Earthy, flavorful caramelized shallots make a wonderful side dish to meat. They are incredibly delicious and quite easy to make.
These caramelized shallots are wonderful. They are earthy, very flavorful, and surprisingly sweet, yet savory.
The flavor profile of this dish is so complex, so interesting. It’s always amazing to me how cooking changes onions, and this is true for shallots too, of course. Any hint of sharpness is gone, and instead, you get this wonderful, creamy sweetness. It’s like magic!
What’s the difference between shallots and onions?
Shallots are a member of the allium family, just like onions and garlic. But they are noticeably milder than onions, and their flavor is richer and sweeter. I actually like them better than I like onions.
The ingredients you’ll need
You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty recipe. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter
- Peeled whole shallots
- Balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How to make caramelized shallots
They are very easy to make! I lightly adapted this recipe from Ina Garten’s recipe.
It’s simple, really. Fresh shallots are roasted in butter and balsamic vinegar to create a unique, intense flavor experience. Roasting really brings out the natural sweetness of the shallots.
Scroll down to the recipe card for the detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:
- Cook the shallots in butter in an ovenproof skillet until browned.
- Add the vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the shallots until tender, about 20 minutes at 400°F.
- Spoon the yummy cooking liquid on top and serve.
How to serve caramelized shallots
They make a wonderful side dish to any meat. I often serve them as a side to beef tenderloin roast. They are also good with baked pork chops and with grilled chicken tenders.
Is this a healthy recipe?
I think it’s very healthy. The two main ingredients in this recipe are shallots and butter. Shallots are very healthy. And butter, for most healthy people, is harmless (though some disagree!).
What about leftovers?
Leftovers of these caramelized shallots keep well in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Gently reheat them in the microwave on 50% power prior to serving.
I sometimes chop them up and mix them into an omelet the next day for my breakfast, with a bit of shredded gruyere cheese. Yum!
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Caramelized Shallots
INGREDIENTS
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lb. fresh whole shallots, peeled (6 medium shallots)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a large oven-proof skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shallots are browned, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Add the vinegar, salt, and pepper and toss to coat.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake 20-30 minutes, until shallots are fork-tender. Divide between plates, spoon the sauce on top, and sprinkle with parsley.
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Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., has been following a healthy real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She has taken 
