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Viral TikTok Onion Boil with Cajun Seasoning and Caramelized Top Recipe

4.8 from 123 reviews

This Viral TikTok Onion Boil recipe offers a simple yet incredible way to enjoy a whole sweet onion roasted to tender perfection. Seasoned with vegan butter, olive oil, and Cajun spices, the onion becomes fork-tender with a slightly caramelized exterior. The method focuses on roasting the onion wrapped in foil, allowing the flavors to meld and the natural sweetness to develop. Serve it with rice, crispy chickpeas, or roasted vegetables for a comforting and flavorful side dish or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Onion

  • 1 large (15 ounce) sweet onion, peeled and ends trimmed off

Seasoning and Oil

  • 1 tablespoon vegan butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste when serving each layer)

Optional Seasonings

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

Optional Garnish

  • Finely diced parsley leaves

Instructions

  1. Season the onion: Use a small melon baller to scoop out the top center portion of the onion about one-third of the way down to create a well. Place the onion on a sheet of aluminum foil and add the vegan butter into the well.
  2. Mix seasonings and oil: Combine the Cajun seasoning, salt, and optional additional seasonings with the extra virgin olive oil. Pour this mixture over the butter inside the well, allowing it to drip down the sides of the onion to coat it evenly.
  3. Wrap the onion in foil: Seal the entire onion tightly in the aluminum foil to trap moisture and flavors during roasting. Place the wrapped onion in a small baking dish or cast iron skillet to catch any oil that might seep out.
  4. Roast the onion: Place the baking dish with the wrapped onion on the center rack of a preheated oven and roast for 1 hour. This slow roasting softens the onion until it is fork-tender and slightly caramelized.
  5. Check and adjust cooking time: Carefully open the foil to check if the onion is fork-tender and the center jiggles. If it needs more cooking, reseal the foil and roast for an additional 10 minutes before rechecking.
  6. Optional broiling for caramelization: For a golden brown exterior, turn the oven to broil. Open the foil and drizzle additional melted vegan butter or olive oil on top, along with an extra pinch of salt. Broil for 5-10 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Serve the onion: Peel away the outer layer and enjoy each soft layer underneath. Sprinkle more salt if desired. Pour all the flavorful juices collected in the foil over the onion for maximum taste. Serve warm with accompaniments such as rice, crispy chickpeas, or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Notes

  • Use a sweet onion variety for the best natural sweetness and caramelization.
  • You can customize the seasoning blend with alternatives like smoked paprika or chili powder.
  • Be cautious when broiling to prevent burning the onion’s exterior.
  • Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.

Keywords: Roasted onion, Vegan side dish, TikTok recipe, Caramelized onion, Cajun seasoning, Easy roasted vegetables