The Viral Onion Boil: A Comfort Food, Explained

Who knew a simple cooked onion could become TikTok's latest obsession?

In a world where food trends change day by day, this unassuming dish has captured both hearts and minds. With food prices rising and a renewed love for comfort foods, cooking onions fulfills something we all crave: warmth, familiarity, and connection. But while #FoodTikTok might call this a quirky new discovery, onion cooking has roots that run much deeper. It's a nod to cuisines and recipes that have long celebrated the beauty of simplicity.

The name “onion cooking” might lead some to imagine onions bubbling away in a pot of water, but that’s not the case here. In most versions of this dish, the onions are actually baked or grilled. The “cooking” part of the name refers to the spice blend, which is inspired by the spices typically used when cooking seafood—think bold flavors like garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper. It's a nod to the Southern tradition of seafood cooking, reimagined for the onion.

The onion cooking trend – how it all began

In June 2024, TikTok creator @doll_mimi shared a video that would unexpectedly spark a food trend – cooking onions. Sitting in front of the camera with a plate of baked onions, she says, “I've heard of an egg boil, a seafood boil… but an onion boil?” She shared that she only eats one at a time, saves the rest for later, and calls it a simple, healthy snack. It didn't take long for the audience to be excited. The video quickly racked up 2.4 million views, 269,000 likes, 1,900 comments, 28,300 saves and 20,400 shares.

The appeal? It's about simplicity. Other creators jumped in and shared their own takes with additional spices or toppings. Some commenters called it “comfort food perfection,” while others were drawn to its stripped-back style with no fancy ingredients or extra steps. This is the case with hundreds of thousands of interactions The video turned an everyday food item into a viral sensation, showing how even the simplest dishes can make a big difference on social media.

@doll_mimi described cooking onions as part of the “healthy side of TikTok,” striking a chord with viewers looking for comfort and ease. The comments section became a place to share onion-based recipes, swap memories of family meals, and enjoy the simple joy of an affordable, familiar meal.

The Journey of the Onion

Onions have been a staple in cuisines around the world for thousands of years, originating in Central Asia. As they spread, they became known for their hardiness and flavor. According to the National Onion Association, ancient Egyptians even used onions in burial rituals, symbolizing eternity. They were also common in the Greek diet of everyone from soldiers to athletes because they were easy to grow and full of flavor.

Onions have long been a popular ingredient due to their simplicity, affordability, and versatility. This trend builds on that heritage and celebrates the onion as a food that has nourished people for centuries.

Onions are not only cheap and versatile; They are also full of nutrients. Research, including a study in PubMedshows that onions are rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy compounds. For such a simple food, cooking onions also offers something surprisingly nutritious – perfect for anyone looking for a simple, beneficial addition to their diet.

Easy preparation with deep roots

While “onion cooking” is new to TikTok, baking onions with minimal effort is not a new idea. In fact, recipes for boiled or roasted onions have been around for centuries. An example comes from the 1808 cookbook The new system of home cooking by Maria Rundell, which contains a recipe for fried onions. This dish celebrates the natural flavor of onion, with just a few spices to bring out the best.

In a 2019 video, historical cooking channel Townsends recreated the 1808 recipe of how previous generations turned basic ingredients into something special. Long before TikTok, people recognized the versatility and value of the onion as a flavorful and affordable ingredient.

Baked or stuffed onions are also popular in Turkish, Armenian and Greek cuisine. Dishes like Soğan Dolması from Turkey, Sogan Tourmasi from Armenia and Gemista me Kremmydia from Greece are some of the many recipes that transform onions into a hearty meal. For these dishes, onions are stuffed with rice, meat or herbs and baked in the oven until soft. Like onion cooking on TikTok, these recipes show the power of simple ingredients when carefully prepared.

The power of comfort food in difficult times

The appeal of cooking onions isn't just its simplicity – it awakens a desire for comfort foods that provide emotional relief, especially in difficult times. According to a study published in Food and FoodwaysComfort foods are often chosen for their ability to relieve suffering and fall into categories such as nostalgic foods and physical comfort foods.

With its savory flavors and soft, caramelized texture, onion seasoning captures what people crave in a comfort food. This dish captures that feeling and brings people back to basics with a dish that is both familiar and filling. It's a reminder that food can be more than just sustenance; It's a way to control our moods, connect with the past and find comfort in simple aromas.

Everything old is new again – How viral trends are redefining tradition

The phrase “everything old is new again” couldn’t be more appropriate for cooking onions. Conversations on the Reddit subreddit r/OnionLovers show that for experienced chefs, this “trend” feels more like a familiar friend than a new discovery. For long-time members, cooking onions isn't a groundbreaking technique – it's a tried-and-true method that's been around forever. But thanks to TikTok, this simple dish has found new energy, attracting newbies and sparking new creativity in the community.

For longtime members of the r/OnionLovers subreddit, the viral “onion boil” feels more like a step backwards than a breakthrough. User MarchMadnessisMe commented: “I've been doing this with red onions for years. Except I just put some butter and a bouillon cube on top. Yummy.” That sentiment is common among longtime cooks on the thread. While the name “onion cooking” may be new, the technique itself is anything but. Thanks to social media, a long-time favorite method has now reached an audience that might never have thought of cooking onions this way, sparking new enthusiasm and creative twists on a classic approach.

Some veteran members of the subreddit find the sudden hype surrounding onion cooking amusing, even a little ironic. They've been cooking onions this way for years, but now, thanks to social media, the rest of the world has caught on. This reaction underscores an important point: While the name “onion cooking” may be new, the technique is far from it. The viral nature of the trend reimagines an ancient practice and makes it accessible to an audience that might never have considered cooking onions as a standalone dish.

Why cooking onions has become indispensable

As we move in an ever-changing world, trends like onion cooking combine tradition with a new perspective. They encourage us to re-appreciate familiar ingredients and discover new ways to enjoy and celebrate them.

Ultimately, cooking onions is more than just a passing internet trend. It serves a common need for comfort, connection and creativity in the kitchen and shows that the most meaningful culinary experiences sometimes come from the simplest of ingredients.