a pair of tongs adding Burger Onions to a burger - 1 Burger Onions being placed on a pork burger - 2 burger onions being placed on a burger - 3 Sautéed and caramelized red onions. - 4 Burger Onions being placed on a pork burger - 5 a burger being topped with burger onions - 6

These Burger onions are sweet and soft with just enough saltiness to make them irresistible! A delicious, easy way to add flavor to burgers.

a pan of caramelized Burger Onions - 7

Craving a delicious burger? Burger onions are the perfect way to top off your homemade burgers . They’re soft, sweet, and add the perfect flavor and texture. With our easy-to-use recipe, you can make the best burger of your life in just minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

  • The combination of brown sugar and honey makes for an amazing caramelization, which you can taste in every bite.
  • Balsamic vinegar adds an extra layer of flavor and brightness to the dish.
  • Varying heat levels – Starting the onions over a higher heat helped them release their excess moisture. Then once slightly broken down, we lowered the heat until it softened. Then finished by turning up the heat to help with deep browning (hello, flavor). This took about 10 minutes instead of the typical 15 to 20.

Onion Buying Guide

When choosing onions, pay attention to the firmness, skin quality, and color. Here are a few tips:

a box of red, yellow, and white onions - 8

Onions should be firm to the touch, without any bruising or blemishes. The skin should be dry, with no brown spots or mold. Choose onions that are a deep, rich color, or for white onions, choose the most vibrant and avoid onions that are pale or have green spots. Store onions in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight.

Ingredient Notes

onions, brown sugar, honey, and balsamic vinegar - 9

Onions: I used red onions, but you can also use yellow or white onions.

Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work great in this recipe.

Honey: Use mild-flavored honey for this recipe such as Clover Honey (AKA runny honey).

Balsamic vinegar: You can use regular balsamic vinegar or white or apple cider vinegar makes a great alternative.

Step By Step Instructions

Cut 2 pounds of onions in half and then slice them into thin pieces that are about ¼ inch thick.

red onions sliced on a cutting board - 10

Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Then put red onions in the frying pan. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on high heat, stirring often so they don’t stick to the pan. Lower the heat and cover them. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until they are soft.

softened onion in a pan - 11

Remove the lid, and add the honey and balsamic vinegar.

honey, and balsamic vinegar added to the onions in the pan - 12

Then add the brown sugar.

brown sugar sugar added to the pan with the onion mixture - 13

Mix to combine and raise the heat to medium-high, stirring occasionally until they are caramelized. Add salt and pepper to taste.

salt and pepper added to the onion mixture in the pan - 14

Stir to combine. Taste for seasoning before adding them to your burger.

burger onions being placed on a burger - 15

Erren’s Top Tips

  • You can use any type of onion you like for this recipe , such as yellow, white, or even pearl onions.
  • If you want to make sure the onions are cooked evenly , cut them into evenly sized slices.
  • If you find that the onions are sticking to the pan , add a little water to the pan.

Make ahead and Freezing Instructions

Caramelized onions can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.

Rate This Recipe

a burger being topped with burger onions - 16

Ingredients

  • ▢ 2 lbs onions
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon honey
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • ▢ salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Halve 2 pounds of onions and slice ¼ inch thick through the root end.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until shimmering.
  • Stir in onions, cover, and cook (stirring occasionally), until onions are softened and release their juices, about 10 minutes.
  • Remove the lid; Add the brown sugar, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high, and continue to cook, stirring often, until onions are deeply browned about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Taste for seasoning before serving.

Nutrition

a burger being topped with burger onions - 17

Burger Onions

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs onions
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Halve 2 pounds of onions and slice ¼ inch thick through the root end.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until shimmering.
  • Stir in onions, cover, and cook (stirring occasionally), until onions are softened and release their juices, about 10 minutes.
  • Remove the lid; Add the brown sugar, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high, and continue to cook, stirring often, until onions are deeply browned about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Taste for seasoning before serving.

Nutrition

Thank you for visiting Erren’s Kitchen!