Description
This viral TikTok recipe for Onion Boil showcases a whole sweet onion roasted to tender perfection with a flavorful blend of vegan butter, olive oil, and Cajun seasoning. The onion is slow-roasted in foil until caramelized and juicy, creating a deliciously sweet and savory dish that can be served as a comforting side or a unique appetizer. Optional broiling at the end gives the onion a beautiful golden crust, enhancing its natural sweetness. Easy to prepare and packed with rich flavor, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Onion
- 1 large (15 ounce) sweet onion, peeled and ends trimmed off
Seasoning and Fat
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste when serving
Optional Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Optional Garnish
- Finely diced parsley leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the onion.
- Prepare Onion: Use a small melon baller to scoop out the top center portion of the onion, about one-third of the way down, creating a well in the middle for the butter and seasonings.
- Season Onion: Place the onion on a piece of aluminum foil. Add the vegan butter into the well you created. Mix the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and optional seasonings if using, then pour the mixture over and into the well, letting it drip down the sides. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon salt and any additional seasonings you prefer.
- Wrap Onion: Tightly seal the onion in the foil to keep all the moisture and flavors contained. Place the wrapped onion in a small baking dish or cast iron skillet to catch any drippings.
- Roast Onion: Put the wrapped onion on the center rack of the oven and roast for 1 hour. After baking, carefully open the foil to check for tenderness. The onion should be fork tender, slightly caramelized, and the center should jiggle. If it’s not quite done, reseal and bake for an additional 10 minutes, then check again.
- Optional Broil: For extra caramelization and a golden crust, turn the oven to broil. Open the foil, drizzle more melted vegan butter or olive oil, and sprinkle some extra salt. Broil the onion for 5 to 10 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Carefully peel away the outer layers of the onion and serve each layer beneath with an extra sprinkle of salt if desired. Pour all the flavorful juices from the foil over the onion for maximum taste. It pairs wonderfully with rice, crispy chickpeas, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator once the onion has fully cooled to room temperature to maintain freshness.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to your taste preferences, especially when adding extra salt or optional seasonings.
- Use a small baking dish or skillet under the foil to catch oil drippings and prevent mess in the oven.
- The broiling step is optional but highly recommended for extra flavor and texture.
- Ensure the onion is fork tender before serving to enjoy the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 onion (approx. 125g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
