FoodThe surprising ingredient that transforms fried onions

The surprising ingredient that transforms fried onions

Add a little to the fried onions. It will gain a beautiful color.
Add a little to the fried onions. It will gain a beautiful color.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

12:02 PM EDT, August 27, 2024

Are you wondering how to make fried onions even more aromatic and appetizing? The answer may surprise you! While many of us prepare them using butter, there is a much better way that not only improves the taste but also gives the onions a beautiful, golden color.

Fried onions are among the most versatile additions that pair excellently with many dishes. Although it may seem like a simple task to prepare them, a few tricks can elevate the taste of fried onions to an entirely new level. Did you know that one unexpected ingredient can make your fried onions taste deeper and give them a beautiful, caramelized color? In this article, we reveal how to achieve this.

Why should you skip butter?

While tasty, butter is not the best choice for frying onions. Its low smoke point means it burns easily, creating harmful compounds. Additionally, the saturated fatty acids in butter are not the healthiest option.

The secret ingredient for golden onions

Surprising but true—the key to achieving perfectly golden and sweet onions is... sugar! Just a pinch is enough to transform ordinary fried onions into a real treat for the palate. Sugar caramelizes during frying, giving the onions a deep, sweet flavor and a beautiful, golden color.

How to fry onions with sugar?

            
  1. Choose the right oil: Rapeseed oil or olive oil works best.
  2. Chop the onion: Slice the onion into julienne or dice it.
  3. Fry on low heat: Fry the onion over medium heat until it becomes soft and slightly golden.
  4. Add sugar: When the onion starts to brown, add a pinch of sugar.
  5. Stir gently: Stir until the sugar dissolves and caramelizes.

Uses for golden onions

Fried onions with added sugar are versatile and excellently pairs with many dishes. You can add them to:

  • Sandwiches: Make a delicious sandwich using crispy bread, garlic butter, fried onions, and your favorite cold cuts.
  • Dumplings: Fried onions are perfect for dumplings filled with cheese and potatoes, meat, or sauerkraut and mushrooms.
  • Soups: Add them to creamy soups like cream of onion or tomato.
  • Meats: Fried onions pair excellently with meat, both poultry and pork.
  • Vegetables: You can add them to stewed vegetables like carrots, parsley, or celery.
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