How to Cook Pearl Onions

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Pearl onions, also called baby onions, are popular for side dishes because of their sweet, buttery flavor. Since they’re different from regular onions, you might not know how to prepare them if you want to try them for yourself. Luckily, there are lots of easy recipes to follow and make delicious pearl onions. The main prep work you have to do is peeling the onions before cooking them. Then pick a recipe and get started!

Ingredients

Caramelizing the Onions

  • 14-15 oz. (397-425 g) of pearl onions
  • 1 tbsp (14 g) of butter
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) of sugar
  • 1/3 cup (79 ml) of balsamic vinegar

Yields 6 servings

Braising the Onions

  • 1 lb (0.45 kg) of onions
  • Butter
  • 1 tsp (5.9 g) of sugar
  • Chicken or vegetable stock

Yields 4 servings

Roasting the Onions

  • 20 oz (568 g) of onions
  • 1/4 cup (237 ml) of balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) of olive oil
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) of thyme
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) dried basil
  • 1 tsp (5.9 g) of salt
  • 1 tsp (5.9 g) of black pepper
  • 1 tsp (5.9 g) of paprika
  • 1 tsp (5.9 g) of rosemary

Yields 4 servings

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Caramelizing the Onions

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    Scoop 1 tbsp (14 g) of butter into a nonstick saucepan. Place the saucepan on a burner and heat the butter over MEDIUM until it melts. [1]
    • Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option. However, the onions won’t brown and caramelize as well without butter.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Pearl Onions
    Add 14-15 oz. (397-425 g) of onions to the pan. Stir the onions every few minutes so they brown evenly and don't stick to the pan. They should turn a nice golden-brown color after 20 minutes or so. [2]
    • You can use frozen or fresh onions for this recipe. If you use fresh ones, remember to peel them first.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Pearl Onions
    Measure out 2 tbsp (25 g) of sugar and stir it into the onions. Cook the onions for another 2 minutes to caramelize them. The sugar helps them caramelize and gives them a nice flavor and coating. [3]
    • For a slightly different flavor, try brown sugar instead. [4]
    • Stir in 1/3 cup (79 ml) of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor. [5]
    • Try experimenting with other flavors like rosemary, thyme, or white wine. [6]
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    Secure the lid and reduce the heat to low so the onions can simmer and soak up the delicious flavors. [7] Check on the onions every few minutes to make sure they aren't burning.
    • Don’t let the onions dry out. If there's no moisture left, add 1 tbsp (15 ml) of water at a time, as needed.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Pearl Onions
    To enhance the caramelized flavor, try stirring in 1/2 tbsp (7 g) of butter, 3/4 tsp (4.5 g) of black pepper, and 1/4 tsp (1.4 g) of salt. Then, serve them and enjoy! [8]
    • Top the onions with parsley to give the dish some color and extra taste.
    • Caramelized onions pair well with chicken or fish dishes. They're also great to snack on all by themselves!
    • If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Braising the Onions

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Pearl Onions
    Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Then, pour in 1 lb (0.45 kg) of onions. Stir the onions occasionally as they cook so they brown evenly on all sides. [9]
    • Add 1 tsp (5.9 g) of sugar when the onions turn brown for extra flavor.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Pearl Onions
    Pour in enough chicken stock to cover the onions completely. Then, sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. [10]
    • Experiment with seasonings like red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, or garlic powder.
    • Use water or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
    • If you didn’t brown the onions first, start with this step.
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    Secure the lid on the pan and lower the heat. Leave the onions to simmer and soak up those delicious flavors. You don't have to stir the onions as they simmer. [11]
    • Check the pan every few minutes and lower the heat if the stock is boiling.
    • The onions will absorb most of the stock as they simmer.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Pearl Onions
    If any liquid remains after 25 minutes, turn the heat up to HIGH and bring it to a boil. Keep boiling the liquid until it evaporates. Then, you’re ready to serve! [12]
    • Braised onions pair well with beef dishes like steak or roast beef.
    • Put leftover onions in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. Enjoy them within 3-5 days.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Roasting the Onions

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    Ovens takes a few minute to heat up completely, so go ahead and preheat it. You can do the prep work while it’s heating up. [13]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Pearl Onions
    First, add 1-2 tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil. For seasonings, you have lots of choices. Try adding thyme, dried basil, salt, black pepper, paprika, rosemary, or 1/4 cup (237 ml) of balsamic vinegar. Toss everything together with your hands or stir it well. [14]
    • You can use fresh or frozen onions for this recipe. If you use frozen ones, defrost and drain them first.
    • For a heartier dish, cut up a few potatoes into quarters and toss them in with the onions.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Pearl Onions
    Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray to lubricate it. Then, pour the onions onto the pan and spread them out in a single layer so they cook evenly. [15]
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    After 25 minutes, check the onions with a fork to see if they're tender. If they still feel firm, bake them for another 5 minutes and check again. When the onions are tender, take them out of the oven and let them cool off a bit before you serve them. [16]
    • Top the onions with more salt and pepper if you'd like.
    • This is a great side dish and pairs well with meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes.
    • Pack up any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for 3-5 days.
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      Things You'll Need

      Caramelizing the Onions

      • Frying pan
      • Spoon or spatula

      Braising the Onions

      • Frying pan
      • Spoon or spatula

      Roasting the Onions

      • Baking sheet
      • Cooking spray
      • Spoon
      • Bowl


      Tips

      • If you don’t want to go through the trouble of peeling the onions first, you can use a pack of frozen onions instead. These come already peeled.
        Thanks
      • You can always improvise with recipes as well. If you prefer other seasonings or spices, feel free to add them.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/balsamic-glazed-pearl-onions
      2. ↑ https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/balsamic-glazed-pearl-onions
      3. ↑ https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/balsamic-glazed-pearl-onions
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/EKuKOmWZJ58?t=68
      5. ↑ https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/balsamic-glazed-pearl-onions
      6. ↑ https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/caramelized-pearl-onions
      7. ↑ https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/balsamic-glazed-pearl-onions
      8. ↑ https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/balsamic-glazed-pearl-onions
      9. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/braised_onions/
      1. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/braised_onions/
      2. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/braised_onions/
      3. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/braised_onions/
      4. ↑ https://www.marthastewart.com/336526/balsamic-roasted-pearl-onions
      5. ↑ https://www.marthastewart.com/336526/balsamic-roasted-pearl-onions
      6. ↑ https://www.marthastewart.com/336526/balsamic-roasted-pearl-onions
      7. ↑ https://www.marthastewart.com/336526/balsamic-roasted-pearl-onions

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To caramelize pearl onions, start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Saute the onions in the pan for 20 minutes, stirring them every few minutes so they cook evenly. Then, stir 2 tablespoons of sugar, which will help the onions caramelize and give them a nice flavor. Cover the pan and simmer over low heat for 25 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time if the onions start to dry out. Finally, stir in 1/2 tablespoon of butter and some salt and pepper before serving. To learn how to braise and roast pearl onions, keep reading!

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