Techniques
Heat Control
Skill
Beginner
1 min

How to start caramelizing onions: preheat a heavy-bottom pan on high, then add oil and onions

Preheat a large heavy-bottom pan over high heat before adding oil and onions to get cooking started quickly and evenly.

Use a large, heavy-bottom pan and preheat it over high heat. Once hot, add the oil and then the sliced onions.

The short version

  • Use a large heavy-bottom pan
  • Preheat before adding onions

What you need

  • large heavy-bottom pan
  • stove

How to do it

  1. 1

    Preheat a large heavy-bottom pan over high heat.

    Watch this step
  2. 2

    Add oil, then add the onions.

    Watch this step

What goes wrong

Starting in a cold pan

Preheat the pan first so cooking begins evenly.

Why it works

A heavy-bottom pan holds heat more evenly, helping onions cook consistently across the surface.

Put it to use

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