How long does it really take to caramelize onions?

Simply put, caramelized onions aren't quick. It takes at least 45 minutes (and often over an hour) over low heat for the natural sugars in the onions to caramelize. Still, the time is totally worth it. Packed with irresistible umami flavor, caramelized onions add complexity to all sorts of savory dishes.

What is the trick to caramelizing onions quickly?

Once the water is boiling or close to it, put a lid on the pan so the onions can steam . This essentially massively speeds up the process of wilting the onions, which can be the first 15-20 minutes of the sautéing process.

What is the secret to caramelize onions?

As soon as the onions start sticking to the pan, let them stick a little and brown, but then stir them before they burn. The trick is to leave them alone enough to brown (if you stir them too often, they won't brown), but not so long so that they burn .

When to add butter to caramelize onions?

Melt your butter (or heat your oil). Once the pan is hot , add your onions and toss them until they're coated with butter/oil. Once the onions begin to shrink in size, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and caramelized. This will take some time!

Should you cover onions when caramelizing?

The first phase of the process is softening the onions so that they collapse into a tender mass while releasing a good deal of their liquid. If you cover the pan, you'll trap steam, which will speed up their softening, heat them more quickly, and help release their liquid more quickly.

Do you caramelize onions on low or high heat?

While you can start the cooking process at medium heat, low and slow is the name of the game when it comes to caramelizing onions. Once your onions begin to soften and take on a golden hue, you'll want to reduce the heat from medium to medium-low or even low for the remainder of the cooking process.

Why does caramelizing onions take so long?

Before onions can caramelize, enough moisture has to evaporate out of the pan for the cooking surface to climb above 212 degrees . That alone takes a while, and once it happens, you're still committed to stirring and scraping so the onions' natural sugars break down evenly.

Do onions caramelize faster covered or uncovered?

The first phase of the process is softening the onions so that they collapse into a tender mass while releasing a good deal of their liquid. If you cover the pan, you'll trap steam, which will speed up their softening, heat them more quickly, and help release their liquid more quickly.

How long does it take to caramelize something?

Cook until food has reached the color and taste you desire. Process can take up to 45 minutes depending on amount and personal preference of taste.

Caramelized Onion Vegan Quiche (2024)

Published: Feb 11, 2019 · Modified: Nov 30, 2023 by Willow Moon · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

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This easy sweet and savory Caramelized Onion Vegan Quiche is made with tofu and has a chickpea flour crust. It's perfect for brunch!

Caramelized onions are one of my favorite ingredients. They take any dish to the next level.

Many times I pair them with mushrooms, but for this Caramelized Onion Vegan Quiche, they are the star of the show.

For this vegan quiche recipe, I mixed the caramelized onions with tofu. Then I added tamari and white miso paste for a savory umami flavor.

I added nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You could add the caramelized onions to the quiche filling last, and pulse until you get your desired consistency.

I saved about a quarter cup of the onions to spread on top.

Whether you add the onions first or last, it'll taste great. It just depends on the textures you prefer. I will probably make it with thicker chunks next time to see if I like it better.

Another vegan quiche recipe is my Spinach and Broccoli Vegan Quiche. Other recipes to try are my Vegan Mexican Frittata recipe and Vegan Tofu Frittata recipe.

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❤️ Why You'll Love It
🧾 Ingredients
🔪 Instructions
💭 Tips
Do I Need To Press the Tofu?
👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs
Other Vegan Caramelized Onion Recipes
📋 Recipe
💬 Comments

❤️ Why You'll Love It

It is rich, sweet, and savory.
It is perfect for a brunch get-together.
It is a hearty, healthy, and comforting meal.

🧾 Ingredients

Pie Crust

Chickpea flour: I used chickpea flour because I love the flavor. I haven't tried this recipe with any other flour.
Cold water
Olive oil: For texture.
Salt: Enhances flavors. I like to use sea salt.

Filling

Onions: I used yellow onions. You could also use sweet onions or white onions.
Olive oil: For cooking the onions.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds sweetness to the onions. You could also use sugar or brown sugar, or leave it out.
Tofu: You can use extra-firm or firm tofu. I buy it packed in water found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.
Tamari: I like to use low-sodium gluten-free tamari because I like to control the amount of sodium. You could also use soy sauce, liquid aminos, or coconut aminos.
Miso paste: I used white mellow miso paste because it is gluten-free and the mildest of the varieties of miso paste.
Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor.
Salt and pepper: Enhances flavors and adds flavor. I like to use sea salt.

To see the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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🔪 Instructions

Pie Crust

Step 1: Mix chickpea flour, ice-cold water, olive oil, and salt. It should be the consistency of play dough.

Step 2: Oil a 9" pan with olive oil. Oil your hands as well so they don't stick to the dough.

Step 3: Spread the dough out in the pan, including the edges. Bake until it starts to turn golden.

Filling

Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a pan on medium-low heat. Add sliced onions. Sprinkle salt on top.

💭 Tips

For caramelized onions, you need some patience. It takes a good 40 minutes to get nicely browned onions. Slow and steady wins the race.
If the onions start to stick, add a little water, like a quarter of a cup or so.
Balsamic vinegar adds a wonderful flavor to caramelized onions. I always add a couple of splashes near the end of the cooking time.
If you want a chunky onion filling, add the caramelized onions last to the tofu mixture and pulse until you get the desired consistency.
Save about a quarter cup of caramelized onions to top the quiche.
Pre-bake the chickpea flour crust, then add the filling and bake some more. That way you'll have a crunchy flaky crust.
Don't have a cover for your quiche pan? No problem! Just use that shower cap you got from your last vacation. It works great in place of plastic wrap.

Do I Need To Press the Tofu?

For this recipe, it isn't necessary to press the tofu. Drain it if it's the refrigerated kind.

👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

What is a vegan quiche made of?

For this vegan onion quiche recipe, I used caramelized onions, tofu, miso paste, tamari, and nutritional yeast for the filling. To make the crust I used chickpea flour, olive oil, and cold water.

Other Vegan Caramelized Onion Recipes

Caramelized Onion Fritters
Vegan Mashed Cauliflower with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
Portobello Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Sliders
Vegan Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Grilled Cheese

If you tried this Caramelized Onion Vegan Quiche Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let me know how you like it in the 💬comments below. I love hearing from you!

This sweet and savory vegan quiche has a creamy filling with a flaky crust. It will be the hit of your next brunch.

📋 Recipe

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5 from 8 votes