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How to Microwave Sautéed Onions

Lightly sautéed onions in an Anyday glass dish with lid, resting on a striped kitchen towel.
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Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

7-8 mins

Free Time

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How to Microwave Sautéed Onions

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Microwave "sautéed" onions are a fast, mess-free way to bring out their natural sweetness — no stovetop needed. Sliced onions sweat and soften in an Anyday dish, using steam technology to cook evenly, and even lightly caramelize! . Whether you’re topping burgers, mixing into pasta, or adding flavor to soups and stews, this simple method delivers perfectly sautéed onions in minutes with minimal cleanup.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.


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Pairs well with

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1 cup sliced onions
  • 1 cup sliced onions
  • 2 cups sliced onions
  • 4 cups sliced onions
  • 8 cups sliced onons
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

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Dish

2-Cup Glass Round Dish Multipack

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (120g) diced or sliced onion (yellow, white, or red)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil
  • ¼ cup (60ml) water

Preparation

  1. Place the onion, butter, and water in an Anyday dish, stir to combine, and cover it with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave for 7-8 minutes, or until the onions are soft and tender.

Suggestions

  • Burger topping: Add sautéed onions to burgers.
  • Taco filling: Mix sautéed onions with ground beef, turkey, or pork to use as a flavorful filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
  • Cook with rice: Add sautéed onions to the Anyday before adding the rice and broth (or water) for extra depth of flavor.
  • Mac and cheese: Stir sautéed onions into mac and cheese.

Recipe Notes


  • You can use sliced or diced onions — just make sure they are cut into uniform sizes for
  • Adding a bit of water helps tenderize the onions without browning or dehydrating them.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Compatible Dishes for this Recipe

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Quantity

2-Pack
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Microwave Match Up: Sautéed Onion

See for yourself— microwaving sautéed onion is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 6-7 mins
Stovetop* 25-35 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 25-30 mins
*Includes preheat time
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All You Need to Know About Cooking Sautéed Onions in the Microwave

Ingredient Cook Time
1 cup sliced onions 7-8 mins
2 cups sliced onions 9-10 mins
4 cups sliced onions 15-16 mins
8 cups sliced onions 27-28 mins
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

Can I make sautéed onions in the microwave?

Yes! Sautéed onions can be made easily in the microwave using an Anyday dish. This method allows the onions to soften and develop their natural sweetness without needing a stovetop.

How do I know when sautéed onions are done?

Sautéed onions are ready when they are soft and translucent. If you prefer a deeper caramelized flavor, continue cooking in 30-second increments until they darken slightly, making sure they do not burn. For caramelized onion, check out our recipe here!

How long can I store sautéed onions in the fridge?

Sautéed onions can be stored (covered) in the fridge for up to 4 days. Once cooled, store in an Anyday dish and refrigerate until needed.

Can I freeze sautéed onions?

Yes, sautéed onions freeze well. Portion them into our silicone Anytime Freezer Trays, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen for quick use in recipes.

What’s the best way to reheat sautéed onions?

To reheat from the fridge, microwave the onions in an Anyday dish on full power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. From frozen, reheat on full power for 2-3 minutes, stirring as needed to ensure even heating.

Can I use different types of onions for this recipe?

Absolutely! Yellow, white, red, or sweet onions can all be sautéed in the microwave. Each type offers a slightly different flavor, so choose based on your preference or recipe.

Can I make caramelized onions in the microwave?

Yes, you can make caramelized onions in the microwave, but they require slow cooking to bring out their sweetness fully. For a quick caramelized effect, sauté the onions in the microwave as usual, then add a pinch of baking soda, which will help develop a wonderful golden brown color and a softer texture. For our take on caramelized onions, check out our recipe here!

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