Zhejiang-style Caramelized Onions

Ingredients

This Zhejiang-style adaptation of Oignons Monégasque incorporates the flavors and techniques of Zhejiang cuisine. The original dish is typically prepared with onions, butter, and salt, while this version adds soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar to create a sweet and savory profile. The cooking technique remains similar, focusing on caramelizing the onions to perfection. By infusing the dish with Zhejiang flavors, it offers a unique twist that celebrates the culinary traditions of the region. We alse have the original recipe for Oignons Monégasque, so you can check it out.

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and turn golden brown, about 10 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar has dissolved.
4. 4.
   Pour the soy sauce mixture over the caramelized onions and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are fully caramelized and coated in the sauce.
5. 5.
   Remove from heat and let the onions cool slightly.
6. 6.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Onions — Thinly slice the onions to ensure they cook evenly and caramelize beautifully.
• Soy sauce — Use a high-quality soy sauce for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
• Rice vinegar — If you don't have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• Sugar — Adjust the amount of sugar based on your desired level of sweetness. You can use brown sugar or honey as alternatives.

Tips & Tricks

• For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of Shaoxing wine to the caramelized onions.
• If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili oil to the dish.
• Serve the Zhejiang-style caramelized onions as a side dish with steamed rice or as a topping for noodles or stir-fries.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Experiment with different types of onions, such as red onions or shallots, for a variation in flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Zhejiang-style caramelized onions as a side dish alongside other Zhejiang-inspired dishes, such as Braised Fish in Vinegar Sauce or Dongpo Pork. The sweet and savory flavors of the onions complement a wide range of main courses and add a delightful touch to any meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the caramelized onions in a neat pile on a serving plate, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Alternatively, you can serve them in individual bowls for a more intimate dining experience. The rich brown color of the caramelized onions will be visually appealing and inviting.