Barley Free Paleo Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions are one of those kitchen transformations that feel almost magical — a pile of raw sliced onions slowly coaxing down into something deeply golden, jammy, and rich. The whole process relies on nothing more than avocado oil, yellow onions, and a pinch of sea salt, making it naturally free of grains, gluten, and any barley-derived ingredients that can sneak into store-bought condiments or flavor bases. Low and slow is the real secret here: reducing the heat to medium-low and giving those onions a full 40-plus minutes lets the natural sugars develop without burning, and scraping up the browned bits along the way builds serious depth. A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end is optional but absolutely worth it — it adds a glossy, tangy finish that makes the whole pan look and taste restaurant-worthy. These onions are endlessly versatile: pile them onto burgers, stir them into soups, fold them into eggs, or serve them alongside roasted meat. Once you have a batch ready in the fridge, you'll find yourself reaching for them constantly.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 3 large yellow onions (about 2 lb), halved and thinly sliced
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat the avocado oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- 2
Add the sliced onions and salt, then stir to coat evenly in the oil. Cook, stirring every 3–4 minutes, until the onions have wilted and released most of their moisture, about 10 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!