What Pairs Well With Onions?

Picture of a Onions

Category: Vegetable

Onions are a type of vegetable that belong to the Allium family, which also includes garlic, leeks, and shallots. They have a pungent flavor and a strong aroma when raw, but become sweet and mellow when cooked. Onions come in various colors, shapes, and sizes, with the most common types being yellow, red, and white onions. They are used in a wide variety of dishes to add flavor and depth, and can be eaten raw, cooked, or caramelized. Onions are also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Flavor Profiles:

  • Savory
  • Sweet
  • Pungent
  • Umami
  • Astringent

What goes with Onions:

  • Chocolate – The sweetness of chocolate complements the sharpness of raw onions, while the heat of cooked onions brings out the complex flavors of chocolate in desserts.
  • Cheese – Cheese pairs well with onions because the sweetness of caramelized onions complements the savory flavor of cheese, while raw onions can add a sharp, pungent contrast to the richness of cheese.
  • Chicken – Chicken and onions complement each other well in dishes because the savory and mildly sweet flavors of chicken balance the sharp and pungent flavor of onions, while the onions add depth and aroma to the dish.
  • Garlic – Garlic pairs well with onions because their flavors combine to create a rich, savory taste that enhances many dishes, with garlic adding pungency and onions adding sweetness.
  • Olive Oil – Olive oil’s fruity and mildly peppery flavors complement the subtle sweetness of caramelized onions, enhancing their flavor profile.
  • Butter –
  • Parmesan Cheese – Parmesan cheese pairs well with onions due to its strong, nutty flavor which complements the sweet and sharp taste of onions, while its granular texture offers a contrast to the softness of cooked onions.
  • Quinoa – Quinoa pairs well with onions because the sweetness of caramelized onions complements the nutty flavor of quinoa, while also adding depth and complexity to dishes.
  • Rosemary – Rosemary’s strong, piney flavor complements the sweet and mild taste of onions, creating a harmonious blend in various dishes.
  • Sour Cream – Sour cream’s cool, tangy creaminess provides a nice contrast to onions’ sharp, pungent heat, creating a balanced and delicious flavor combination.
  • Bacon – Bacon’s salty, savory flavor complements the sweetness of caramelized onions, creating a balance of flavors that is delicious in a variety of dishes.
  • Brown Sugar – The natural sweetness of brown sugar complements the savory, slightly bitter flavor of caramelized onions, creating a rich and nuanced taste experience.
  • Sage – Sage’s robust, earthy flavor complements the sweetness of onions, creating a balanced and savory taste in dishes.
  • Lime Juice – Lime juice pairs well with onions due to its ability to balance and enhance the natural pungency and sweetness of onions, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination.
  • Rice – Rice and onions complement each other well in dishes because their flavors and textures balance each other out: rice is mild and soft, while onions add a more robust, savory taste and a slight crunch when sautéed or caramelized.
  • Tomatoes – Their acidity and juiciness balance the strong flavor of onions in recipes like salsas, sauces, and stews.
  • Cumin – Cumin’s warm, earthy flavor complements the sweetness of sautéed onions, adding depth and complexity to dishes.
  • Cilantro – Cilantro’s bright, citrusy flavor complements the sweetness of caramelized onions, creating a well-balanced and flavorful combination.
  • Herbs – Herbs and onions complement each other well in cooking because herbs can add aromatic flavors and onions can add sweetness and depth, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.
  • Potatoes – Their starchy and mild flavor absorbs the flavors of onions well, making them a great pair in dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles.
  • Bell Peppers – Their mild, sweet flavor and crunchy texture provide a good contrast to onions in many dishes, such as omelettes, fajitas, and salads.
  • Thyme – Thyme’s aromatic, slightly minty flavor complements the sweet and mildly astringent taste of onions, creating a balanced and savory flavor profile in dishes.
  • Coriander –
  • Ginger – Ginger’s warm, pungent flavor and aroma complements the mildly sweet and sharp taste of onions, creating a balanced and flavorful combination in various dishes.
  • Soy Sauce – Soy sauce pairs well with onions because its salty and umami flavors enhance the natural sweetness of caramelized onions, creating a balanced and flavorful combination. Commentary: Soy sauce and onions may seem like an unusual pairing, but they can actually complement each other quite well. Soy sauce is rich in umami, a savory taste that can enhance and deepen the flavors of other ingredients. When onions are caramelized, they develop a natural sweetness that can be accentuated by the salty and savory flavors of soy sauce. Together, they create a harmonious and flavorful combination that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, fried rice, and sautéed vegetables.
  • Salt – Salt enhances the natural sweetness of onions by drawing out their juices and breaking down their sharp, pungent flavors, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful taste.
  • Pepper – Pepper’s bold, spicy flavor is balanced and enhanced by onions’ subtle sweetness and crisp texture. Pepper and onions are a classic flavor combination that can be found in many dishes, from savory stir-fries to hearty stews. The spiciness of pepper is tempered by the mild sweetness of onions, while the onions’ crisp texture provides a satisfying contrast to the pepper’s warmth. Together, these two ingredients create a harmonious and flavorful base for a wide variety of dishes.
  • Figs – The sweetness of figs pairs well with the slightly spicy flavor of onions, creating a delicious and unexpected combination in salads or as a topping for flatbreads or pizza.
  • Mushrooms – Their meaty texture and earthy flavor complement the sweet and pungent taste of onions in dishes like risottos, stuffings, and gravies.
  • Red Wine – Red wine’s robust and complex flavors, which include fruity, spicy, and earthy notes, complement and balance the strong, sweet, and pungent taste of onions, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination in various dishes.
  • Blue Cheese – The strong, pungent flavor of blue cheese stands up well to the strong taste of onions, while the creaminess of the cheese helps to mellow out the onion’s sharpness.
  • Jalapenos – Jalapenos and onions pair well together because their flavors complement each other, with the mild heat of the jalapenos being balanced by the sweetness of the onions.
  • Spices – Spices and onions often pair well together because the strong, pungent flavors of spices can balance and enhance the mild, sweet flavor of onions, creating a harmonious and flavorful foundation for various dishes.
  • Tortillas – Tortillas pair well with onions because the sweetness of caramelized onions complements the neutral flavor of tortillas, adding depth of taste to dishes like burritos, tacos, and quesadillas.
  • Beef Broth – Beef broth and onions pair well together because the savory, rich flavor of the broth complements the sweetness of the onions, while the onions add depth and aroma to the broth.
  • Lime – Lime’s acidity provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of caramelized onions, enhancing their flavor in dishes like fajitas and stir-fries.
  • Chili Powder – Chili powder and onions pair well together because the spiciness of the chili powder is balanced by the natural sweetness of the onions, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination.
  • Carrots –
  • Chili Peppers – Chili peppers and onions complement each other well in dishes because the spiciness of the chili peppers is balanced by the sweetness of the onions, creating a complex and flavorful taste experience.
  • Chicken Broth – Chicken broth and onions pair well together because the savory, rich flavor of the broth complements the sweetness of the onions, while the onions add depth and aroma to the broth.
  • Sesame Oil –
  • Vegetable Broth – Onions add depth of flavor and natural sweetness to vegetable broth, enhancing its savoriness and richness.
  • Pineapple – Pineapple pairs well with onions due to the complementary combination of the pineapple’s sweet and tangy flavor with the onion’s savory and slightly sweet taste, creating a balanced and flavorful mix in dishes.
  • Meat – Onions enhance the savory flavors of meat and help to tenderize it in dishes like roasts, stews, and burgers.
  • Guacamole – Guacamole pairs well with onions because the sharpness of raw onions complements the creamy and mild flavor of avocados, adding depth and complexity to the dip.
  • Teriyaki Sauce – Teriyaki sauce pairs well with onions because the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce complement the mildly sweet and pungent flavor of the onions, while the umami richness of both ingredients enhances each other.
  • Celery – Celery and onions both have a strong, aromatic flavor which complement each other when cooked together, and their textures also provide a good contrast in dishes like stews and stuffing.
  • Bread Cubes – Bread cubes provide a satisfyingly crunchy texture that complements the soft and sweet flavor of caramelized onions, making them an excellent addition to dishes like stuffing, dressing, and bread pudding.
  • Tomato Paste – Tomato paste’s rich flavor intensifies when cooked with onions, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savory tastes.
  • Turmeric –
  • Parsley – Parsley’s bright, fresh flavor and hint of sweetness balances and complements the strong, pungent flavor of onions.
  • Paprika – Paprika and onions both have mild, slightly sweet flavors that complement each other well, and the aromatic qualities of onions are enhanced when cooked with paprika.
  • Chicken Breast – Chicken breast and onions pair well together because the savory, mildly sweet flavor of caramelized onions complements the mild taste of chicken breast, enhancing its flavor while providing a contrast in texture.
  • Rice Vinegar – Rice vinegar’s mild acidity and subtle sweetness complement the strong flavor of onions, creating a balanced and harmonious taste when used in recipes or as a condiment.
  • Herbs (E.G. Thyme, Rosemary, Bay Leaves) – Their aromatic and savory flavors complement the sweet and pungent taste of onions in dishes like soups, stews, and roasts.
  • Peppers –
  • Hoagie Rolls – Hoagie rolls and onions pair well together because the subtle sweetness of the onions complements the savory, sometimes bland, flavor of the hoagie roll, while the roll’s chewy texture provides a satisfying contrast to the soft, juicy onions.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar –
  • Fajita Seasoning – Fajita seasoning often includes ingredients like cumin, paprika, and chili powder, which complement the natural sweetness of onions when sautéed together, creating a balanced and flavorful base for many dishes.
  • Bay Leaves – Bay leaves and onions share earthy and slightly sweet flavors that complement each other in cooking, with bay leaves enhancing the warmth and onions adding depth and savoriness.