The aroma of onions sizzling in a hot skillet instantly makes the whole kitchen feel like home. It is amazing how a few minutes of heat can turn a sharp raw vegetable into something so sweet and tender.
I make these easy sautéed onions whenever I need a quick flavor boost for a simple weeknight meal. You will love how effortlessly this recipe adds a rich and savory touch to almost any dish you are cooking.
The Secret to Perfect Easy Sautéed Onions

This recipe is incredibly versatile and works with everything from morning omelets to juicy dinner steaks. You do not need any fancy equipment or advanced skills to get that perfect golden color every single time.
Cooking the onions over medium heat ensures they soften beautifully without burning or turning bitter. It is a simple technique that delivers consistent results and maximum flavor with minimal effort.
I love keeping a batch in the fridge because they reheat perfectly for busy days. Having these savory onions on hand makes it so much easier to add depth to sandwiches and salads.
If this dish hit the spot, you’ll want to try my Quick Kale Soup Recipe next, plus the Hearty Chicken Alfredo Recipe delivers the same bold flavors. Both recipes share that comforting homemade feel that brings the family together around the table.
What You’ll Need for Easy Sautéed Onions

Here are the simple pantry staples you need to gather:
- Olive oil: Use a good quality oil for the best flavor, or substitute with butter for richness.
- Kosher salt: This helps draw moisture out of the vegetable and seasons the dish perfectly.
- Yellow onion: You will need a large one, but red or white varieties work well too.
My Method for Perfect Easy Sautéed Onions

Let’s get the skillet hot and start cooking:
- Start by peeling the outer skin off your large onion and placing it on a stable cutting board. Slice the onion into thin, even strips and use your fingers to gently separate the slices into individual rings. Keeping the slices uniform in size helps ensure that every piece cooks at the same rate so you avoid having some burnt pieces mixed with raw ones.
- Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up for about two minutes until it begins to shimmer slightly across the surface of the pan. It is important that the oil is hot before you add the vegetables to prevent them from absorbing too much grease.
- Add the separated onion rings to the hot skillet and use a wooden spoon to spread them out into an even layer. Sprinkle the salt over the top and cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even browning. You want to cook them until they are soft, translucent, and have developed beautiful golden brown spots on the edges.
My Easy Sautéed Onions Secrets
Be prepared for the onions to shrink significantly as they release their moisture during the cooking process. I usually plan for them to reduce to about half their original volume by the time they are done.
Resist the urge to crank up the heat to high because this will burn the easy sautéed onions before they become tender. Sticking to medium heat allows the sugars to develop naturally for that irresistible sweetness.
You can easily swap the olive oil for butter if you prefer a richer and creamier flavor profile. I often add a splash of balsamic vinegar right at the end to help deglaze the pan and add color.
Best Ways to Enjoy Easy Sautéed Onions
These golden onions are the ultimate topping for a homemade burger or a grilled steak. I also love piling them onto a slice of toasted sourdough bread with a layer of melted cheese.
You can stir them into soups or pasta sauces to add an instant layer of savory depth. My family enjoys these easy sautéed onions mixed into scrambled eggs for a hearty weekend breakfast.
I love seeing how you use these recipes in your own kitchen so please follow me on Pinterest.
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Simple Golden Sautéed Onions
- Total Time: 24 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These simple sautéed onions are tender, golden, and packed with savory flavor. They make the perfect topping for burgers, steaks, or a flavorful addition to soups and omelets.
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion (approx. 10 oz)
Instructions
- Begin by peeling the outer skin off your large onion and placing it on a stable cutting board. Slice the onion into thin, even strips and use your fingers to gently separate the slices into individual rings. Keeping the slices uniform in size helps ensure that every piece cooks at the same rate so you avoid having some burnt pieces mixed with raw ones.
- Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up for about two minutes until it begins to shimmer slightly across the surface of the pan. It is important that the oil is hot before you add the vegetables to prevent them from absorbing too much grease.
- Add the separated onion rings to the hot skillet and use a wooden spoon to spread them out into an even layer. Sprinkle the salt over the top and cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even browning. You want to cook them until they are soft, translucent, and have developed beautiful golden brown spots on the edges.
Notes
You can substitute butter for the olive oil for a richer flavor. These store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 12 min
- Resting Time:
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.25 cup
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: easy sautéed onions, caramelized onions, onion topping, burger topping, healthy side dish
