Caramelized Onions (Coca-Cola Recipe)

A fork lifting glossy Caramelized Coca-Cola Onions from a white bowl with a Coke can behind it.

These Caramelized Onions made with Coca-Cola are sweet, jammy, and deeply browned, the easy 5-ingredient topping that makes burgers, steaks, and sandwiches taste amazing.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword Caramelized Onions

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Servings servings

Calories 160kcal

Author Jason Decker

Ingredients

4 medium sweet onions
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup Coca-Cola

Instructions

Cut the onions into ¼ inch rounds, discarding the root and skin.
4 medium sweet onions
Separate the rings and set aside.
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the olive oil, onions, salt, and pepper, stir to coat the onions in the oil and seasonings.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
Cook, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes until the onions are translucent and starting to soften.
Add the Coca-Cola to the skillet and stir to combine.
1 cup Coca-Cola
Continue to cook until caramelized, browned, soft, and almost all of the liquid is cooked out, 15-20 minutes.

Notes

Don’t Rush the Cook Time: Low and slow (or at least moderate!) is key for caramelizing onions.
Use the Right Pan: A large skillet gives your onions more surface area to cook evenly. Overcrowding leads to soggy onions and longer cooking times.
Adjust for Sweetness: If it tastes too sweet, add an extra dash of salt or a splash of vinegar.
Keep an Eye on the Liquid: If the skillet starts to dry out too soon, add a tablespoon or two of water or more Coca-Cola so your onions don’t stick or burn.
Taste as You Go: Everyone’s taste buds are different. Feel free to adjust seasoning—maybe you want more black pepper, or you’d like a pinch of onion powder.
Think Outside the Burger: These onions are a delicious way to elevate all sorts of meals—like grilled chicken, fried egg sandwiches, or even a cozy meatloaf.

Nutrition