
Few things in cooking are as deeply satisfying as a pan of slowly caramelized onions โ sweet, jammy, and rich with a flavor that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did. This version keeps things beautifully clean, relying on just avocado oil, yellow onions, and a pinch of sea salt to coax out that deep golden color and mellow sweetness over low, patient heat. A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end is optional but adds a glossy, tangy finish that takes the whole thing to another level. For anyone avoiding flavor enhancers and additives, store-bought caramelized onions or pre-seasoned versions can be a minefield โ but this recipe sidesteps all of that with a short, transparent ingredient list you can feel good about. The magic here is entirely natural: time and heat transform sharp raw onion into something almost silky, with no shortcuts or hidden extras needed. Scraping up those browned bits as you go is the real secret to building deep, complex flavor from scratch. Use these as a topping for burgers, stirred into soups, piled onto roasted vegetables, or honestly just eaten straight from the pan.
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Learn more โ6 servings



Heat the avocado oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Add the sliced onions and salt, then stir to coat evenly in the oil. Cook, stirring every 3โ4 minutes, until the onions have wilted and released most of their moisture, about 10 minutes.
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