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Tender Vidalia onions in a minimalist ceramic bowl glazed with umami miso-maple on a white marble surface.
Clara Jensen

The Best Umami Onion Boil Recipe

Experience the viral Onion Boil Recipe featuring a melt-in-your-mouth Vidalia onion. This savory, tender dish uses a unique foil-steaming method to create a rich, buttery side dish or plant-based main.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large (15 ounce) sweet onion, peeled and ends trimmed off
  • 1 tablespoon vegan butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon old bay seasoning
  • finely diced parsley leaves

Equipment

  • Heavy-duty aluminum foil
  • Cast iron skillet or baking dish
  • Melon baller or metal measuring spoon

Method
 

Prepare the Oven and Onion
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a consistent roasting temperature.
  2. Prepare the sweet onion by scooping out the top center portion using a melon baller or metal spoon, going about a third of the way down to create a well. Score the top of the onion in a cross pattern about 1 inch deep.
Create the Umami Well
  1. Place the onion on a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil and place 1 tablespoon of vegan butter into the center well.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and Old Bay seasoning. Pour the mixture over the butter and allow it to coat the sides of the onion.
The Air-Tight Seal and Roasting
  1. Wrap the onion tightly in the foil to create an air-tight seal that will trap the steam during cooking.
  2. Place the foil packet into a cast iron skillet or baking dish and roast on the center rack for 1 hour. Check for doneness; the onion should be fork-tender and have a slight jiggle when the pan is shaken.
The Broiler Finish and Serving
  1. Open the foil packet and set the oven to broil. Broil the onion for 5 to 10 minutes until it reaches a deep golden-brown color.
  2. Carefully pour the savory juices from the foil over the onion, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 645mgPotassium: 245mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

Pro Tip: Ensure you do not hollow out the onion all the way to the bottom. Keeping the base intact creates a cup that holds the seasoned glaze, infusing the layers as they steam.
Safety Tip: Always use heavy-duty aluminum foil. Standard foil is more likely to puncture, allowing steam to escape and resulting in a tough, dry onion rather than a tender one.
Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to preserve the meltingly soft texture.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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