Caramelized Red Onions Are The Unlikely Topping Your Burgers Need - Tasting Table

"To properly caramelize an onion, you need to have some patience. We have some tips to avoid common mistakes. Caramelized onions are not often used as a burger topping because they take time to prepare. However, you can speed up the process and have them ready in 20 to 30 minutes instead of as long as an hour. Cook them over low heat with butter and add some brown sugar and soy sauce."

"A good burger needs a balance of flavors. The meaty, umami flavor of the beef pairs well with a rich, melting cheese and the saltiness of bacon. The sweetness of caramelized red onions can take the place of popular burger toppings like sweet relish or ketchup while adding a deeper savory flavor. You could stick with traditional American cheese, or try smoked gouda or Swiss. Those rich, earthy notes balance the sweetness of the onion and cr"

Caramelized red onions require patience and develop sweetness as slow cooking breaks down their sugars. Cooking over low heat with butter accelerates softening and flavor development. Adding brown sugar and soy sauce enhances sweetness and umami; balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper balance flavors. The process can be shortened to 20–30 minutes instead of an hour with attentive heat control. Caramelized onions can replace ketchup or sweet relish on a burger and complement melted cheeses like American, smoked gouda, or Swiss as well as salty bacon. Cook until soft with a rich, deep purple color.

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