Description
This viral TikTok recipe transforms a large sweet onion into a tender, flavorful roasted delight. Seasoned with Cajun spices and roasted to a caramelized perfection, this Onion Boil is perfect as a unique side dish or snack, boasting rich, buttery layers and enhanced with optional seasonings for added depth. Simple to prepare and deliciously satisfying, it pairs wonderfully with rice, crispy chickpeas, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Onion
- 1 large (15 ounce) sweet onion, peeled and ends trimmed off
Seasonings and Oils
- 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: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to heat thoroughly before cooking the onion.
- Prepare Onion: Using a small melon baller, scoop out a well from the top center of the onion about one-third down to create a hollow space. Place the onion on a sheet of aluminum foil.
- Add Butter and Seasonings: Place the tablespoon of vegan butter into the onion’s hollow. Mix the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and salt (plus any optional seasonings like garlic powder or Old Bay) in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the butter in the well, allowing it to drizzle down the onion’s sides.
- Wrap Onion: Tightly wrap the entire onion in the aluminum foil and place it in a baking dish or cast iron skillet to catch any oil that may leak during roasting.
- Roast Onion: Roast the wrapped onion in the center rack of the oven for 1 hour. After an hour, carefully open the foil to check the onion; it should be fork tender with a jiggle at the center and slightly caramelized. If not fully cooked, reseal and roast for an additional 10 minutes before rechecking.
- Optional Broiling for Caramelization: For a deeper caramelized top, increase the oven setting to broil. Open the foil, drizzle additional melted vegan butter or olive oil, and sprinkle an extra pinch of salt. Broil the onion for 5-10 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning and achieve a golden-brown exterior.
- Serve: Peel away the outer layer of the onion and enjoy each soft, flavorful layer beneath, seasoning with extra salt if desired. Pour any collected juices from the foil over the onion to maximize flavor. Serve hot alongside rice, crispy chickpeas, or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator after the onion has completely cooled to room temperature.
- Use vegan butter to keep this recipe plant-based and dairy-free.
- Optional seasonings such as garlic powder and Old Bay add additional flavor complexity if desired.
- Broiling is optional but enhances caramelization and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 onion
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
