Pearl onions may look quite different from regular onions, but they can often be used in similar ways in recipes. Pearl onions are simply a different variety of onion that have a small, rounded shape. They have a sweet, mild flavor that works well cooked or raw. Here’s what you need to know about how to use pearl onions as an alternative to regular onions.
An Overview of Pearl Onions
Pearl onions are a variety of onion known scientifically as Allium ampeloprasum var. sectivum. They are called “pearl” onions because of their small, rounded shape, similar to a pearl. Other names for them include cocktail onions, button onions, and baby onions.
These petite onions are harvested early, when they are still small and tender. They typically measure less than 1 inch wide. Their flesh is juicy and mild tasting with a faint onion bite. The skin color can range from yellow and white to red and purple.
Pearl onions are available year-round but are at their peak from spring through early fall. Look for firm, tightly packed bulbs without signs of sprouting or mushiness. Avoid onions with soft spots or blemishes.
Key Differences from Regular Onions
Here are some of the main ways that pearl onions differ from regular bulb onions:
- Size: Pearl onions are much smaller, under 1 inch wide.
- Shape: Pearls have a rounded, uniform shape compared to teardrop or spherical regular onions.
- Flavor: Pearl onions are mildly sweet with a delicate onion bite. Regular onions can be more pungent.
- Use: Pearl onions are often used whole in recipes. Regular onions are more often chopped or sliced.
Cooking With Pearl Onions
The mild, slightly sweet flavor of pearl onions makes them perfect for soups, stews, roasted vegetable medleys, grilling, and more. Here are some tips for preparing and cooking with pearl onions:
Peeling Pearl Onions
Pearl onions have thin, delicate skins that can be tricky to peel. Here are two methods:
- Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pearl onions and boil for 1 minute. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water. This makes the skins slip off easily when pinched.
- Roasting: Toss unpeeled onions in olive oil and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. When cool enough to handle, the skins should peel off easily.
Raw Pearl Onions
The mild flavor of pearl onions makes them perfect for eating raw in salads, apps, and garnishes. Try thinly slicing them into salads, pickling them, or skewering them whole onto appetizer picks.
Sautéed Pearl Onions
Sauté peeled pearl onions in olive oil or butter over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, fresh herbs, lemon, and other spices. Cook for 5-10 minutes until lightly browned and tender.
Roasted Pearl Onions
Toss peeled onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. They will turn golden brown and caramelized.
Braised Pearl Onions
Cook peeled onions in broth or wine over low heat for an extended time until very soft. Season with herbs and let the rich cooking liquid reduce to a glaze.
Grilled Pearl Onions
Thread peeled onions onto skewers and brush with oil. Grill over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning frequently. Sprinkle with desired seasonings.
Using Pearl Onions in Recipes
Pearl onions can be substituted for regular onions in many recipes. Their small size and mild flavor makes them suited to the following uses:
- In soups, stews, braises – add whole or halved
- In roasted veggie medleys – toss in whole
- On skewers for grilling – thread onto skewers whole
- In salads and fresh apps – use raw, thinly sliced or whole
- In casseroles and bakes – mix in halved or quartered
- In quiches, stratas, frittatas – stir in thinly sliced or halved
- On top of pizza, flatbreads – sprinkle on raw or roasted
For most recipes, you can simply substitute an equal amount of pearl onions for the regular onions called for. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly since pearl onions tend to cook faster than large onion wedges.
Some recipes where pearl onions really shine:
- Beef stew
- Roasted root vegetables
- Creamy onion soup
- Green bean casserole
- Glazed pearl onions
- Onion and goat cheese tart
Storing Pearl Onions
Store fresh pearl onions in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Do not wash them before storing. Wash just before using.
For longer storage, pearl onions can be frozen. First blanch peeled onions for 2-3 minutes, then plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain, pat dry and transfer to freezer bags. Frozen pearl onions will keep for about 10-12 months.
Some ways to use frozen pearl onions:
- Add frozen to soups, stews, casseroles
- Roast frozen onions right from the freezer
- Sauté frozen onions over medium heat, stirring frequently
Dried pearl onions are also available. Rehydrate them by soaking in warm water before using.
Selecting Onion Variety by Use
Here is a table summarizing some best uses for different onion varieties:
| Onion Variety | Best Uses |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Sautéed, caramelized, roasted, raw in salsa |
| White | Sautéed, soups, stews, pearl onions |
| Red | Raw, pickled, grilled, roasted |
| Shallots | Sautéed, vinaigrettes, roasted whole |
| Pearl/Boiling | Soups, stews, sautéed, roasted, grilled |
| Green (Scallions) | Raw, sautéed, soups, Asian cuisine |
Onion Substitutes
If you don’t have onions on hand, there are a few possible substitution options depending on the recipe:
- Shallots – Can substitute 1:1 for onions in raw applications or where onion is sautéed.
- Leeks – Work well in place of onions in soups and stews.
- Asparagus or Fennel – Can be thinly sliced and used raw in salads in place of red onion.
- Garlic – Provides onion flavor in soups, sauces, sautés. Use about 1 clove garlic per onion.
- Onion Powder – 1 teaspoon per onion called for. Mix with a little water first.
However, onions have a unique flavor that’s hard to perfectly duplicate. Onion substitutes may alter the flavor profile somewhat.
Potential Side Effects of Onions
Onions are healthy vegetables that provide nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. However, some people may experience side effects from eating onions, including:
- Heartburn/reflux – Raw onions contain compounds called fructans that can trigger reflux.
- Bloating/gas – Some people don’t digest fructans well, leading to gas and bloating.
- Allergic reactions – Onion allergy is rare but can cause symptoms like itchy eyes or anaphylaxis.
Cooking onions seems to reduce compounds that cause issues for some. Those with sensitivities may tolerate cooked onions better than raw.
Conclusion
Pearl onions can be used similarly to regular onions in many recipes. Their small size, mild onion flavor, and juicy texture makes them ideal for soups, stews, roasting, grilling, and anywhere else you want bite-sized onions. With proper peeling and cooking methods, pearl onions can be a tasty substitute for standard onions.