If you’re craving that soft, sweet flavor of sautéed onions but don’t want to heat up the stove, this microwave onion hack might be your new go‑to. Microwave saute onions in just minutes using olive oil, butter, and a bit of water—this quick method tastes surprisingly close to skillet sautéed.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Microwave Sautéed Onions
- A whole onion
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Water
How to Microwave Sauté Onions Quickly
Use a microwave‑safe bowl. You will cover with microwave‑safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
Put the whole onion in a microwave-safe bowl. Don’t even remove the brown skin.
Pour ¼ cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons of water over the onion.
Flip the onion around to coat it.
Cover the bowl and MICROWAVE ON MEDIUM for about 3 minutes, then check it. Let it sit for a minute.
Change the power level to 60% and continue microwaving for 2-3 minutes.
Let it rest for 30 seconds.
Then check and see if it’s soft. The center might be falling out of the onion. This is normal.
If it’s still very firm, continue microwaving for 1-2 minute increments, until it feels soft.
Let it cool for a minute and then slice it up into small pieces, removing the brown skin.
Add the butter to the onions and oil mixture and heat for an additional minute on HIGH.
If you want, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or other spices to the chopped up onions and butter mixture before heating it.
Tips & Suggestions
- Microwaves vary — yours may cook faster or slower. Start conservatively to avoid burning.
- For a sweeter finish, toss in a pinch of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end.
- Use this method when you’re adding onions to omelettes, tacos, sandwiches, or as a base for sauces.
FAQ
Does microwaving onions really taste like pan sautéed?
Not exactly, but it gets you a very similar soft, sweet result with much less fuss. Many people find it impressively close.
Can I skip the butter or use a different fat?
Yes — butter adds flavor and richness, but you can use all olive oil or a mild oil (e.g. avocado). The result will be a little less “buttery.”
How long do the onions keep?
Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a pan.
What to serve with Microwave Sauted Onions?
- Cook a Hamburger in the Microwave
- How to Cook Hot Dogs in the Microwave
- Microwave Baked Potatoes
- How to make Microwave Sloppy Joes
Microwave Saute Onions
Ingredients
- 1 whole onion
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- Optional: a pinch of garlic powder
Instructions
- Use a microwave‑safe bowl. You will cover with microwave‑safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
- Put the whole onion in a microwave-safe bowl. Don't even remove the brown skin.
- Pour ¼ cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons of water over the onion.
- Flip the onion around to coat it.
- Cover the bowl and MICROWAVE ON MEDIUM for about 3 minutes, then check it. Let it sit for a minute.
- Change the power level to 60% and continue microwaving for 2-3 minutes.
- Let it rest for 30 seconds.
- Then check and see if it's soft. The center might be falling out of the onion. This is normal.
- If it's still very firm, continue microwaving for 1-2 minute increments, until it feels soft.
- Let it cool for a minute and then slice it up into small pieces, removing the brown skin.
- Add the butter to the onions and oil mixture and heat for an additional minute on HIGH.
- If you want, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or other spices to the chopped up onions and butter mixture before heating it.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 90Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 23mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g
Any nutritional information on justmicrowaveit.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate.
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