Caramelized Onion Gravy Recipe

Caramelized onion gravy is a delicious and versatile addition to various dishes, elevating them to new levels of flavor and enjoyment.

With its rich, savory taste and the sweetness of caramelized onions, this gravy recipe is one you’ll definitely want to save.

Preparing caramelized onion gravy may seem a bit time-consuming, but the process is quite simple, and the end result is absolutely worth your effort.

Below, I’ll guide you through each step of preparing this delectable sauce, along with some helpful tips to achieve the perfect consistency and flavor.

How to Make Caramelised Onion Gravy

Ingredients List:

• caramelized onions
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Caramelize the onions: In a large saucepan, heat the unsalted butter on medium-high heat until it melts.

Add your sliced onions and cook them for about 10 minutes or until they become translucent.

Stir in the brown sugar, which will help create a golden-brown color and a sweet-savory flavor.

Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the onions for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they reach a deep golden brown color.

Add the flour: Sprinkle the plain flour over the caramelized onions, stirring to combine.

Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flour to cook through and slightly thicken the mixture.

Step 2

Add the liquids: Slowly pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until it reaches your desired thickness.

Add the balsamic vinegar: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and allow the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 3

Season and serve: Finally, taste the gravy and season it with salt and black pepper as needed.

Serve this homemade caramelized onion gravy alongside your roast, meat, or potatoes, and enjoy its rich, sweet, and savory flavor.

Side Dishes for Caramelised Onion Gravy

Caramelized onion gravy is a delicious and versatile sauce that can elevate various side dishes.

In this section, we will explore some side dishes that pair well with this gravy.

Remember, the key to a successful meal is balancing flavors and textures.

Mashed Potatoes:

Creamy and smooth, mashed potatoes create a great base for caramelized onion gravy.

The combination of fluffy potatoes and rich gravy will leave you coming back for seconds.

Prepare your mashed potatoes with butter, cream, and seasoning, then top them with hot caramelized onion gravy for a mouthwatering side dish.

Yorkshire Puddings:

A traditional British accompaniment, Yorkshire puddings are an excellent choice to serve with caramelized onion gravy.

The light and airy texture of the puddings helps to absorb the delicious gravy, creating a scrumptious bite.

You can either make them from scratch or buy pre-made puddings; just make sure to heat them up before serving.

Ingredients Substitutes

Yellow Onions

Yellow onions are the most common type found in kitchens, and they work well in caramelized onion gravy.

Their strong flavor and high sugar content make them perfect for caramelization.

If you don’t have yellow onions on hand, you can use white onions as a suitable substitute.

Chicken Stock

If you want a lighter flavor or do not eat beef, chicken stock is an excellent substitute for beef stock in caramelized onion gravy.

It is still full of flavor, but it won’t overpower the caramelized onions.

Remember to use an equal amount of chicken stock as you would use beef stock.

Vegetable Broth

For a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option, you can use vegetable broth in place of beef stock.

It will give your caramelized onion gravy a lighter, more delicate flavor while still adding richness to the recipe.

Make sure to use an equal amount of vegetable broth as you would use for beef stock.

How to Store Caramelised Onion Gravy

When it comes to storing caramelized onion gravy, there are a few key points to consider, ensuring the flavor and freshness stay intact.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious and rich gravy for an extended period.

Refrigerator

First and foremost, allow the caramelized onion gravy to cool down to room temperature before attempting to store it.

This helps prevent the build-up of condensation when the gravy is transferred to an airtight container, which in turn prevents the growth of harmful bacteria.

Once the gravy has reached room temperature, it is important to find a suitable airtight container to keep it fresh.

An airtight container with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for preventing air from seeping in and affecting the gravy’s quality and flavor.

You can use glass or plastic containers, depending on your preference.

Just make sure the container is clean and dry before pouring in the gravy.

If you would like to add extra flavor to the caramelized onion gravy, simply incorporate some fresh herbs or a dash of your favorite spices.

This can enhance the flavor and give your dish a unique taste that complements the accompanying meal.

For short-term storage, place the airtight container of gravy in the refrigerator.

It should remain fresh for up to 4 days when stored at the appropriate temperature of around 40°F (4°C) or lower.

Always check for signs of spoilage, such as foul odors or mold, before consuming.

Freezer

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the caramelized onion gravy.

Simply double-wrap the airtight container with freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the freezer.

This method preserves the gravy for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to use the frozen gravy, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your caramelized onion gravy remains fresh and flavorful, ready to be enjoyed whenever you fancy a delicious and savory topping for your dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the Wrong Heat Level

When caramelizing onions for your delicious onion gravy, it’s important to cook them over medium heat.

Cooking at too high of heat can result in burned onions, while cooking at too low of heat will not allow them to caramelize properly.

Medium heat is the sweet spot that ensures the onions develop a deep, rich flavor for your gravy.

Slicing Onions Too Thinly

One common mistake when preparing caramelized onion gravy is slicing the onions too thin.

Aim to slice your onions 1/8″ thick, as thinner slices can burn faster and stick to the bottom of your pan.

The slightly thicker cut will prevent the onions from drying out, ensuring they cook evenly and have the right texture for your gravy.

Overlooking Vegetarian Gravy Options

Don’t forget about the vegetarians in your life when making caramelized onion gravy.

Vegetarian gravy can be just as flavorful and satisfying as its meat-based counterpart.

To create a vegetarian brown onion gravy, simply swap out any meat-based ingredients with vegetable stock or broth.

Not Using a Splash of Water

Another mistake to avoid is neglecting the importance of a splash of water.

If your onions start to stick or appear too dry while caramelizing, add a splash of cold water to your pan.

This will help lift the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan and promote even cooking.

Skipping the All-Purpose Flour

For a smooth gravy, be sure to include all-purpose flour in your ingredient list.

Whisking a small amount of flour into the caramelized onion mixture will help thicken the gravy and create the perfect consistency.