Instant Pot Caramelized Onions are made in under 15 minutes. You can add this to these to elevate any dish!
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These quick carmelized onions are made in a fraction of the time it would take to make them on the stove top using the traditional method. It is one of the easiest instant pot recipes. You can make these in a pinch to enhance any burger or sandwich. Perfect for tailgating or barbecues when you need to feed a lot of people, set your instant pot to warm and let everyone help themselves!
For more information about onions, check out the USDA to learn more!
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What We Love About This Instant Pot Carmelized Onions Recipe
- 15 Minute Dish: This recipe for caramelized onion instant pot only take 15 minutes from start to finish, made in half of the time it would to make on the stove top.
- Easy Ingredients: For these quick caramelized onions you will only 4 simple ingredients.
- Adaptable: It is the easiest thing to add these fast caramelized onions to elevate savory flavor to any burger or sandwich or even your favorite side dish.
Ingredient Notes for Quick Caramelized Onions
- Sliced Onions: For this recipe it is best to use either white onions or sweet yellow onions for the best results. I used white onions. Red Onions work but are not as pretty.
- All Purpose Seasoning: You will need all purpose seasoning, you can use a pre-made mix or make your own with this recipe! Black Pepper and Kosher salt can also be used.
- Butter: It is important to use butter for this recipe as it will help with the caramelization process. Salted or unsalted butter will both work.
- Brown Sugar: For this recipe you will need brown sugar. Brown sugar contains molasses which will add that extra rich flavor when making caramelized onions fast.
Equipment Needed for Fast Caramelized Onions
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Instant Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons
How to Caramelize Onions quickly
These are the basic steps for how to make the favorite recipes of Caramelize Onions fast. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
STEP 1: CHOP THE ONIONS
Start by chopping your onions place in a large bowl, the slices do not have to be perfect. Then add to the instant pot the onions, butter, and all purpose seasoning and mix together to combine evenly.
STEP 2: PRESSURE COOK
Make sure to properly shut the lid and seal the quick release valve. Pressure cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Then use open up the valve to release pressure, remove the lid and drain an excess liquid.
STEP 3: SAUTÉ THE ONIONS
Change the Instant pot settings from pressure cooking function to the sauté function. Mix in the brown sugar and sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions are a golden brown color. Just note that this recipe will not be as firm as traditional caramelized. Add to your favorite burger and enjoy!
Prep and Storage Tips
HOW TO MAKE THIS ONION MIXTURE RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
To make this recipe ahead of time, chop up the onions and store in a plastic bag or air tight container the fridge for 1-3 days until you are ready to make these caramelized onions.
HOW TO STORE THIS CARMELIZED ONIONS RECIPE
Store caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
CAN YOU FREEZE CARAMELIZED ONIONS
To freeze caramelized onions, store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 year.
HOW TO REHEAT THIS RECIPE
If you are reheating from the fridge, you can sauté onions over low heat on the stove top to microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot. If you are taking from the freezer, make sure you allow the caramelized onions to thaw in the fridge overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fast Caramelized Onions
Sautéed onions are made in a fraction of the time and since they are not on the heat for long they still retain the natural flavor of an onion. Where as caramelized onions are heated for longer and at a lower heat to bring out all the natural sugars and cancel out any bitter taste.
If you are going to sub out the brown sugar to use white sugar, you should additionally add about a teaspoon of molasses as it help in the caramelization process.
You can freeze caramelized onions and have them stay good even when reheated. Make sure to store in a freezer safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
Traditionally it take about 45 minutes to an hour to achieve perfect caramelized onions on the stove top, but this recipe takes a fraction of the time as it is made in an instant pot.
Expert Tips for Making This Recipe
- Stove Top: If you don’t have an instant pot but still want to quickly make caramelized onions in a pinch, try this recipe and technique to achieve similar results.
- Chopping Onions: To prevent eye irritation or crying when chopping up onion, keep a wet paper towel next to the cutting board, simple try but makes huge difference.
- Caramelized Onions for Burger: Burgers with caramelized onions is a classic that everyone love and great way to use this recipe.
- French Onion Soup: Use these delicious onions as a base to make french onion soup in half of the time you just need a little beef stock.
- Finish: A touch of balsamic vinegar and olive oil are a great finish to these onions.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Caramelized Onion
- Cast Iron Burgers
- Chopped Brisket Sandwiches
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Melt Sandwiches
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Instant Pot Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
- 2 pounds white onions, peeled and sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning Blend
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Add onions, butter and All Purpose Seasoning to Instant Pot and toss to combine.
- Secure the lid and adjust the vent to seal.
- Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Immediately release the pressure and remove the lid.
- Strain excess liquid from the onions.
- Return the drained onions to the Instant Pot and set to Saute setting.
- Stir in the brown sugar and saute for 3-5 minutes, or until onions become golden.
- Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Stove Top: If you don’t have an instant pot but still want to quickly make caramelized onions in a pinch, try this recipe and technique to achieve similar results.
- Chopping Onions: To prevent eye irritation or crying when chopping up onion, keep a wet paper towel next to the cutting board, simple try but makes huge difference.
- Caramelized Onions for Burger: Burgers with caramelized onions is a classic that everyone love and great way to use this recipe.
Estimated Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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