Description
Transform simple onions into sweet, golden caramelized perfection in your Instant Pot! Fast, hands-off and full of flavor — perfect as a topping, condiment, or base for sauces. 🧅✨
Ingredients
– 1.5 lb (700 g) yellow onions, thinly sliced 🧅
– 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
– 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
– 1 tsp granulated sugar 🍬 (optional, helps caramelize)
– 1/4 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth 🥣
– 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 🍷 (optional, adds depth)
– Fresh thyme sprigs 🌿 (optional)
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 🌶️
Instructions
1 Set the Instant Pot to Sauté (Normal) and add olive oil and butter; let the butter melt.
2 Add the thinly sliced onions and salt. Sauté, stirring every 2–3 minutes, until onions are softened and starting to brown (about 10–12 minutes).
3 Stir in the sugar (if using) and continue to sauté 1–2 minutes to encourage browning.
4 Pour in the broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom to deglaze the pot.
5 Add the balsamic vinegar and thyme sprigs, then close the lid and set valve to Sealing.
6 Pressure cook on High (Manual) for 3 minutes.
7 When the cook time ends, perform a Quick Release carefully by moving the valve to Venting.
8 Open the lid and remove thyme sprigs. Set the Instant Pot back to Sauté and simmer uncovered for 4–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid evaporates and onions reach a deep golden-brown, caramelized color.
9 Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter for silkier texture.
10 Serve warm as a topping for burgers, steaks, pizzas, or mix into soups and sauces. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 5 days.