Onion Boil is a flavorful and simple dish that highlights the sweetness of onions, often cooked with spices and seasonings. This dish is perfect as a side or a unique appetizer that pairs well with various main courses!
Ingredients
- 4 large onions (yellow or sweet onions)
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley, for garnish)
Timing
Making Onion Boil takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
- Peel and Cut: Peel the onions and cut off the tops and bottoms. You can leave them whole or cut them in half, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Make the Boiling Liquid
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the water, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Boil the Onions
- Add Onions: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, carefully add the prepared onions to the pot.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the onions simmer for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender and infused with flavor. You can check for doneness by piercing them with a fork.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove and Drain: Once the onions are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them drain briefly.
- Garnish: Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Onion Boil (per onion, based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Tips for Customization
- Add Vegetables: Include other vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the boiling liquid for a more hearty dish.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or dill for varied flavor profiles.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add other spices like smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Conclusion
Onion Boil is a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the natural sweetness of onions. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this delightful recipe as a side dish or appetizer!
Onion Boil Recipe
Ingredients
- • 4 large onions (yellow or sweet onions)
- • 4 cups water
- • 1/4 cup soy sauce
- • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- • 2 tablespoons olive oil
- • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- • Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Peel the onions and trim off the tops and bottoms.
- Leave them whole or cut them in half if preferred.
- In a large pot, combine the water, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the prepared onions to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 30 minutes until the onions are tender.
- Remove the onions from the pot and let them drain briefly.
- Serve warm and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Step 2: Make the Boiling Liquid
Step 3: Cook the Onions
Step 4: Serve
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