Published: May 12, 2025
Agrodolce Sauce with Red Onion
This Agrodolce Sauce with Red Onion is a simple sauce and magical addition to almost any meal.
I enjoy making this every fall and winter to pair simply with roasted veggies or I make this in the spring and summer to pair with fresh burrata cheese and fresh tomatoes with crust bread. This Agrodolce Sauce with Red Onion elevates the simplest of dishes to unforgettable memories.
What Is Agrodolce Sauce?
Agrodolce is a classic sour Italian condiment that balances sweet flavors with sour flavors, its name literally means “sour and sweet” in Italian. It’s typically made by combining sweet elements like honey or sugar with vinegar or another acidic ingredient to create a sauce that’s bright, bold, and versatile.
Agrodolce can be thick and syrupy or light and pourable, depending on how long it’s reduced. It’s a delicious way to bring contrast and complexity to everything from roasted vegetables and grains to meats and seafood. There’s no single way to make it, taste as you go and adjust until you find your favorite balance.
Why I Made This Agrodolce Recipe
I love simple recipes with big flavors. This scrumptious sauce can be added to simple roasted or air-fried squash, Brussel sprouts, root vegetables, salmon, chicken, or baked tofu.
I made this recipe for Thanksgiving last year after watching a video from Justine Snacks! Her Agrodolce Cabbage with Chili Delicata Squash recipe heavily influenced my Warm Brussel Sprouts Salad with Acorn Squash.
Ingredients
- Red Onion: Another onion like shallots can be used
- Herbs: Like rosemary and thyme
- Avocado Oil: Olive oil works as well.
- Honey: Option to sub for maple syrup
- Red Chili Flakes: For a little kick
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Option to use red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or other vinegar of choice.
- Salt & Pepper
Swaps and Additions
One of my favorite things about this recipe is it is so easily customized to the cooks liking! Because this recipe is flexible and easy to customize it goes well with almost everything!
Swap the onion: While red onions bring a vibrant color and natural sweetness, you can also use yellow onions for a slightly milder flavor or sweet onions for a sweeter sauce.
Switch up the fruit: Tart cherries are a great alternative, especially if you enjoy a tangier bite. Other add-ins include golden raisins, dried chopped cherries, sliced grapes, or other fruits that add a pop of sweetness and texture.
Citrusy finish: Just stir in a little lemon zest.
For Balance: To balance the sweet and sour, try seasoning with black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle, savory smokiness.
How to Make This Recipe
Sauté the Aromatics
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the avocado oil. Add the rosemary, thyme, and red onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and fragrant.
Add Sweeteners and Vinegar
Stir in the honey and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything starts to thicken slightly and take on a syrupy consistency with a touch of heat. Turn off the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar.
Final Step: Season and Store
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Let cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to one week.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile condiment brings the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory to a wide variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to use Agrodolce Sauce with Red Onion:
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Chicken Agrodolce: Spoon it over seared or roasted chicken thighs or chicken breasts for an easy, flavor-packed dinner.
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Air Fryer Tofu: A little goes a long way with crispy tofu for a plant-based twist.
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Roasted or Cooked Vegetables: Especially delicious with Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or carrots.
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Meaty Fish: Try it with salmon, mackerel, or even swordfish for a restaurant-worthy meal.
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Grain Bowls & Salads: Drizzle over farro, quinoa, or warm greens for extra depth.
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Pizza & Sandwiches: Add a layer of flavor to veggie or cheese pizzas, paninis, or grilled cheese.
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Cheese Plates: Serve alongside creamy goat cheese, aged cheddar, or burrata for an elevated appetizer. Make it even better with some fresh crusty sourdough bread!
Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or fresh rosemary to tie everything together. This sauce also makes a festive addition during the holiday season, perfect for entertaining or gifting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple recipe like agrodolce has a few spots where things can go sideways. Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Rushing the onions
Don’t crank the heat too high. For that rich, caramelized flavor, let the onions cook slowly over medium heat until soft and golden. If you rush this step, they’ll end up bitter instead of sweet.
2. Skipping the acid
The vinegar is what gives agrodolce its signature tang. Without it, the sauce will taste flat and overly sweet. Don’t skip it, and don’t add it too early or it may cook off before it has a chance to balance the flavors.
3. Overdoing the sweeteners
It’s easy to go overboard with honey or dried fruit. Use a light hand and adjust to taste at the end. You’re looking for a perfect balance of sweet and sour, not a sticky syrup.
4. Not seasoning to taste
Always finish with salt and black pepper. These simple seasonings enhance all the other flavors and make the sauce pop.
Enjoy This Recipe? Try These Fantastic Sauces
Agrodolce Sauce with Red Onion
Equipment
- 1 saute pan
Ingredients
- 1 red onion chopped or sliced
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
- Place the sauté pan on medium heat.
- Then, add the avocado oil, rosemary, thyme, and red onion to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Combine Sweeteners and Vinegar
- Add honey and red pepper flakes, and continue to sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Turn the heat off and stir in the apple cider vinegar.
Adjust to Taste
- Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
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