Onion

Allium cepa Vegetable/Aromatic

Onion Vegetable/Aromatic

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable/Aromatic

The Forktionary Angle

"The humble workhorse of the kitchen, transforming from sharp and pungent when raw to deeply sweet and complex when caramelized, forming the backbone of global cuisines."

Definition

A widely cultivated pungent bulb vegetable, belonging to the Allium genus, used as a foundational aromatic in countless savory cuisines globally.

Culinary Applications Essential in mirepoix, soffritto, and holy trinity bases.
Global Cultivation The second most important horticultural crop globally, after tomatoes.
Tear-Inducing Compound Syn-propanethial S-oxide, released when cells are ruptured, irritating eyes.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Onion are:

Pungent sharp sulfurous (raw); sweet savory umami (cooked/caramelized)

Chef’s Secret

To achieve perfectly caramelized onions faster, add a pinch of baking soda during cooking; it raises the pH and speeds up the Maillard reaction.

Best Substitutes

1:1 shallots

milder

1:1 leeks

white/light green parts, milder

1:1 onion powder

1 tbsp powder = 1 medium onion

Buying Guide

Choose firm, dry onions with no soft spots, sprouts, or strong odors. Store in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place.

Recipes Using Onion

Spicy Taste Mood Low Protein Spicy

Ancho Chile Sauce

Elevate your BBQ game with this intensely flavorful Ancho Chile Sauce! Perfect for brisket, chicken, ribs, and more, this recipe delivers a rich, smoky depth that will leave your taste buds singing. Easily customizable, it's a must-try for both seasoned pitmasters and kitchen novices. Get ready for the best BBQ sauce you've ever tasted!

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Main Dish Pasta Low In Something 15 Minutes Or Less

Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry Ramen

A quick and easy 15-minute Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Ramen recipe! This flavorful fusion dish combines tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and savory ramen noodles in a delicious soy-ginger sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.

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Course Side Dishes Time To Make Dietary

Apple Stuffing

Forget bland, traditional stuffing! This Apple Sage Stuffing recipe is a crowd-pleaser, bursting with flavor and the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving feast. Featuring a delicious blend of savory herbs and sweet apples, topped with extra dried sage for an aromatic kick. This recipe is easy to follow and always delivers a moist, flavorful stuffing that will leave everyone wanting more!

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Time To Make Low Calorie Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Low Carb

Baked Ziti With Beef And Green Beans

This hearty Baked Ziti with Beef and Green Beans recipe is a family favorite, even for those who aren't green bean enthusiasts! Adapted from the American Heart Association's no-fad-diet cookbook, this dish is surprisingly healthy and flavorful. We've omitted the bacon bits for a lighter version, focusing on the rich flavors of no-salt-added tomatoes and savory beef. This complete casserole needs nothing more than a simple side salad to make a perfect meal. Get ready for a comforting, delicious, and heart-healthy dinner the whole family will love!

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Beef Equipment Course Stove Top

Apples And Ground Beef Pasta

A comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for chilly evenings! This recipe combines savory ground beef with sweet apples and warming spices for a unique taste sensation. Inspired by a Weight Watchers recipe, this hearty meal is easy to make and even better the next day!

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Cuisine Main Dish Meat Equipment

Apricot Glazed Ham Patties

Juicy ham patties get a sweet and tangy boost from a delicious apricot glaze in this easy recipe! These savory-sweet patties are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful brunch. The combination of tender ham, crunchy breadcrumbs, and a vibrant apricot glaze creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish!

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Low In Something Low In Something Southern United States Dietary

Barbecued Pork Shoulder Boston Butt

This mouthwatering Barbecued Pork Shoulder recipe, slow-cooked to perfection on your charcoal grill, will have your neighbors lining up for a taste! The smoky hickory aroma will drift for hours, creating an irresistible feast for the senses. Perfect for a relaxing day at home, this recipe allows you to multitask – whether catching a game, watching a movie, or simply enjoying the incredible smell. Prepare for an unforgettable BBQ experience!

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Kid Friendly Beef 60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient

Aunt Mildred's Bbq

A family favorite passed down through generations! This hearty BBQ recipe, perfected by Aunt Mildred while raising 9 kids, is guaranteed to become a staple in your home. Tender, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party. Get ready to experience the taste of love and tradition!

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Dips Eggs Dairy 60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient

Baked Cream Cheese Spinach Dip

Craving Montana's famous spinach artichoke dip? This copycat recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy, and irresistible appetizer that's perfect for game day or any gathering! Baked to bubbly perfection with a generous topping of cheddar cheese, this homemade version is surprisingly easy to make and tastes incredibly close to the restaurant original. Get ready for rave reviews!

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One Dish Meal One Dish Meal Dietary Preparation

Big Biscuit Barbecues

These Big Biscuit Barbecues are a fun twist on a classic recipe! Inspired by a Pillsbury Bake-Off winner, this recipe features juicy BBQ beef nestled between fluffy biscuits, topped with cheese, pickles, and sesame seeds. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun game-day snack!

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60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Chicken

Lemon Chicken With Cilantro And Olives Poulet M Charmel

A vibrant and flavorful North African-inspired chicken dish! This Lemon Chicken with Cilantro, Olives, and Preserved Lemon (Poulet M'Charmel) recipe bursts with fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and briny olives. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a succulent chicken bathed in a fragrant, aromatic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Cuisine European Course Occasion

Authentic German Summer Potato Salad Leichter Kartoffelsalat

Escape to the German countryside with this light and refreshing potato salad! Forget heavy mayo – this recipe highlights the natural flavors of fresh potatoes with a vibrant, tangy dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch, this easy-to-make recipe is ready in under an hour (excluding cooling time). This lighter take on a classic features simple ingredients and minimal prep.

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Meat Preparation Stove Top 60 Minutes Or Less

Beer Braised Chicken

Unearth a culinary treasure! This Beer Braised Chicken recipe, discovered in a collection of vintage notebooks, delivers fall-off-the-bone tender chicken in a rich, deeply flavorful beer sauce. Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, this recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress with this easy, yet elegant dish!

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Cuisine Main Dish Asian Main Ingredient

Baked King Fish Cod In Tomato Sauce

Experience the taste of the freshest catch with this incredible Baked King Fish Cod recipe! Inspired by Madhur Jaffrey, this dish captures the vibrant flavors of the sea. Imagine succulent king fish, sourced daily from a trusted vendor, baked to perfection in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. This recipe is a testament to the joy of fresh ingredients and simple cooking, resulting in a dish that's both elegant and easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor in every bite. Get ready to elevate your seafood game!

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Water Bath Vegetables Low In Something Low Protein

Barbecue Sauce For Canning

This award-winning barbecue sauce recipe, a family heirloom passed down through generations, is incredibly versatile! Perfect for canning and long-term storage, it's your secret weapon for unbelievably tender and flavorful chicken, pork, and more. Use it for braising, baking, grilling, or broiling – the possibilities are endless! Get ready to elevate your BBQ game with this rich, smoky, and tangy sauce.

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Course Easy Taste Mood Meat

Bbq Meatloaf

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this mouthwatering BBQ Meatloaf recipe! A delicious twist on a classic comfort food, this recipe features your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor explosion. Served alongside creamy homemade garlic mashed potatoes (recipe not included), this meatloaf is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Easy to make and packed with flavor, get ready for a taste of pure deliciousness!

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Italian Kid Friendly Italian Preparation

Beth's Spaghetti And Meatballs

This family-favorite spaghetti and meatball recipe combines the best elements from several recipes into one unforgettable dish! Made with lean ground beef (for extra juicy meatballs without pre-browning!), our rich and flavorful sauce simmers to perfection. Get ready for a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Eggs Dairy Easy Occasion Brunch

Bacon Egg Cheese Tacos

Satisfy your breakfast-for-dinner cravings with these incredible Bacon Egg Cheese Tacos! Inspired by a late-night bowling alley conversation, this recipe delivers crispy bacon, perfectly caramelized onions, and fluffy scrambled eggs nestled in warm tortillas. A flavor explosion in every bite! Get ready for a taste sensation that's both easy and unbelievably delicious.

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