Description
This viral TikTok recipe features a whole sweet onion slowly roasted to tender perfection with vegan butter, olive oil, and Cajun seasoning. The onion is scored, seasoned, wrapped tightly in foil, and roasted until caramelized and silky soft inside. Optional broiling adds a golden crust. Serve each tender layer with the savory juices for a comforting, flavorful vegetarian side or main dish.
Ingredients
Onion and Seasonings
- 1 large (15 ounce) sweet onion, peeled and ends trimmed off
- 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: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Optional garnish: finely diced parsley leaves
Instructions
- 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, creating a well for the butter and seasonings.
- Add butter and seasonings. Place the onion on a sheet of aluminum foil. Add the vegan butter into the well. Mix Cajun seasoning and optional seasonings with olive oil and pour the mixture over the butter, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle salt to taste.
- Wrap the onion in foil. Seal the entire onion tightly in the foil, ensuring no openings, and place it in a small baking dish or cast iron skillet to catch any oil that seeps out.
- Roast the onion. Place the wrapped onion on the center rack of a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and roast for 1 hour until fork tender and slightly caramelized. Check after 1 hour and add an additional 10 minutes if needed.
- Optional broiling for caramelization. Unwrap the foil and drizzle extra melted butter or olive oil over the onion with a pinch of salt. Broil on high for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning, to create a golden brown surface.
- Serve the onion. Peel away the outer layer of the onion and enjoy the tender layers beneath. Pour all the flavorful juices from the foil over the onion. Sprinkle extra salt or garnish with parsley if desired. This pairs beautifully with rice, crispy chickpeas, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- You can customize the seasoning by adding garlic powder or Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor.
- Use vegan butter for a plant-based version.
- Ensure the foil is tightly sealed to lock in moisture during roasting.
- Check the onion tenderness after 1 hour and add time as needed to achieve a soft, jiggly center.
- Be cautious during broiling to prevent burning the onion surface.
- Serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
