TikTok Onion Boil
Transform humble onions into a sweet, spicy, and meaty-textured side dish with this easy, one-pan recipe. Perfect for enhancing burgers, sandwiches, or served as a side.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large Yellow Onion Adds natural sweetness and texture; choose a fresh onion for the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Balances flavors; regular salt can be used, but reduce the amount.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning Provides a spicy kick; substitute with chili flakes for less heat.
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning Enhances flavor depth; can be replaced with seafood seasoning if unavailable.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley Adds freshness; fresh parsley can substitute for a more vibrant flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Imparts a savory depth to the dish; fresh minced garlic can be a substitute for enhanced aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds a mild heat; adjust according to taste preferences.
- 2 tablespoons Butter (melted) Provides richness and moisture; olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative.
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel the onion and slice it into thick rounds, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
- Gently separate the rings into layers so you have individual petals to season.
- Pro Tip: Use the root end to keep most petals attached while slicing; this makes separating easier and neater.
Make the spice-butter mix
- Whisk the melted butter with kosher salt, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried parsley in a small bowl.
- Taste a tiny smear on a spoon (careful — it's salty) to check balance; adjust salt or cayenne if needed.
- Pro Tip: Warm the butter slightly — it helps dissolve spices and coat the onion evenly.
Toss and arrange
- Place the separated onion petals in a shallow bowl and pour the butter-spice mix over them. Toss gently to coat each piece.
- Arrange the coated petals in an even layer in a wide, shallow skillet or an oven-safe dish.
- Pro Tip: Overlapping is fine, but give them room to breathe for better caramelization.
Steam-simmer method
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of water to the skillet, cover tightly with a lid, and cook over medium-low heat for 8–12 minutes.
- Uncover and increase heat to medium to evaporate excess liquid and let the edges caramelize for 2–4 minutes.
- You'll know it's ready when the onions are glossy, tender but not mushy, and the edges show golden spots.
Finish and serve
- Transfer to a serving dish and let rest 1–2 minutes so flavors settle.
- Taste and adjust with a sprinkle of extra Old Bay or fresh parsley.
- Serve warm as a side, burger topper, or folded into sandwiches.
- Pro Tip: For a crispier finish, pop the pan under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Air-fryer crisp (alternate method)
- Toss the coated petals and arrange them in a single layer in an air fryer basket at 375°F for 6–9 minutes, shaking halfway.
Notes
These onions keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated gently. For a crispy finish, consider broiling or using an air fryer. They also pair well with a variety of protein-based dishes.