Onion Butter Without Butter Recipe

Unlock the magic of caramelized onions without a single pat of butter! This intensely flavorful 'onion butter' is incredibly versatile – perfect for topping steaks, enriching soups, spreading on sandwiches, or adding depth to sauces. This slow-cooked recipe transforms humble onions into a sweet, savory, and deeply satisfying condiment. Get ready to elevate your dishes!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 130 mins
Calories 231 kcal
Protein 10g
Rating 5.0 (2 Reviews)
Onion Butter Without Butter 20

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Onion Butter Without Butter

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How to Make Onion Butter Without Butter

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of dark sesame oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  2. Add 2 pounds of thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of sea salt.
  3. Sauté the onions, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, until translucent.
  4. Add 1/2 cup of water to just cover the onions.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the onions are dark brown and very sweet. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water (1-2 tablespoons at a time) if needed to prevent sticking.
  6. Once the onions are deeply caramelized, remove from heat and let cool completely.
  7. Transfer the onion mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate. Store for up to 2 weeks.
  8. Use your delicious onion butter as a topping, spread, or flavor enhancer in your favorite recipes!
  9. **Variations:** Try this recipe with 2 pounds of finely chopped carrots, squash, apples, or other fruits and vegetables in place of the onions.
  10. **Oil-Free Method:** For an oil-free version, use the water-sautéing method. Simply sauté the onions in the water (step 3), and proceed with steps 4-7.
  11. **Flavor Boost:** Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of tamari or pureed miso at the end of cooking for an umami kick.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

12 g

Sugar

94g

Fat

0g

Carbs

18g