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    Home » Recipes » Burger Toppings

    Caramelized Onions for Burgers

    Published: May 23, 2022 Modified: Dec 27, 2022 by Isabel Laessig

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    I have the secret to the best Caramelized Onions for Burgers! Ready in 30 minutes or less, these quick caramelized onions are easy, flavorful, and so delicious on burgers, with steak, and more. Simple ingredients and just 3 steps!

    Caramelized onions on a keto burger
    Jump to:
    • The Best Caramelized Onions
    • How to Caramelize Onions
    • Caramelized Onions Recipe FAQs
    • What to Serve with Caramelized Onions
    • Other uses for Caramelized Onions
    • 📌 Pin it for later!
    • 📋 Recipe

    The Best Caramelized Onions

    I love caramelizing onions for burgers. There is nothing like a juicy, loaded burger topped with sweet, soft onions browned to perfection.

    People will tell you that the only way to caramelize onions is to cook them for at least an hour. I can tell you from experience that this is just not true! I will show you how to caramelize onions in just 30 minutes.

    The trick to perfectly browned, sweet caramelized onions is much easier than you might think. Follow my easy instructions and you will make them perfectly every time!

    These juicy onions paired with my burger seasoning are the recipe for the most amazing burger you will ever bite into. Another amazing tip is to try adding my Truffle Butter Recipe to your next burger!

    Just finished making a double batch for a picnic tomorrow. OMG delicious! Thank you for sharing!!

    Cindi on Pinterest
    caramelized onions in a skillet

    How to Caramelize Onions

    1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced red onions to the pan. Allow them to sit until they begin to brown.
    2. Add in brown sugar, whiskey, and soy sauce when the onions just begin to brown.
    3. Stir and continue to cook another 3 minutes or so.
    4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    5. Continue to cook until browned and soft. Your caramelized onions are ready!

    Caramelized Onions Recipe FAQs

    What is the difference between caramelized onions and sautéed onions?

    Sautéing is a cooking technique, while caramelizing describes an actual chemical change in the onions from heating the sugar. The sugar breaks down, making the onions soft and sweet. You can quickly sauté onions without caramelizing them.

    What kind of onion do you use for caramelized onions?

    I use red onions in this recipe for caramelized onions for burgers. You can also use white onions.Ingredients to make caramelized onions for burgers with labels

    What is the best pan to caramelize onions?

    Use a stainless steel pan or a cast-iron skillet for the best results caramelizing onions.

    Do you use oil or butter to caramelize onions?

    Always butter! Butter adds so much flavor to the onions when browning them.Sliced red onions in a pan

    How do you caramelize onions without burning them?

    Stir while cooking over medium-high heat. Not all stoves are the same, so if your onions are starting to burn, lower the heat to medium and allow them to cook a little more slowly.

    Should you cover onions when caramelizing?

    There is no need to cover the pan. You want to be able to stir when you need to.Caramelized onions cooking in a pan

    How do you slice onions for caramelizing?

    Cut off the root and stem ends of the onion. Cut the onion in half, which will make it easy to peel with your fingers. Thinly slice the onion in vertical slices (from root to stem).

    How do you tell when caramelized onions are done?

    When they're ready, they will be considerably browned, soft, and shrunken.Caramelized onions ready in a pan

    What is the best substitute for whiskey?

    Use vermouth, or whatever alcohol you have on hand. Really, it will all taste delicious. If you don't have alcohol, balsamic vinegar is fine.

    Can you freeze caramelized onions for burgers?

    Yes, you can freeze caramelized onions! I love to make a big batch to freeze and use later. Remember that caramelizing shrinks the onions, so if you're freezing a batch, consider doubling the ingredients to prepare twice as much.

    After cooking, allow the onions to cool. Portion into freezer-safe containers. Ice cube trays are great for small portions or, if you're freezing a large portion, use freezer bags. Label with the freezing date and store for up to 3 months.

    How do you reheat caramelized onions?

    For refrigerated onions, reheat in a pan over low to medium heat until they start to sizzle.

    For frozen, use the onions straight out of the freezer - there's no need to thaw them. Add them to your meal and allow them to cook down, or reheat in a pan over low to medium heat.

    How should I store them?

    Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    What to Serve with Caramelized Onions

    These are the best-caramelized onions for burgers. Try them with:

    • Gourmet Burgers
    • Smash Burgers
    • Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
    • Sous Vide Ribeye
    • Mashed Potatoes for Steak
    • Burger with Egg
    • Smoked Burgers
    • Swiss Mushroom Burger
    • Steakhouse Baked Potato
    • Air Fried Burger

    Other uses for Caramelized Onions

    • Prime Rib Recipe topped with these onions is perfect for a holiday meal
    • Dutch Oven Pot Roast is elevated when topped with these onions
    • Smoked Tomahawk Steak
    • Roast Beef Sandwich
    • Grilled Porterhouse Steak
    • Grilled Filet Mignon
    • Pan Seared Steak

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    📋 Recipe

    Caramelized onions ready in a pan
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    4.49 from 33 votes

    Best Caramelized Onions for Burgers

    I have the secret to the best Caramelized Onions for Burgers! They're easy to make in less than 30 minutes in just 3 steps!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time25 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: caramelized onions, caramelized onions for burgers, how to make caramelized onions
    Servings: 4 portions
    Calories: 113kcal
    Author: Isabel Laessig

    Equipment

    • Skillet
    • Spatula or wooden spoon

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 red onion cut into thin slices
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 3 tablespoons whiskey or vermouth, or whatever alcohol you have on hand. If you don't have alcohol, balsamic vinegar is fine.
    • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
    • salt and pepper to taste

    See our Beef Temperature Chart for helpful tips on cooking any cut of beef!

    Instructions

    • Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced red onions to the pan. Allow them to sit until they begin to brown.
      Sliced red onions in a pan
    • Add in brown sugar, whiskey, and soy sauce when the onions just begin to brown. Stir and continue to cook another 3 minutes or so. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
      Caramelized onions cooking in a pan
    • Continue to cook until browned and soft. Your caramelized onions are ready!
      Caramelized onions ready in a pan

    Notes

    • Use vermouth or whatever alcohol you have on hand as a substitute for whiskey. Really, it will all taste delicious. If you don't have alcohol, balsamic vinegar is fine.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 137mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

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    About Isabel Laessig

    Isabel Laessig, better known as Family Foodie and the founder of the Sunday Supper Movement, is passionate about food and family! She is the author of the Boujee Steak Cookbook, and makes regular television appearances to spread her mission of bringing Sunday Supper back around the family table in every home.

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