How to Caramelize Onions in Record Time Without Sacrificing One Ounce of Flavor

Byamazingfoodstv


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The key to quicker caramelized onions is the ingredient we least expected: water. Here’s what you need to know about buying a santoku knife:

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We start our caramelized onions in a covered nonstick skillet over high heat with ¾ of cup water. The water and steam help the onions quickly soften. Then we remove the lid, lower the heat to medium-high, and press the softened onions into the bottom and sides of the skillet to allow for maximum contact with the hot pan. Instead of finishing with sugar or honey as many recipes call for, we add baking soda, which speeds up the reaction that converts flavorless inulin (a polysaccharide present in onions) to fructose.

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33 Comments

  1. I used 3 kinds of onions, red, white and yellow because I had them, and they caramelized beautifully until the end when I poured the water baking soda mix and they turned green instantly, and let me tell you, it wasn't a bright healthy vegan green… they tasted great but they didn't look great at all. Next time, I will just pass that mix. Other than that, great recipe.

  7. I found that baking soda can turn the onions into a mushy mess.
    When I make french onion soup I'm never in a hurry. It takes about ten hours in a slow cooker and they always turn out great.

  14. It's not really necessary to add water. It just takes longer to evaporate. Just cook the onions with the lid on till they have "fallen together" a bit. The baking soda makes the whole difference. But don't use more than a pinch. I think one spoon of oil isn't enough.

  21. I'm making french dip sandwiches, the roast is in the slow cooker and opted to caramelize some onions for them. These came out perfectly! Thanks for this much simpler method.

    French onion soup next!

  27. I watched 4 videos on caramelizing onions. One said it takes about 15-20 mins, this one says it takes 30 mins, another said it takes about 45mins-1hr, and the other said it takes about 4-5 hours lol. At this point I'm just about to try it every single way and then decide for myself. Of course, all the recipes had different amounts of onions to start with, but still. The 4-5 hr one, used 8lbs of onions! And I frankly don't need that many onions regardless how much they cook down lol.

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