott
Erica Smalls says
I've always ordered sauteed onions from restaurants but never made them myself. Thanks for the step by step instructions. Really tasty.
Scott Groth says
Hey Erica:
Try it once and I guarantee you'll never order them again.
Thank you for writing.
Have a great day!
Scott
ginger says
Well.... when to add the other 2 ingredients....??
Jazmin pugh says
Oh my gosh these onions were so amazing! Thank you so much sir!!
Pam Doss says
Can you can these wonderful bits of flavor???