Pho-Inspired Caramelized Onion Dip

Dips are my go-to appetizer (though I always struggle not to fill up on them before the meal!). This recipe is a fun twist on the classic caramelized onion dip, infused with the aromatic flavors of pho broth. It’s a bit more elevated but still easy to make, with just a few extra steps beyond the store-bought versions. Inspired by the charred onion pho dip once served at the now-closed LA restaurant, Animal, this version features slowly caramelized onions mixed with sour cream and pho-inspired aromatics like cilantro and ginger for a rich, flavorful bite.

Key Ingredients in This Recipe

Caramelized onions – While caramelizing onions takes a bit of patience. Don’t try to rush the process by turning up the heat. The goal is to draw out the sugars in the onions and caramelize them – you have to go low and slow. You end up with mellow sweet onion flavor. The onions should be deep in color (a golden brown is best) but not dark – you don’t want to burn the onions. Making them too dark and deeply caramelized risks creating a bitter flavor.
Sour cream – Sour cream makes a wonderful base for dips and adds a tangy flavor that complements the deep flavor of the caramelized onions and other ingredients in the dip. While many dips use a combination of cream cheese and sour cream or mayonnaise, I opt for just cream cheese for a thinner dip consistency.
Ginger – To easily peel ginger, use the tip of a spoon to carefully peel away the skin.
Lemongrass – Lemongrass adds a bright, lemony flavor to dishes. Fresh lemongrass is best for this recipe since it has a more complex flavor. Pre-packaged paste or dried lemongrass can be substituted if needed. Only the bottom yellow part of the lemongrass stalk is used in cooking, the top part is typically much too tough.
Lime Zest – The lime zest is the grated outer skin from the citrus to add a concentrated flavor. Use a zester or microplane to remove the zest. If you don’t have a zester use a paring knife or vegetable peeler to remove the rind and finely chop it.
Garlic powder – I add a bit of garlic powder to the dip. Garlic powder has a more concentrated, intense flavor than fresh garlic and quickly deepens the flavor of the dip.

How to Make Caramelized Onion Pho Dip

Step 1: Add the onions to the pan.

Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and heat through. Add the butter and allow to melt then add the onions.

Step 2: Caramelize the onions.

Sauté until the onions are soft and tender, about 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are uniformly brown and caramelized, about 30 minutes.

red onion caramelized in pan with ginger and lemongrass

Step 3: Add aromatics.

Add the ginger and lemongrass and stir to combine, continuing to cook for an additional 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4: Combine the dip ingredients.

In a medium bowl stir together the caramelized onion with the sour cream, cilantro, lime zest, and onion powder. Season to taste with salt.

Pho-Inspired Caramelized Onion Dip with grilled naan bread

Step 5: Chill and serve.

Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors come together. Serve with naan for dipping.

Tips and Tricks for This Recipe

For the best onion dip

Give it time! This onion dip recipe is best made a bit ahead of time so the flavors have time to meld. The dip can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored, refrigerated until ready to serve.
Pair it. While the dip is great with kettle cooked potato chips or vegetables like carrot sticks and cauliflower florets, I love it with grilled naan bread.

Swaps and substitutions

For a lighter alternative, swap the sour cream for full-fat Greek yogurt.
While I like the deep golden brown color and sharper flavor of the red onions, yellow onions can also be used.

Pho-Inspired Caramelized Onion Dip recipe

Other Recipes to Try

If you enjoy this Pho-Inspired Caramelized Onion Dip recipe, I recommend checking out some of these: