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    Home » Recipes » Fall Recipes

    Published: Oct 17, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Fast Caramelized Onions Recipe {With Brown Sugar}

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    My fast caramelized onions recipe pairs regular brown onions with brown sugar, unlocking the secret to the best way to caramelize onions in a hurry!

    My Caramelized Onions Recipe

    Every cook needs to have their own recipe for caramelized onions, or so my grandmother used to say.

    It went in her repertoire of womanly must haves, along with the best flaky butter dough recipe, the best sour cream cake frosting recipe, and the best blintzes recipe.

    Needless to say, she has never written any of these recipes down - to her, they are as natural and ubiquitous as your preferred skincare routine, or your favorite news broadcast (clearly, my grandmother was a lady of many opinions).

    So it took me some trial and error, and many pans of burnt onions, to achieve my cheat for the best way to caramelize onions, especially when you are in a hurry.

    spoon with caramelized onions

    What are caramelized onions?

    Caramelized onions are onions that have been sliced and cooked until they are browned and have taken on caramel-like notes. They are deep-flavored, a mix of savory and sweet from the natural sugar of the onions cooking down.

    Caramelised onions are a powerhouse ingredient that can add a ton of flavor to your dishes, with just a single easy step. And I’m proud to say that I’ve come up with the best way to caramelize onions - fast!

    My friends, the secret to how to make caramelized onions is with brown sugar.

    Caramelized Onions with Brown Sugar

    Caramelization occurs through a slow cooking process, when the natural sugars in foods - in this case, onions - oxidize and take on a rich brown color and nutty, caramel notes. 

    If you have loads of time, then taking the time to slowly cook onions on low heat is the best way to caramelise onions. 

    But if you are a regular human with commitments, work and sometimes kids, or just someone who’d rather binge Chef’s Table on Netflix rather than standing in the kitchen for hours, then you NEED to know the perfect SHORTCUT for how to make caramelized onions. 

    Because you see, when you add sugar to onions, it amplifies the caramelizing action in the pan, adding up to the naturally extracting sugars in the onions and expediting the caramelization process.

    The result is that you end up with perfect caramelized onions, in a fraction of time. (For comparison’s sake, regular caramelized onions take about 45 minutes to make; my quick caramelized onions take about 20 minutes).

    Why use brown sugar with caramelised onions?

    Brown sugar is simply cane sugar with molasses added to it. Therefore, you are adding even MORE sugar, and more brown color, to your onions. Thus the caramelization is so much better and faster!

    If you don’t have brown sugar, feel free to use regular cane sugar when caramelising onions.

    caramelized onions in a pan

    Why This is My Favorite Way to Caramelise Onions

    Over the years, I have tried many ways to caramelize onions, and this has become my go-to recipe for caramelized onions. Give this method a try because it’s:

    • FAST - this caramelized onions recipe takes 20 minutes instead of 45.
    • Easy to make 
    • 3 basic ingredients
    • Vegan, Gluten-free
    • Freezer-friendly - once cooked, caramelized onions can be frozen and used any time you want to add a boost of flavor to your dishes
    sliced onions on cutting board

    Ingredients for Fast Caramelized Onions with Brown Sugar

    As you can imagine from the name, you only need 3 things to make this caramelised onions recipe. They are:

    • Brown onions - use regular brown onions in this recipe. You can also use red onions for caramelised red onions, or vidalia onions for extra sweet caramelized onions.
    • Brown sugar - for the best and fastest caramelization, use brown sugar. You can also use white cane sugar if that’s all you have on hand.
    • Butter and / or oil - For the richest flavor in caramelized onions, use unsalted butter. Because we are cooking these on relatively low heat, the butter solids won’t burn but will instead develop a deep flavor. If you are vegan, use a butter replacement. But if all you have on hand is oil, my preference is for a neutral-tasting oil. I do not recommend using olive oil.

    See recipe card for exact quantities.

    Equipment

    • Oven
    • Cast Iron Pan or Non-stick pan

    How to make caramelized onions

    adding sliced onions to a pan

    Slice the onions: 

    Cut onions in half. Slice each onion half lengthwise into ¼-inch half-moons. 

    melted butter in a pan

    Melt the butter

    Set a pan with a thick bottom to medium heat. Add butter (or oil), and melt fully. 

    sliced onions in a pan

    Saute onions

    Add the onions to the pan (if you have more onions that can easily fit in one pan, add them in batches, waiting until onions become translucent before adding the next batch). Cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat until the onions change color, about 5-10 minutes.

    caramelized onions in a pan

    Add brown sugar:

    Lower the heat to medium-low and add the brown sugar. Cook, stirring the pan often to prevent burning, until the onions fully caramelize and become golden brown, for about 15 minutes. 

    To make extra-browned caramelized onions

    For extra brown caramelized onions, cook the onions for an additional 10 minutes. They will be extra sweet, but this will also produce the smallest amount of caramelized onions as they continue shrinking while they cook. 

    spoon in bowl with caramelized onions

    Top Tips for making Caramelized Onions Like a Pro

    • Make a LOT of caramelized onions - my recipe is for 2 onions, which will produce about 1 cup of caramelized onions. I honestly recommend doubling or even tripling the recipe!
    • Use the right pan - a cast iron pan is best for making caramelized onions. Otherwise, use a non-stick pan or a heavy-bottomed Dutch Oven to cook your onions.
    • Freeze leftover caramelized onions - I like to freeze my caramelized onions in small batches, and use them to add a burst of flavor to various recipes. See the FAQ section for my how to freeze caramelized onions.
    sliced onions in a pan

    Variations

    Caramelised red onion

    To make caramelised red onions, just use red onions in place of brown onions.

    Caramelized onions with balsamic vinegar

    You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the last 5 minutes for a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of caramelized onions.

    sliced onions in a pan

    Products 

    It’s important to use a good pan when caramelizing onions. 

    My preference is for a cast-iron pan.

    If you don’t have a cast-iron pan, I recently discovered this OXO nonstick pan, and I LOVE it!

    spoon with caramelized onions

    Frequently Asked Questions About Caramelizing Onions In a Hurry

    How to store caramelized onions?

    Once cooked, caramelized onions will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for 4-5 days. However, my preference when I need to make caramelized onions is to make a big batch, and freeze the rest!

    Can you freeze caramelized onions?

    Absolutely! See the next question for my recommended way to freeze caramelised onions.

    How to freeze caramelized onions?

    To freeze caramelized onions, my favorite method is to arrange them on a parchment-covered baking sheet in clumps of about ½ cup. Then, transfer the baking sheet to the freezer. Once it’s been fully frozen, remove each clump of caramelized onions and store it in a separate ziplock bag. 
    You can also freeze caramelized onions in ice cube trays for very small amounts - this is perfect for grilled cheese and eggs!
    Either way, a small batch of caramelized onions is ready for the next time you want to add an oomph of flavor to your dishes!

    How to caramelize onions without burning them?

    To avoid burning your onions, make sure you stir them often - and don’t raise the cooking temperature above medium heat.

    How to cut a lot of onions fast?

    When making a big batch of caramelized onions, I like to use a food processor with a slicing attachment!
    If making a small batch, you can use a chef’s knife or a mandolin (vegetable slicer) for cutting the onions.

    spoon with caramelized onions

    What to serve with caramelized onions?

    Caramelized onions pair well with cheese, eggs and all manner of dough.

    But honestly, you can use caramelized onions EVERYWHERE you’d like to add a boost of flavor!

    I like to use caramelized onions in:

    • Rice bowls
    • Veggie Burgers
    • Frittatas or omelets
    • Galettes and quiches
    • Grilled cheese sandwiches 
    • Pizza
    • Pasta
    • Soups - the classic is of course making French Onion Soup, but you can also use caramelized soup in my cauliflower soup recipe.

    Caramelized Onion recipes:

    You can use my quick caramelised onions in the following recipes:

    • Side view of Middle Eastern mujadara
      How to Make Authentic Middle Eastern Mujadara, a Vegan Medley of Rice, Lentils and Crispy Caramelized Onions {GF, V}
    • Kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions
      Buckwheat kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions
    • Middle Eastern spiced Cauliflower soup with golden raisins
      Middle Eastern spiced cauliflower soup with caramelized onions and raisins {V, GF, Paleo}
    • Corningware Meal Mug Mujadara for one
      Mujadara for one in the Corningware Meal Mug, or how to save your work lunch {V, GF}

    Pin for Later!

    onions on a board, caramelized onions in a pan

    How did you use this Caramelized Onions Recipe? Tag me on social media (@immigrantstable), and please leave a comment and a star rating below!

    Tried and loved this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below! Your reviews mean a lot to me, so if you've got any questions, please let me know in a comment.

    bowl with caramelized onions

    Fast Caramelized Onions Recipe

    Ksenia Prints
    My fast caramelized onions recipe pairs regular brown onions with brown sugar, unlocking the secret to the best way to caramelize onions in a hurry!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine French
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 148 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cast Iron Pan
    • Chef's Knife or Food Processor or Vegetable Slicer

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 medium or large yellow onions you can also use red onions or vidalia onions
    • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 1 teaspoons brown sugar
    • Salt to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Cut onions in half. Slice each onion half lengthwise into ¼-inch half-moons.
    • Set a cast iron or nonstick pan with a thick bottom to medium heat. Add butter (or oil), and melt fully.
    • Add the onions to the pan (if you have more onions that can easily fit in one pan, add them in batches, waiting until onions become translucent before adding the next batch). Cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat until the onions change color, about 5-10 minutes.
    • Lower the heat to medium-low and add the brown sugar. Cook, stirring the pan often to prevent burning, until the onions fully caramelize and become golden brown, for about 15 minutes.
    • For extra brown caramelized onions, cook the onions for an additional 10 minutes. They will be extra sweet, but this will also produce the smallest amount of caramelized onions as they continue shrinking while they cook.

    Notes

    Caramelised red onion:
    To make caramelised red onions, just use red onions in place of brown onions.

    Caramelised sweet onions:

    To make caramelised sweet onions, just use Vidalia onions in place of brown onions.

    Caramelized onions with balsamic vinegar:

    You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the last 5 minutes for a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of caramelized onions.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 148kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 6mgPotassium: 165mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 352IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 0.2mg
    Keyword almond butter, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, caramelized onions, fall, gluten-free, onions, red onions, vegan, vidalia onions, winter
    Tried this recipe?Comment + Rate Below!
    Connect on Instagram!Find us @immigrantstable

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    1. Elizabeth Swoish says

      October 17, 2022 at 5:49 pm

      5 stars
      I typically use Worcestershire sauce but I will FOREVER use brown sugar now. So delicious and great on my steak tonight!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        October 18, 2022 at 8:47 am

        I like the Wuster sauce idea! I'll give that a try next time, too

        Reply
    2. Donna says

      October 17, 2022 at 11:43 pm

      5 stars
      I love how quick these were! The onions I usually make have be standing by the stovetop for ages, so this was a welcome change!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        October 18, 2022 at 8:47 am

        That's what prompted me to find this method - I got tired of waiting for hours for this brown gold to happen.

        Reply
    3. Mandy Applegate says

      October 18, 2022 at 3:40 am

      5 stars
      I don't always have the time to spend ages cooking, so these onions were a real joy to make as they are so quick!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        October 18, 2022 at 8:48 am

        I'm so glad! I was trying to help people like me who don't want to spend ages cooking, either (unless it's for a fancy layer cake. Those are totally worth it).

        Reply
    4. Jenn says

      October 18, 2022 at 10:18 am

      5 stars
      Love this hack! The onions were so good - I'll never make them any other way!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        October 18, 2022 at 1:58 pm

        Yay!

        Reply
    5. Sherry says

      October 19, 2022 at 11:43 pm

      5 stars
      Your caramelized onion recipe was perfect for smashed burgers. Thank you for your recipe!

      Reply
    6. Alex Bala says

      October 25, 2022 at 4:33 am

      5 stars
      I've never put brown sugar in onions when caramelizing, but I love this addition. Such a great recipe.

      Reply

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