Sweet Onion Sauce
Sweet Onion Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment combining the natural sweetness of onions with tangy apple cider vinegar and subtle aromatics. Perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, mixing into salads, or using as a dip, this quick and easy sauce uses simple pantry ingredients to elevate everyday dishes with a smooth, balanced sweetness and bright tang.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Category: Condiments
- Method: Sautéing and Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan option available
Main Ingredients
- 2 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla), finely diced or grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for blending
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley), finely chopped
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or splash of hot sauce (for spicy version)
- Smoked paprika (for smoky flavor)
- Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (for creamy texture)
- Maple syrup or agave nectar (vegan sweetener alternative)
- Fresh lemon or orange juice (for citrus twist)
- Prepare the Onions: Finely dice or grate the sweet onions. The smaller the pieces, the smoother your sauce will be. A food processor can be used for faster preparation.
- Sauté the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until they turn translucent and soft, which brings out their natural sweetness without bitterness.
- Add Garlic and Sweeteners: Stir in the minced garlic and honey or brown sugar, continuing to cook for 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Incorporate Vinegar and Seasonings: Pour in the apple cider vinegar and stir well. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs to taste.
- Blend Until Smooth: Transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pan. Process until completely smooth, then slowly drizzle in additional olive oil to emulsify the sauce and create a glossy finish.
- Adjust Consistency and Flavor: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of water or more vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Your sweet onion sauce is now ready to serve or store.
Notes
- Use fresh sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best natural sweetness and mild flavor.
- Sauté onions on low heat to avoid burning and to let their sugars develop.
- Adjust the amount of honey or sugar gradually to achieve your preferred sweetness.
- Choose high-quality apple cider vinegar, preferably with ‘the mother’ for enhanced flavor and probiotic benefits.
- Blend thoroughly until silky smooth for the best texture.
- This sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to one week in an airtight container.
- Freezes well up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge and stir before use.
- Warm gently when reheating; avoid boiling to maintain flavor and consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sweet onion sauce, onion condiment, versatile sauce, tangy onion sauce, honey onion sauce, vegan onion sauce