Savory Delights: 18 Mouthwatering Recipes with Red Onions You Need to Try!
Red onions add a sweet and tangy flavor to any dish, making them a versatile ingredient in many cuisines. Whether you’re looking for a savory tart, a flavorful salad, or a hearty soup, red onions are the perfect addition. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious recipes that showcase the versatility of red onions. From classic pairings like goat cheese and balsamic vinegar to innovative combinations with grilled steak and spicy tacos, these recipes will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
Caramelized Red Onion and Goat Cheese Tart
This sweet and savory tart combines the deep flavor of caramelized red onions with the tanginess of goat cheese, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup goat cheese crumbles
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Brush pastry with beaten egg and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread caramelized onions over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Sprinkle goat cheese crumbles over the onions.
6. Fold edges of pastry up over the filling to form a crust.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Grilled Steak with Red Onion Chimichurri
Elevate your grilling game with this Argentine-inspired recipe that pairs tender steak with a tangy and flavorful red onion chimichurri sauce. Perfect for a quick and impressive dinner or a summer barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season steak with salt and pepper.
3. Grill steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
4. While the steak is cooking, combine red onion slices, parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil in a bowl.
5. Stir to combine and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve grilled steak with chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Red Onion and Balsamic Jam Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with this sweet and savory jam, perfect for topping toasted baguette slices. This easy-to-make spread is a great addition to any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 baguette, toasted and cut into 1-inch slices
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sliced onions, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
2. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes or until the mixture thickens and caramelizes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spoon the jam onto toasted baguette slices.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Red Onion and Cucumber Salad
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of cucumbers with the pungency of red onions, all wrapped up in a spicy package. Perfect for hot summer days or as a side dish for your favorite grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the red onion and cucumber slices.
2. Add the chopped jalapeño and cilantro to the bowl.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Roasted Red Onion and Garlic Soup
A sweet and savory soup that’s perfect for a cozy evening or as a starter for a special occasion. This recipe showcases the caramelized flavors of roasted red onions and garlic, blended with chicken broth and cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 large red onions, peeled and chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the onions and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the onions are caramelized and dark golden brown.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted onion mixture, chicken broth, and heavy cream or half-and-half. Blend until smooth.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Red Onion and Mushroom Risotto
Elevate your risotto game with this flavorful and aromatic dish, featuring caramelized red onions and earthy mushrooms. This creamy Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), cleaned and sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onions for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
2. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add wine (if using); cook until absorbed, stirring constantly.
5. Warm broth in a separate pot. Add 1/2 cup warmed broth to rice mixture; stir until absorbed. Repeat, adding broth in 1/2 cup increments and stirring until absorbed, for about 20-25 minutes or until rice is cooked.
6. Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese (if desired).
Cooking Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes.
Pickled Red Onion Tacos with Lime Crema
Brighten up your taco Tuesday with this vibrant and flavorful recipe! Sweet and tangy pickled red onions add a pop of color to these tacos, while the creamy lime crema brings everything together.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Lime Crema (see below)
– Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco
Pickled Red Onions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine sliced red onion, apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the onions to pickle.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Lime Crema:
– 1 cup (250ml) sour cream
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt, to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth.
Assembly:
1. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
2. Assemble tacos with pickled red onions, Lime Crema, and desired toppings.
3. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on pickling time)
Red Onion and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken dish with the sweet and tangy combination of caramelized red onions and crumbly feta cheese. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the sliced red onion over medium heat for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
3. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the cooked onion mixture and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Red Onion and Rosemary Focaccia
Savor the rich flavors of Italy with this simple yet flavorful focaccia recipe, infused with sweet caramelized red onions and fragrant rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup caramelized red onion (see note)
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes, until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Top with caramelized red onion, chopped rosemary, and balsamic vinegar (if using).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Note: To caramelize the onions, cook 1 large red onion over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dark golden brown and sweet.
Red Onion and Tomato Bruschetta
This classic Italian appetizer gets a flavor boost from the sweetness of caramelized red onions and the tanginess of fresh tomatoes. Perfect for a quick and easy gathering, this bruschetta is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
– 4-6 slices of baguette, toasted
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Caramelize the red onions by cooking them in a skillet with olive oil over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Toast the baguette slices and spread with garlic.
4. Top each slice with caramelized onions, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and garnish with chopped basil leaves (if using).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Red Onion and Blue Cheese Burger
Elevate your burger game with this flavorful combination of red onion, blue cheese, and beef. This recipe is perfect for those who love bold flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 oz ground beef
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lettuce and tomato (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.
3. Grill burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, cook red onion slices in olive oil over low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until caramelized.
5. Assemble burgers by spreading a layer of blue cheese on the bottom bun, followed by a beef patty, a few slices of red onion, and finally the top bun.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add lettuce and tomato if desired.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Red Onion and Spinach Quiche
This quiche recipe combines the sweetness of caramelized red onions with the earthy flavor of fresh spinach, making it perfect for brunch or dinner. With just a few ingredients and simple preparation, you’ll be enjoying this tasty dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch pie crust
– 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Caramelize the red onions by cooking them in olive oil over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the caramelized onions, spinach, garlic, and cheddar cheese to the egg mixture; stir until well combined.
6. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and smooth out the top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is set and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Red Onion and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
This simple yet flavorful stir-fry is a great way to add some color and nutrition to your meal. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy dish that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: soy sauce or other stir-fry seasoning
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and optional soy sauce (if using).
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Red Onion and Thyme Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the sweetness of red onions with the earthy goodness of thyme. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until coated.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange potato cubes in a single layer.
4. Roast potatoes for 20 minutes or until slightly tender.
5. Toss red onion slices with remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the onion mixture to the potatoes on the baking sheet and continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Red Onion and Avocado Salsa
Elevate your snack game with this vibrant and flavorful salsa that combines the sweetness of red onion, the creaminess of avocado, and a hint of lime zest.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 lime, juiced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced red onion, diced avocado, lime juice, and chopped jalapeño.
2. Stir until well combined, then season with salt to taste.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Just before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (preparation), 30 minutes (refrigeration)
Red Onion and Gruyère Tartiflette
A classic Savoyard dish from the French Alps, this tartiflette combines caramelized red onions with creamy Gruyère cheese and crispy potatoes. Perfect as a side dish or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 1 large potato, peeled and thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the sliced onions over medium heat for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
3. Butter a 9-inch tart pan and layer the cooked onions, overlapping slightly.
4. Top with Gruyère cheese, then arrange potato slices on top.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown.
7. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Red Onion and Cilantro Lime Rice
This flavorful rice dish combines the sweetness of caramelized red onions with the brightness of cilantro and lime, perfect for accompanying your favorite grilled meats or as a side to a Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced red onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 20 minutes).
3. Add the rice and stir to coat with the onion mixture.
4. Add the water and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
6. Stir in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste.
7. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Red Onion and Dill Salmon Skewers
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with these flavorful and refreshing salmon skewers, featuring the sweetness of red onion and the brightness of fresh dill.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread a piece of salmon onto each skewer, followed by a few slices of red onion and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
3. Brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through to your desired level of doneness.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to unleash the flavor of red onions with these 18 savory recipe ideas! From sweet and tangy caramelized red onion and goat cheese tart, to spicy pickled red onion tacos and bold red onion and gruyère tartiflette. These recipes showcase the versatility of red onions as a topping, ingredient, or even star of the show. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food, international flavors, or light and refreshing options, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get cooking, and discover the delicious world of red onions!