Fried Onions with Smoked Glazed Sausage & More Onions
Serves 3–4
Ingredients
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
2–3 tbsp water or broth (as needed)
Instructions
Brown the sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add sausage slices and cook 3–4 minutes per side until well browned.
Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
Start the onions
Reduce heat to medium.
Add butter to the same skillet.
Add all onions and toss to coat in the drippings.
Caramelize
Cook onions 12–15 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden.
If pan dries, add a splash of water or broth.
Glaze the onions
Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Cook 2–3 minutes until glossy and deeply fragrant.
Combine
Return sausage to skillet.
Toss everything together and cook 3–5 minutes until sausage is heated through and coated in glaze.
Finish & serve
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot.
Serving Ideas
Over mashed potatoes or rice
On hoagie rolls or toasted buns
With fried eggs for breakfast-for-dinner
Alongside green beans or cabbage
Tips & Variations
Spicy: add red pepper flakes or hot sauce
Extra smoky: finish with a splash of liquid smoke
One-pan meal: add sliced bell peppers or cabbage
