I take the onion and the lid. A friend from China taught me. Simple delicious! | March 22, 2025

It sounds like you’re referring to a simple yet delicious way to cook onions, perhaps using a method inspired by traditional Chinese cooking. Cooking onions with a lid can help them caramelize and soften beautifully, unlocking a rich, sweet flavor that’s incredibly versatile in dishes. Here’s a straightforward recipe to prepare caramelized onions using a lid to trap the steam and enhance the cooking process.
Simple Delicious Caramelized Onions

Ingredients:

2 large onions (yellow or red)

2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter

Salt, to taste

Optional: a splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce for added flavor

Equipment:

Skillet with a lid

Instructions:

Prepare the Onions:

Peel the onions and slice them thinly. The thinner the slices, the faster they will cook and caramelize.

Heat the Oil:

Place a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil or butter. Allow it to heat up until it’s shimmering but not smoking.

Cook the Onions:

Add the sliced onions to the skillet, spreading them out evenly.

Sprinkle a little salt over the onions to help draw out moisture and enhance their sweetness.

Stir the onions gently to coat them in the oil or butter.

Cover and Caramelize:

Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. This will trap steam and help the onions cook more evenly, preventing them from burning.

Let the onions cook for about 20-30 minutes, checking occasionally. If they start to stick, you can add a small splash of water or more oil to the pan.
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