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Onion Boil (Viral TikTok Recipe) Recipe

4.5 from 104 reviews

This Viral TikTok Onion Boil recipe transforms a large sweet onion into a tender, caramelized delight by roasting it in a flavorful mixture of vegan butter, olive oil, and Cajun seasoning. Wrapped tightly in foil and slow-roasted then optionally broiled for extra caramelization, this comforting side dish is perfect served with rice and roasted vegetables. The layers of soft, flavorful onion are enhanced by the seasoned juices, delivering a unique and satisfying taste experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Onion and Seasoning

  • 1 large (15 ounce) sweet onion, peeled and ends trimmed off
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste when serving each layer)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)

Fats and Oils

  • 1 tablespoon vegan butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Garnish

  • Finely diced parsley leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting the onion perfectly.
  2. Prepare and season the onion: Using a small melon baller, scoop out the top center portion of the onion about one-third of the way down to form a well. Place the onion on a sheet of aluminum foil. Put the vegan butter into the well. Mix the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and any optional seasonings, then pour this mixture over the butter in the well, allowing it to drip down the sides of the onion. Sprinkle with salt and additional seasonings if desired.
  3. Wrap the onion in foil: Tightly seal the entire onion in aluminum foil, ensuring no juices can escape. Place the wrapped onion into a small baking dish or cast iron skillet to catch any oils that may seep out during cooking.
  4. Roast the onion: Place the wrapped onion on the center rack of the oven and roast for 1 hour. After roasting, carefully open the foil and check the onion for tenderness—it should be fork tender, slightly caramelized, and the center should jiggle. If not fully cooked, reseal the foil and continue roasting for an additional 10 minutes, then check again.
  5. Optional broiling for caramelization: For an extra golden brown and caramelized top, turn your oven to broil. Open the foil, drizzle more melted vegan butter or olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and broil the onion for 5-10 minutes. Watch very closely to prevent burning.
  6. Serve the onion: Peel away the outer layer and enjoy the softened, flavorful layers beneath. Drizzle all the delicious juices from the foil over the onion. Garnish with finely diced parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, crispy chickpeas, or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • The well scooped in the onion helps infuse the flavors deeply into the layers.
  • Adjust additional seasonings like garlic powder and Old Bay to your taste preferences.
  • Using vegan butter and olive oil keeps this recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Be careful while broiling to prevent burning the onion.
  • Serving the onion with its flavorful juices maximizes taste.
  • This method creates a tender, soft, and deeply flavorful onion that’s perfect as a side dish or centerpiece for a plant-based meal.

Keywords: Viral TikTok recipe, roasted onion, caramelized onion, vegan side dish, easy onion recipe, baked onion