Are you tired of standing over the stove for hours, constantly stirring onions that never seem to caramelize just right? Prepare to revolutionize your cooking with this game-changing Instant Pot caramelized onions recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes! Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this method will transform ordinary onions into a rich, deeply golden, and incredibly flavorful condiment that will elevate everything from burgers to gourmet pizzas.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the onions by peeling and cutting them in half, then slicing them thinly into uniform half-moon shapes. Aim for consistent thickness to ensure even caramelization.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add olive oil and allow it to heat for 1-2 minutes until shimmering.
- Add sliced onions to the Instant Pot, stirring to coat evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and sugar over the onions to help initiate the caramelization process.
- Sauté the onions for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. The onions will start to become translucent and soften.
- Cancel the Sauté mode and close the Instant Pot lid. Set the valve to sealing position and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook mode at high pressure for 15 minutes.
- After cooking, perform a quick release of pressure. Open the lid and stir the onions, which should now be deeply golden and soft.
- Add balsamic vinegar to the onions, stirring to deglaze the pot and incorporate additional flavor. Continue cooking on Sauté mode for 2-3 more minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Transfer caramelized onions to a storage container and allow to cool. They can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
- Slice Uniformly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to ensure all onion slices are of equal thickness. This guarantees even cooking and consistent caramelization.
- Don't Rush the Process: While the Instant Pot speeds up caramelization, patience is still key. Allow each step to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Sugar and Salt Trick: The combination of sugar and salt helps break down the onions and accelerate the caramelization process.
- Balsamic Vinegar Boost: Adding balsamic vinegar at the end intensifies the sweetness and adds a complex flavor profile.
- Storage Hack: These caramelized onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Versatility is Key: Use these caramelized onions as a topping for steaks, mixed into mashed potatoes, or as a flavor-packed addition to sandwiches and salads.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 104kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
