How to use Dehydrated Onion Flakes in everyday cooking. These are incredibly useful, especially where a whole onion isn’t required, or you only need a little bit. They are also used in addition to Onions in a dish to accent the onion flavor in a particular dish.
Dehydrated Onion Flakes are also used to get the same Flavor & Texture as McDonald’s and other Restaurant chains. These can be used on Burgers, Hot Dogs, Sausages, and any other place where onions are called for.
Dehydrated Onions
The Dehydrated Onions are available at your local grocery store or at Bulk Barn and can surprisingly be used very effectively. They come in two sizes that I have seen. One looks like the Onion was diced and then dehydrated much the same size as dehydrated Garlic, and the other kind is Onion Flakes which are longer.
Rehydrated Onions have a different texture, are sweeter and less pungent than fresh onions.
How to rehydrate Onions
To rehydrate dried onions, follow these simple steps:
- Measure: Use a 1:2 ratio of dried onions to water. For example, if you need onions for a single burger, use 1/2 tsp of dehydrated Onions to 1 tsp of Water. If a recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh Onions, use 1 Tbl of dried Onions (since they expand) to 2 Tbl of Water.
- Soak: Place the dried Onions in a bowl and add warm water. Let them sit for about 10–15 minutes.
- Squeeze: Once softened, squeeze any excess water out.
- Use: Incorporate them into your dish as you would fresh Onions.
For soups, stews, or sauces, you can skip rehydrating and add the dried onions directly to the dish, as they’ll absorb moisture while in the liquid medium.
Controlling the Onion Flavor
The strength of Onion flavor can be adjusted by rehydrating in more water for a weaker taste or less water for a stronger taste. A good medium is 2:1 parts Water to Onion Flakes. Although this is barely detectable.
A further step to get even more of an onion flavor is to include some Onion Powder and/or Onion Seeds. Below is 1 Tbl of Dehydrated Onions with 2 Tbl of Water and a pinch of Black Seeds/Onion Seeds.
Onion Seeds
Onion Seeds also go by the name of Black Cumin Seeds or Nigella Seeds. Although, true Black Cumin is something entirely different, with a more nutty and earthly flavor. The Nigella seeds are peppery and onion flavor. Which makes it ideal to bring the onion flavor out a bit more.
Do you have to rehydrate dried onions
If using the Onions as a topping, then the onions will need to be rehydrated in water. In other recipes that contain liquids, the dried onions can simply be added directly to the dish and will rehydrate in whatever liquid they are in. An example of this is the Pizza Pasta Melt Sauce, where Dehydrated Onions are tossed in with the sauce. Another is Garlic Butter, where the Dehydrated Onions are added and creates the chunky bits in the Garlic Butter. Even in Soups, Stews and Chowders, too.
How much dried onions equal one onion
1/4 C of dehydrated Onions equals 1 medium fresh Onion, thereabouts.
Since dried onions absorb water, they’ll expand when rehydrated, bringing them closer to the texture of fresh onions. If the recipe has enough liquid, you can add them directly without rehydrating.
How long do dehydrated onions last
Dehydrated onions have a long shelf life if stored properly, lasting up to 12 months or longer. If stored in a sealed container in a cool dry place, away from humidity or moisture.
How to use Dehydrated Onions
Dehydrated Onions can be used in quite a few places, including in Meatballs, Meatloaf, Seasoning blends, various Rice dishes, Rubs & Marinades. The most popular one is to achieve the same texture and Onion flavor as McDonald’s for their Burgers. This can also extend to Hot Dogs or Sausages.
Some places where Dehydrated Onions are used throughout JAHZKITCHEN are listed below.
