How to Caramelize a White Wine Sauce

White wine is a great addition to any sauce, adding a depth of flavor.

Basic white wine sauce can be used over any kind of meat, and is the staple sauce for many different European cuisines. Caramelizing the ingredients of a white wine sauce adds another layer of flavor to it. White wine is a good basis for sauce as the alcohol evaporates and leaves a mellow flavor. When complemented by caramelized onions, the sauce absorbs a rich flavor and chunky texture. Easy to make, the sauce takes only a few minutes and adds extra flavor and moisture to any dish.

Things You'll Need

• Frying pan
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. tarragon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 3/4 cup white wine

Instructions

1. Place frying pan on stove over medium-high heat.

2. Place the butter in the frying pan and melt it thoroughly over the bottom.

3. Add the onion and garlic. Saute for five minutes, until they are clear and browned.

4. Add the tarragon, salt and pepper. Mix until completely combined with onions and garlic.

5. De-glaze the pan with white wine. Simmer the sauce until the liquid is reduced by half.

Tips & Warnings

• Caramelized white wine sauce can be a light substitute for gravy.

References

• Spicy Food and More: White Wine Sauce
• Cook's Illustrated: Caramelized Onion Sauce with White Wine
• Carnegie Mellon University: White Wine Pasta Sauce
• Carnegie Mellon University: Shrimp in Garlic-Wine Sauce
• Garlic Central: Garlic Sauce