Stir onions occasionally for even browning, then more frequently as they caramelize (including the edges)
Stir from time to time so onions brown evenly, and increase stirring frequency as they reduce and caramelize—scraping around the edges too.
While cooking on medium-low, stir the onions occasionally to promote even browning. As they start to caramelize and reduce, stir more frequently. Make sure to stir and scrape around the edges as well.
The short version
- Occasional stirring early; more frequent stirring later
- Don’t neglect the pan edges
What you need
- spoon or spatulaFor stirring and scraping
How to do it
- 1
Stir the onions from time to time so they brown evenly.
Watch this step - 2
As the onions start to caramelize, stir more frequently.
Watch this step - 3
Make sure to get around the edges while stirring.
Edges can brown faster as onions cook down.
Watch this step
What goes wrong
Not stirring enough and getting uneven browning
Stir periodically, then more often once caramelization begins.
Ignoring the edges of the pan
Scrape/stir around the edges as you go.
Why it works
Stirring redistributes onions and prevents hot spots from over-browning while others stay pale; edges can brown faster and need attention.
Put it to use
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