Caramelized Onion and Korean Chili Dip

Carmelized Onion and Korean Chili Dip

This Caramelized Onion and Korean Chili Dip idea has been floating around in my head for several months. If you have been following me you know, I’m a bit obsessed with Gochujang chili paste. I’ve wondered what it would be like to put Gochujang in a dip. I know there are people out there including me, that love dipping French fries into some mayo and a nice spoonful of Gochujang. This dip started from that idea. And believe me, this dip rocks! It’s just the right amount of creamy goodness with loads of caramelized onions and a nice zip of Gochujang. I had to bring the rest of the bowl of this addictive delectable dip to work, as I couldn’t stop dipping anything I could find into it.

close up of Carmelized Onion and Korean Chili Dip

I’ve wanted to play around with a dip for chips on this blog.  Snacking on chips and dip is one of the first things I think of when I want something to munch. Dips are a very American party staple. They can be found at picnics, BBQs, and many other gatherings. Onion dip is an easy thing to make let chill for a bit and place on the table with a big bowl of salty chips (or crisps for you from across the pond!) I grew up with my stepmother making onion dip when my brothers and I would come over to visit my Dad and her. She wanted to give us ravenous boys something to eat in the afternoon. Making some onion dip and having it ready was an easy and delicious afternoon munch.

Far shot of Carmelized Onion and Korean Chili Dip

However, I’m bored with the standard onion dip. Not that there is anything wrong with mixing together some sour cream and a package of onion soup mix. It’s an easy dip for anytime you want a dip for a snack. But there are so many other possibilities. Yes, it does take a bit of time to caramelize the onions, but the flavor that comes from them makes all the difference. I added some onion powder and garlic powder to round out the flavor and some crunch of green onions for a bit more texture. But the real star here is the Gochujang who brings the zip to the party. I found that 1-tablespoon was just the right amount for what I was trying to achieve. You could add more if you want even more heat. This dip is a fantastic choice for something to change up from the standard dip. This caramelized onion and Korean chili dip will make your next party something special. Or your late night snack into a party in your mouth.

over head shot of Carmelized Onion and Korean Chili Dip

If you have never tried Gochujang, I highly suggest you try a tub or jar of it. Gochujang can be found in many gourmet grocery stores and at Amazon. Not only is it fantastic in this dip, but try Gochujang in my Korean snack mix or the amazing short rib recipe. I can’t get enough of this sweet, spicy and full of umami paste!

Carmelized Onion and Korean Chili Dip on chip

Let me know in the comments below if you make this and what are your thoughts.Carmelized Onion and Korean Chili Dip up close

Caramelized Onion and Korean Chili Dip
Prep Time
20 mins
chilling
1 hr
 

A zippy onion dip with a korean twist that will please almost everyone. 

Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: caramelized onions, dip, gochujang, onion dip
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions about 3
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Gochujang chili paste
  • salt and pepper to taste
more sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
  1. in a large skillet over medium-low heat melt the butter with the olive oil.
  2. Add the chopped onions and the sugar and the sea salt.
  3. Stirring often, cook the onions until they have started to caramelize and turn a deep golden brown. It should take 10 to 15 minutes or a little longer. You want to cook them slow to really caramelize them and bring out the sweetness it will be worth it.
  4. Add the sliced green onions and cook briefly, about 30 seconds more.
  5. Pull off the heat and let cool.
  6. In a small to 3 cup or larger bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Worcestershire Sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and the Gochujang chili paste.
  7. Stir in the caramelized onion mixture.
  8. Taste the dip and adjust with salt and a nice grinding of pepper. If you don’t have a grinder, use about a ¼ teaspoon of pepper. You probably won’t need more than a pinch of salt.
  9. Let the dip chill for at least 1 hour. The flavors will improve even more if you let it sit for several hours or overnight.
  10. When ready to serve, garnish with the sliced green onions. Serve with your favorite chips or veggies.
This dip is also fantastic as a spread on sandwiches.