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Fried Onions

These golden fried onions are an essential store-cupboard staple that adds a wonderful depth of flavour and a satisfying crunch to almost any savoury dish. By slowly sautéing finely sliced onions until they reach a rich, mahogany hue, you transform a humble vegetable into a sweet and fragrant garnish. They are particularly effective when scattered over a homemade biryani, mashed potatoes, or even a crisp seasonal salad.

As a versatile low-fat addition when used sparingly, these onions provide an intense savoury hit without the need for complex spices. Making a batch at home is far more cost-effective than buying shop-bought versions and allows you to control the quality of the oil. Simply store them in a sealed container to keep them crisp for up to a week.

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Ingredients for Fried Onions

  • 240ml vegetable oil

  • 2 cooking onions, finely sliced

How to make Fried Onions

Heat oil in a wok or frying pan over medium heat until hot enough to fry. Add one piece of onion to test the oil (it should begin to sizzle right away). Sauté onions for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, transfer onions to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Spread onions out to drain and cool.

Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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