Description
This viral TikTok recipe features a whole sweet onion roasted to tender, caramelized perfection. The onion is seasoned with vegan butter, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and optional flavors, then wrapped in foil and roasted slowly in the oven. The result is a juicy, flavorful onion with layers that can be peeled off and enjoyed as a warm, savory side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Onion Preparation
- 1 large (15 ounce) sweet onion, peeled and ends trimmed off
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste when serving each layer)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Garnish (Optional)
- Finely diced parsley leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven. Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and allow it to fully heat up for even roasting.
- Prepare the Onion. Use a small melon baller or spoon to scoop out the top center portion of the onion about one-third down, creating a well. Place the onion on a sheet of aluminum foil.
- Add Seasonings. Put the vegan butter into the hollowed center of the onion. In a small bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil with Cajun seasoning, salt, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder or Old Bay seasoning. Pour this seasoning mixture over the butter in the well, letting it drizzle down the sides of the onion for full flavor coverage.
- Wrap and Seal. Wrap the onion tightly in the aluminum foil. Place the foil-wrapped onion in a small baking dish or cast iron skillet to catch any leaking oils during cooking.
- Roast the Onion. Roast the wrapped onion in the center rack of the oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, carefully open the foil to check if the onion is fork tender and the center jiggles slightly. The onion should also have a slight caramelized appearance. If it needs more cooking, reseal the foil and roast for an additional 10 minutes, then check again.
- Broil for Extra Caramelization (Optional). For a golden brown top, remove the foil, drizzle more melted butter or olive oil over the onion, sprinkle an extra pinch of salt, and set the oven to broil. Broil for 5-10 minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve. Peel away the outer layer of the roasted onion and enjoy the tender layers beneath. Sprinkle with extra salt if desired. Pour any flavorful juices collected in the foil over the onion to maximize taste. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, crispy chickpeas, and roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator once the onion has cooled to room temperature.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to your personal preference, especially salt levels when serving individual layers.
- Use fresh parsley as a garnish to add a vibrant color and fresh flavor contrast.
- Ensure foil is tightly sealed during roasting to trap moisture and flavors inside.
- Watch closely during broiling to avoid burning the onion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 roasted onion
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
