By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on August 14, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Alton Brown is a well-known chef, television personality, and food writer. He’s known for his simple yet delicious recipes that are easy to make and always turn out great. One of his most popular side dishes is Caramelized Onions.
Caramelizing onions is the process of slowly cooking them in butter or oil on low heat until they turn sweet, soft, and golden brown. It may seem intimidating at first but with a few simple steps, you can be sure to get perfect caramelized onions every time.
In this article, we will show you how to make the perfect caramelized onions with this easy procedure inspired by Alton Brown.
What are Alton Brown Caramelized Onions?
Alton Brown’s Caramelized Onions is a delicious side dish that is simple to make and can be served with almost any main course. This is perfect for when you need something quick and easy yet flavorful and tasty.
Caramelizing onions gives them an amazingly sweet flavor that pairs well with many dishes, from steak to fish. The process of caramelizing onions takes some time but it is worth the wait as the results are delicious.
What does it taste like?
Caramelized onions are sweet, soft, and golden brown. The caramelization process helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the onions which enhances their flavor and creates a unique sweetness.
When made correctly, Alton Brown Caramelized Onions have a sweet, earthy flavor that is slightly tart but still has a hint of sweetness. It is a great way to add a touch of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors in the dish.
How did I first get introduced to the Alton Brown Caramelized Onions?
I first heard of Alton Brown Caramelized Onions from my friend who is also an avid cook. She told me about how she had seen him make it on his show and that it was one of her favorite dishes ever.
I was intrigued by this as I had never tried caramelizing onions before so I decided to try making them myself. I watched numerous episodes of Alton Brown’s show to learn his technique and eventually gave it a try.
I followed the directions exactly as he had explained them but with a few tweaks here and there. To my surprise, after following the steps I had perfectly caramelized onions that were sweet and soft.
From then on, I have been making caramelized onions whenever I need a quick and easy side dish to add to any meal. It has become my go-to dish when I want something flavorful without taking too much time in the kitchen.
I always recommend that people give Alton Brown Caramelized Onions a try if they are looking for an easy side dish with great flavor.
How to make Alton Brown Caramelized Onions?
Making Alton Brown Caramelized Onions is a very easy process and doesn’t take much time. you can easily make it anytime.
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Ingredients
- Onions: Onions are an essential ingredient in the recipe. They provide a sweet flavor and they also help to enhance the flavor of other ingredients in the dish.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and creaminess to the dish, as well as helping to caramelize the onions which will give the dish its unique texture and flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Kosher salt helps to enhance the flavor of other ingredients and also helps to bring out the sweetness of onions.
- White Wine: White wine adds acidity and depth of flavor to the dish, as well as helping to create a light-bodied sauce.
- Beef Consomme: Beef consomme adds richness and body to the dish, as well as adding an additional layer of flavor.
- Apple Cider: Apple cider adds sweetness and acidity to the dish, as well as a nice depth of flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth helps to bring all the flavors together, as well as adding an additional layer of flavor.
- Bouquet Garni: A bouquet garni is essential in this recipe for adding an additional layer of flavor and a depth of complexity to the dish.
- Country-side Bread: The bread is essential for soaking up all the delicious flavors, as well as helping to balance out the sweetness from the onions.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Peel and slice the onions into thin slices, about 1/8 of an inch thick.
Step 2
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and season with kosher salt. Cook for 8 minutes until they start to turn golden brown.
Step 3
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the white wine. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 4
Add the beef consomme, apple cider, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes stirring occasionally until the liquid has reduced by about half.
Step 5
Add the bouquet garni and continue to simmer for an additional 20 minutes until the mixture is thick and glossy.
Step 6
Ready to serve.
Tips
- For the best results, be sure to use high-quality onions.
- Make sure to slice the onions thin, about 1/8 of an inch thick so that they can caramelize nicely.
- For a richer flavor, you can add some Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar at the beginning of cooking.
Alton Brown Caramelized Onions Recipe
Equipment
- An oven
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ Cups Beef consomme
- 4 1/2 tsp Melted Butter
- 10 tbsp low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 Cup White wine
- 1/2 Loaf Country-side bread.
- 2/3 Cups of apple cider vinegar
- Bouquet garni
- 1/2 Tsp black pepper Grounded
- 8 tbsp Gruyere and fontina cheese
- Splash of cognac
- 2 large Onions
- 1 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
Instructions
- Peel and slice the onions into thin slices, about 1/8 of an inch thick.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and season with kosher salt. Cook for 8 minutes until they start to turn golden brown.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the white wine. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the beef consomme, apple cider, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes stirring occasionally until the liquid has reduced by about half.
- Add the bouquet garni and continue to simmer for an additional 20 minutes until the mixture is thick and glossy.
- Ready to serve.
Notes
- For the best results, be sure to use high-quality onions.
- Make sure to slice the onions thin, about 1/8 of an inch thick so that they can caramelize nicely.
- For a richer flavor, you can add some Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar at the beginning of cooking.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Alton Brown Caramelized Onions?
Alton Brown Caramelized Onions are a versatile side dish that can be served with almost any meal. It pairs nicely with meats, fish, and vegetables such as steak, pork chops, salmon, or roasted vegetables.
They also make an excellent topping for burgers or sandwiches and can be used as a garnish for salads or soups. They are also great as a dip with some fresh crusty bread on the side.
How to store leftover Alton Brown Caramelized Onions?
Leftover Alton Brown Caramelized Onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to use, simply reheat them on the stovetop over low heat or microwave until warm.
If you have any extra caramelized onions and don’t want to waste them, they can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To do this, let them cool completely and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag before placing them in the freezer.
When ready to use, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Alton Brown Caramelized Onions. As long as they are cooked properly and all the ingredients used are safe to consume during pregnancy, this makes a great side dish for expecting mothers.
Pregnant women should avoid eating any raw or undercooked foods, including raw onions, so it is important to make sure that the onions are cooked through before eating.
It is also important to ensure that any other ingredients that are used in this, such as beef consomme or apple cider, are pasteurized so they do not contain harmful bacteria.
When following this guide and using all safe ingredients, Alton Brown Caramelized Onions make a great side dish for pregnant women.
Overall, this dish is a great option for pregnant women that are looking for something flavorful and easy to make. With the right ingredients and careful cooking, Alton Brown Caramelized Onions can be enjoyed safely while expecting!
FAQs
What if I don’t have beef consomme?
If you don’t have beef consomme, you can substitute with beef stock or a combination of chicken and vegetable broth.
Are these onions gluten-free?
Yes, Alton Brown Caramelized Onions are naturally gluten-free! However, it is important to be aware of any other ingredients that may have been added to this such as beef consomme or white wine. If these are not gluten-free, then it is best to avoid the dish.
Can I substitute white wine with any other type of alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute white wine with another type of alcohol such as red or dry sherry, brandy, port, or even white vermouth. Keep in mind that each type of alcohol will impart its own unique flavor, so it is best to experiment and find the one you like best!
Wrapping Up
Thank you for reading through this article on Alton Brown Caramelized Onions. This dish is an incredibly easy and delicious way to elevate any meal.
Be sure to follow the instructions in this article carefully for the best results and you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family with Alton Brown Caramelized Onions!
Please share this article with anyone else who may find it helpful and leave a comment below if you have any questions.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
