Skip to main content

Sautéed Onions

Sweet and tender onions are delicious added to recipes including dips, pizzas, pastas and meats.
Browned onions on a plate.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Makes: 1 cup
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 medium onion, sliced or chopped
1 teaspoon vegetable oil, margarine or butter

Directions

  1. Heat oil in a wide bottomed skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Add chopped or sliced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until desired softness and color are reached. Reduce the heat as needed to prevent burning.
    • 3 to 5 minutes – onions will be crisp-tender and a clear white
    • Longer cooking will start to brown the onions. They will become softer and sweeter.
    • Cooking for a long time (30 minutes or more) at a lower heat will turn onions a rich golden brown.
  4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • When sauteing more than one onion, avoid crowding them in the pan.

Comments

Walla Walla Sweet Onions are especially good for this recipe.  I added salt and pepper while I was sauteing. 

Sautéed onions are a staple in our house.  The process carmelizes the onions, giving them a sweeter and more mellow flavor.  I serve these often as a side dish and we love them on burgers and sandwiches. 

Saute onion is so good to put in with any meats that I cook, especially steaks, hamburger or liver. I like to add a few other spices such as garlic and/or onion powder as well. So yummy.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Microwave Fresh Vegetables
Glass containers with potatoes, carrots, broccoli and green beans.

Microwave Fresh Vegetables

Steam-cooking fresh vegetables in the microwave is a quick and easy way to make a healthy side dish for lunch or dinner. The short cooking time preserves nutrients, color and flavor.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Mix and Match Grain Bowl
Two versions of a grain bowl with vegetables and chicken or tofu.

Mix and Match Grain Bowl

Make a simple, delicious and healthy meal for any time of day with ingredients you have on hand and these mix and match ideas.
Prepare:
varies
Cook:
varies
Makes:
4 servings
Pasta Ratatouille
Rotini noodles with vegetables and shredded cheese.

Pasta Ratatouille

Fresh summer veggies and herbs make the perfect topping for hearty pasta.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
9 cups
Quick Brown Bread
Sliced loaf of whole-wheat bread with evenly space air pockets.

Quick Brown Bread

Warm and comforting quick bread with whole wheat flour and a hint of sweet brown sugar.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
50 minutes
Makes:
16 slices
Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)
Stack of pumpkin shaped pancakes with raisins.

Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)

Brown sugar, pumpkin and warming spices make this a fun and delicious recipe that the whole family will enjoy.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
16 pancakes (4-inch)
Buttermilk Scones
Plate of golden whole-wheat scones with raisins.

Buttermilk Scones

This kid-approved scone recipe is good for breakfast, a holiday brunch or an everyday snack.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
9 Scones