Caramelized onions are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. Their sweet, rich, nuanced flavor pairs well with meats, cheeses, vegetables and more. Caramelizing onions involves slowly cooking sliced onions in fat, which draws out their natural sugars and condenses their flavor. The process renders them down into a jammy, deeply savory condiment. In this article, we’ll explore what ingredients and dishes pair particularly well with caramelized onions.
Meats that Pair Well with Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions complement the savory umami flavor of meats. Their sweetness balances out the rich, salty flavors. Here are some classic meat pairings:
Beef
Caramelized onions are a natural pairing for beef dishes. Their richness stands up to and complements the hearty flavors of beef. They’re excellent in dishes like:
– Hamburgers – Caramelized onions are a popular burger topping. Their flavor balances out the beefy juiciness of the patty.
– Pot roast – Slow-cooked pot roast becomes fall-apart tender when cooked with caramelized onions. Their sweetness permeates the meat.
– Meatloaf – Mixing caramelized onions into meatloaf adds moisture and flavor. The onions melt into the ground beef, creating a more complex flavor profile.
– Steak – Topping a steak with caramelized onions adds an extra layer of sweet savoriness. The onions also add nice textural contrast.
Pork
The subtle sweetness of pork pairs deliciously with caramelized onions’ rich jamminess. You’ll often find them together in:
– Pulled pork – Shredded roasted pork shoulder or butt takes well to caramelized onions mixed in or served on top.
– Pork chops – Caramelized onion gravy is a classic topping for thick, juicy pork chops.
– Sausage – Mixed into patty sausage or sliced and served alongside links or patties, caramelized onions complement the seasoning of sausage.
– Ham – Sweet caramelized onions liven up salty sliced ham, such as in sandwiches, omelets or flatbreads.
Lamb
Caramelized onions bring out the rich, meaty flavor of lamb. Their sweetness balances the gaminess. Try them in:
– Kebabs – Alternating lamb chunks and onions on a skewer makes for nice charred flavor contrasts when grilled.
– Stews – Slow-cooked lamb stew becomes rich and complex with the long-cooked flavor of caramelized onions.
– Chops – A simple pan sauce of caramelized onions deglazed with wine or stock is heavenly spooned over seared lamb chops.
– Roasts – Studding a lamb roast with caramelized onions infuses it with sweetness throughout while adding moisture.
Poultry
The mellow flavor of poultry is excellent backdrop for sweet, rich caramelized onions. Think:
– Chicken pot pie – Mixed into the flaky pie filling, caramelized onions add a hit of Umami.
– Roast turkey or chicken – Adding some caramelized onion stuffing boosts the flavor of mild white meat.
– Fried chicken – Caramelized onions give homemade fried chicken extra craveable depth and snackability.
– Duck – Caramelized onion jam or relish can cut through a rich duck breast beautifully.
Cheeses that Complement Caramelized Onions
The natural umami flavors of cheese pair incredibly well with the concentrated savoriness of caramelized onions. Here are some winning combinations:
Aged, hard cheeses:
– Cheddar – In grilled cheese, onion-cheddar scones, or mac and cheese with caramelized onions.
– Parmesan – Sprinkled over onion tarts or melted into caramelized onion focaccia.
– Manchego – With caramelized onions in quiche or flatbread.
– Gruyere – In French onion soup, tartines, or croques monsieurs.
Soft, mild cheeses:
– Mozzarella – Oozing melted mozzarella over pizza with caramelized onions is a match made in heaven.
– Goat cheese – Warm goat cheese salad with bacon and caramelized onions is a bistro classic.
– Brie – Baked into puff pastry with caramelized onions and thyme for a indulgent appetizer.
– Ricotta – Mixed into dips, blended into soups, or in lasagna along with caramelized onions.
Pungent cheeses:
– Blue cheese – Caramelized onions tone down pungent blue cheese beautifully in dips, dressings, and flatbreads.
– Feta – Combined with onions in savory Mediterranean pies like spanakopita and pastitsio.
– Gorgonzola – Matched with caramelized onions in rich burgers or hearty pasta sauces.
– Pecorino – A crisp contrast to melty onions in pizza or panini.
Vegetables and Fruits that Go Well with Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions also pair wonderfully with fresh, bright produce that balances their deep sweetness. Some tasty combinations include:
Vegetables:
– Tomatoes – The sweet-tart freshness of tomatoes complements caramelized onions. Think shakshuka, tarts, and bruschetta.
– Spinach – Wilted fresh spinach mixed into dips, quiches, and gratins along with caramelized onions.
– Mushrooms – Umami-on-umami magic. Sauteed mushrooms and caramelized onions are next level.
– Carrots – Naturally sweet carrots roasted or glazed with caramelized onions make a great combo.
Fruits:
– Apples – Tart, crisp apples pair beautifully with softened caramelized onions in dishes from soup to dessert.
– Pears – Another lovely fall fruit that brings out the sweetness of caramelized onions. Ideal in chutney or flatbreads.
– Figs – Sweet, jammy figs complement caramelized onions’ richness. Lovely in crostini or tarts.
– Cranberries – Tart cranberries cut through the sweetness of caramelized onions, as in relish or chutney.
Herbs, Spices and Condiments
Certain herbs, spices, stocks and condiments really make caramelized onions sing. These include:
Fresh herbs:
– Thyme – Deepens the savory flavor and aroma of caramelized onions.
– Rosemary – Pairs nicely with onions and enhances meat dishes.
– Sage – Brings out subtle seasoning nuances in long-cooked onion dishes.
– Parsley – Brightens up rich caramelized onions with fresh flavor.
Spices and warm flavors:
– Pepper – A bit of heat contrasts nicely with mellow sweetness.
– Curry powder – Layered warming spices like turmeric, coriander and cumin complement caramelized onions.
– Cinnamon – A touch brings out onions’ natural sweetness.
– Nutmeg – Accents the sweet, aromatic notes of onions.
Umami boosters:
– Soy sauce – The salinity adds depth of flavor and savoriness.
– Worcestershire sauce – Adds fermented umami funk that ups the richness.
– Anchovies – Dissolved into caramelized onion sauces and spreads, they provide a savory hit.
– Beef or veggie stock – Deglazing the pan with stock adds body and concentrated meaty flavor.
Recipes Showcasing Caramelized Onions
Here are some stellar recipe ideas that showcase caramelized onions:
French Onion Soup
– Caramelized onions simmered in broth with sherry and topped with melty cheese. An iconic onion dish.
Onion Jam
– Intensely sweet and savory onion jam made by cooking down onions with balsamic and sugars. Spread on everything.
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Pizza
– Sweet onions, earthy cheese and tomato sauce is a foolproof flavor combination.
Onion Braised Short Ribs
– Coke-braised short ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender when slow cooked with loads of caramelized onions.
Caramelized Onion Dip
– Sour cream dip spiked with tons of softened, sweet onions. The perfect party starter.
Onion Bacon Jam
– Everything’s better with bacon, including a batch of sticky, smoky onion bacon jam.
Caramelized Onion Quiche
– Custardy egg pie baked with onions makes brunch next-level delicious.
Onion Jam BBQ Chicken Pizza
– Tangy onion jam, smoky BBQ sauce, and melted mozzarella is an unbeatable flavor trio.
Tips for Cooking with Caramelized Onions
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most out of cooking with caramelized onions:
– Use low, slow heat to draw out onions’ natural sugars and achieve a deep brown color. Be patient.
– Deglaze the pan with a flavorful liquid like wine, vinegar or stock to pick up the flavorful browned bits.
– Add a bit of sugar, balsamic, Worcestershire or soy sauce to boost complexity.
– Stir frequently to prevent burning and encourage even cooking.
– Cook a large batch and freeze extras to add instant flavor to future meals.
– Use both the softened onions and the flavorful oil left in the pan for cooking.
– Mix some softened onion threads into dips, dressings, and sauces for a flavor boost.
Conclusion
When properly caramelized, humble onions become an umami-packed flavor powerhouse able to substantially elevate any dish. Their rich sweetness and jammy texture pairs perfectly with hearty meats like beef, pork and lamb. Cheeses ranging from sharp cheddar to soft goat cheese complement caramelized onions’ savoriness wonderfully. They also marry beautifully with bright contrasting fruits and vegetables. Finally, herbs, spices and umami-boosting condiments draw out caramelized onions’ layers of flavor. With the right combination of ingredients and proper slow cooking technique, caramelized onions unlock a whole new depth of flavor.