Burning Onion at Home: What Happens After 15 Minutes?

Onions are an essential ingredient in many dishes, and they offer a sweet, savory flavor when cooked. But what happens if you decide to leave them cooking for an extended period, like 15 minutes, and let them burn? Let’s take a look at the science behind burning onions and what it means for your dish:

The Effects of Burning Onions
Caramelization and Bitterness
Initially, onions undergo caramelization, where natural sugars start to brown and create a sweet flavor. However, after about 15 minutes of cooking, especially if the heat is too high, this caramelization turns into burning. The sugars turn bitter, and the once sweet flavor of the onions becomes unpleasant. The bitterness can overpower your dish and alter its taste significantly.

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