Sous Vide Onions Temperature Guide
Onions caramelize in a pan for 40 minutes of babysitting — sous vide at 185°F cooks them sweet and melting with zero watching, then a quick pan finish adds the color. The bag captures every drop of onion juice.
Our top pick
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
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Quick comparison
| Pick | Why we like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Anova Precision Cooker 3.0 | A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking. | View → |
| Instant-read meat thermometer | Use one to verify your water bath and spot-check the finish — a $15 probe removes all guesswork. | View → |
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
Editor’s PickA circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
- + On-device temperature control
- + 1100W heats fast
- + Recipe library for temps
- − Premium price
- − Some app features paywalled
Free shipping on eligible items
Use one to verify your water bath and spot-check the finish — a $15 probe removes all guesswork.
- + Verifies actual temperature
- + Cheap insurance
- − Not needed if your circulator is accurate
Free shipping on eligible items
Buying advice
Slice onions thick or quarter them, season with salt, a knob of butter, and a splash of vinegar or balsamic in the bag, and cook at 185°F for 45-60 minutes. After the bath, pour into a hot pan with the bag liquid and cook 5-8 minutes until golden and jammy. Use for burgers, French onion soup, or as a side. The concentrated bag juice is a ready-made onion syrup.
FAQ
What temperature for onions?
185°F for 45-60 minutes — sweet, melting, and evenly cooked.
Can I caramelize after?
Yes — a 5-8 minute pan finish with the bag liquid builds the golden color and jammy texture.
What do I do with the juice?
Reduce it — it's concentrated onion syrup, perfect for sauces and dressings.
Ready to cook perfectly?
Our top pick for this guide — check today’s price and clip any on-page coupon on Amazon:
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Want exact temps and times? Use our free sous vide calculators.