Quick Caramelized Onion (NO baking soda)

Learn how to make quick caramelized onion (no baking soda) in less than 20 minutes! Easy and vegan-friendly recipe with only 3 ingredients (onion, oil, and brown sugar)!

One of my favorite toppings on a burger has to be caramelized onions. There is something magical about the sweet deep flavor of caramelized onion that enhances my burger experience. The only issue is that it takes a very long time to make them. And that's how I embarked on a mission to make caramelized onion quick!

Traditional vs. Quick caramelized onion

• Traditional caramelized onion - It usually takes an hour or two to make caramelized onion. The traditional method makes your onion to be sweet jammy and soft. I like to use this recipe when making caramelized onion traditional way.
• Quick caramelized onion - It takes less than 20 minutes to make. The quick method makes your onion to be sweet and brown in color. However, your onion will keep its shape and retain some of its crunches.

There are some recipes that use baking soda to quicken the process. Personally, I associate baking soda with a stomachache remedy. Unless it is for baking, I don't like the idea of using baking soda in cooking.

Types of onion to use

I personally like to use either yellow onion or Vidalia onion for caramelized onion. However, you can use white onion or even red onion. The red onion will turn dark purple as it cooks but there won't be a difference in taste.

How to slice onion

I highly recommend slicing your onion pole to pole (neck to the root part of the onion). This method ensures the even-size sliced onion and produces even cooking time. Please refer to my previous post on "How to mince, dice, and slice onion."

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Types of pan to use

I am using my trusty non-stick skillet. I find non-stick skillet to be light and easy to handle. Plus, it will allow me use a very small amount of oil. You can also use a well-seasoned cast-iron pan or a dutch oven. However, have in mind that it will take a longer time if you are using a cast-iron or dutch oven.

How to make quick caramelized onion

1. Add the sliced onion in the pan without adding any oil and turn on heat.
2. Let the onion lightly brown on its own without stirring for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally and continue to caramelize onion.
4. Once the cooked onions are sticking to the pan, add the oil (or butter) and sugar.
5. Stir frequently so the onion won't burn.
6. Once the onion is done caramelized, remove from heat.

How to store

• You can store the caramelized onion in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• You can also freeze caramelized onion. I like to place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use them, simply defrost them in the fridge and you are ready to use them!

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Where to use caramelized onion

• Burger topping
• Pizza - it will make a great topping on any pizzas but it's really great on a mushroom spinach white pizza.
• Appetizer - caramelized on top of sliced focaccia and top it off with your favorite cheese makes a killer appetizer!
• Breakfast - it will be a great addition to my vegan breakfast burritos.

Tips on making quick caramelized onion

• Cook the onion without oil until they are brown
• Use a small amount of oil (or butter) so it won't stick to the pan
• Use brown sugar for added molasses flavor and rich dark brown color
• Slice the onion pole to pole so that they are similar in size
• Add the salt at the end if you'd like

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