Looking for a flavor-punch addition to your meal? These simple Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms use a cooking technique to highlight and enhance the natural flavor of your two favorite veggies.
With just three ingredients and 30 minutes needed, you’ll find yourself whipping these up to elevate every meal.
As an environmental scientist, I’m always looking for ways to make eco-friendly produce shine! Mushrooms are not only delicious but considered sustainable food. They have a relatively small environmental footprint as they take little water and energy to grow and emit little CO2.
Green tip: Organic farms rely on biodiversity to generate rich soil, avoiding the use of pesticides and fertilizers, which means no toxic runoff. Consider organic onions and mushrooms for this recipe.
Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms Ingredients
When I say this recipe is simple, I mean it! 3 simple ingredients will get you a beautiful side dish or add-on to any meal.
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Onion. This recipe will work with sweet onions, yellow onions, red onions, white onions, and even shallots.
- Mushrooms. This recipe works best with white button, crimini, and baby bella mushrooms.
- Olive oil or butter. You can use these interchangeably in this particular recipe, depending on your preference.
Quick note: Salt is optional in caramelized onions. Salt does help draw moisture out of the onions, but so does time! If you really want to expedite the caramelization process, add a dash of salt.
Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms Tips and Tricks
Caramelized Vs Sauteed
The difference between caramelized onions and sauteed onions is simply the cooking time.
Caramelized onions have to stay on the pan longer than sauteed in order to truly caramelize in the pan. I’m calling these Quick Caramelized Sauteed Onions because while they come together quickly, they still do get a nice caramelization on them.
Call it a hack, but this quick technique gets you what you want in a fraction of the time of a “true” caramelization.
Slice Your Onions First
Get your tissues ready, it’s time to slice those onions! We’re looking for thin slices about 1-3 inches long.
If you have an onion slicing technique you know and are comfortable with, go for it! Just try to get those slices nice and thin. If you’re looking for guidance on slicing your onions, I’m here for you.
Here’s a step-by-step on how I slice mine:
Step 1: Slice the onion roughly in half, next to the bulb.
Step 2: Slice about 1/2 an inch off of the top and discard it.
Step 3: Peel back the outer layers and discard them.
Step 4: Lay the onion flat and slice it into thin strips, separating the layers from one another.
Step 5: For the other half, cut next to the bulb again and repeat steps 2-4
Step 6: Finally, cut the bulb off, discard, and repeat steps 2-4 one final time.
And if you’re a visual person, see below!
Add Your Onions to the Pan
It’s important to add your onions to the pan first, before the mushrooms. They need about 10 minutes more cooking time than the mushrooms.
Adding your onions and mushrooms at the same time will risk either your onions being undercooked or your mushrooms being overcooked.
Add the oil or butter to the pan with the onions and let them cook for about 10 minutes until they start to brown. Stir them every 3 minutes or so just so they don’t stick to the pan and burn.
Prep Your Mushrooms Next
Rinse your mushrooms and pat them dry. Carefully hold your mushrooms on your cutting board, stem up. Then, slice them into 3 or 4 thin pieces, as pictured below.
Mix ‘Em, Then Let ‘Em Sit
Once your onion starts to brown, add your sliced mushrooms and mix well, so they are evenly distributed throughout your onion slices.
Now the next step is key. Because if you’re anything like me you are impatiently hovering over your food as it cooks, and, well, you may be tempted to give it a stir or two.
But, from here on out, this recipe is hands-off!
In order for the onions and mushrooms to perfectly caramelize, simply let them be! Give it a good 5-8 minutes before using a spatula to turn them to caramelize both sides.
Hot ‘N Ready
You’ll know your caramelized onions and mushrooms are ready when they have a nice golden brown color. I like to sprinkle mine with a little sea salt to amp up the flavor.
Green tip: Eating seasonally is one of the best (and most delicious) ways to support local and decrease your carbon footprint. Local foods have less associated transportation costs and fuel emissions. Check when onions and mushrooms are in season in your area with this Seasonal Food Guide.
How to Properly Store and Reheat Leftover Caramelized Mushrooms and Onions
These Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms will stay delicious in an airtight container in your refrigerator for about 5 days.
You can also opt to freeze them to make them last longer. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
These reheat VERY well in a pan over medium heat. Just add them directly to the pan, no need for more oil or butter. Stir frequently until heated through (about 5-8 minutes, or 10-12 from frozen).
Green tip: Did you know that of the billions of pounds of food wasted annually, it is estimated that 50% of it happens in our homes? It’s always best to avoid food waste as much as you can!
Serving Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
I’m tempted to say “with EVERYTHING” because I’m SO IN LOVE WITH THEM. But, to be more specific, they work great on all kinds of burgers and sandwiches.
Like in this Jackfruit Burger, this Black Bean Burger, and this Veggie Sandwich.
They’re also outrageously delicious on tacos, pizza, in breakfast burritos—the options are endless!
Why You Should Make These Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
- They’re simple. This recipe uses a simple technique to bring out the natural flavors of the produce.
- They’re super flavorful. A healthy and natural flavor-punch to any dish.
- They’re good on pretty much everything. I will never say no to caramelized onions and mushrooms on anything! Well, anything savory that is.
If you’re loving these Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms and want even more of your favorite veggie combo, check out this Hearty Mushroom Stew and Mushroom Fried Rice.
Quick Caramelized Sautéed Onions and Mushrooms
Print Save RateIngredients
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 tbsp oil or butter of choice
- 8 ounces baby bella or white mushrooms
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Slice your onion thin (see post section above for detailed instructions) and add it to a frying pan with your oil or butter on medium heat.
- Rinse, dry, and slice your mushrooms.
- Continue to sautee the onions over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally with a spatula or wooden spoon, until the onion starts to brown around the edges.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and mix well, so that the mushrooms are evenly distributed throughout the onion slices.
- Leave the onions and mushrooms over medium heat for 5-8 minutes without stirring to allow for caramelizing process to occur.
- Once the onions and mushrooms are golden brown on the bottom, stir a couple of times to turn them, and cook for another 5 minutes or so, allowing them to caramelize on both sides.
- Add salt to taste (optional) and serve hot as a side or topping to any savory dish!
Pro Tips
- Use 1 tablespoon of butter or oil per 1 onion and 8 ounces mushrooms. If you are halving the recipe, use 2 teaspoons of oil or butter.
- To reheat, just add the caramelized onions and mushrooms back to your frying pan over medium heat until they are heated completely through, about 5-8 minutes.
Share This Recipe
6 thoughts on “Quick Caramelized Sautéed Onions and Mushrooms”
WAS A GREAT RECIPE ADDED A LITTLE BALSAMIC AT END
Yum! LOVE the addition of balsamic, Maxine! So glad you enjoyed.
Perfection.
Thank you so much for giving the recipe a try, Renee! I put these on almost everything
This recipe is wonderful. Had it for dinner with lamb chops and husband put what was left in his morning omelet.
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed, Susan!! I sneak these onto my plate any time I possibly can!