The Viral Onion Boil: A Comfort Food, Explained

Who would’ve guessed that a simple boiled onion could become TikTok’s latest obsession?

In a world where food trends change by the day, this unassuming dish has captured both hearts and views. With grocery prices rising and a renewed love for comfort foods, the onion boil taps into something we’re all craving: warmth, familiarity, and connection. But while #FoodTikTok might call this a quirky new find, the onion boil has roots that go way deeper. It’s a nod to kitchens and recipes that have long celebrated the beauty of simplicity.

The name “Onion Boil” might lead some to picture onions bubbling away in a pot of water, but that’s not exactly what’s happening here. In most versions of this dish, the onions are actually baked or grilled with butter. The “boil” part of the name refers to the seasoning blend, inspired by the spices typically used in a seafood boil—think bold flavors like garlic, paprika, and cayenne. It’s a nod to the Southern tradition of seafood boils, reinterpreted for the onion.

The Onion Boil Trend—How It All Started

In June 2024, TikTok creator @doll_mimi shared a video that would unexpectedly spark a food trend—the onion boil. 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 she eats only one at a time, saving the rest for later, and calls it a simple, wholesome snack. It didn’t take long for viewers to be hooked. 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 all about simplicity. Other creators jumped in, sharing their own takes with extra seasonings or toppings. Some commenters called it “comfort food perfection,” while others were drawn to its stripped-down style, free from fancy ingredients or extra steps. With hundreds of thousands of interactions, this video turned an everyday food into a viral sensation, showing how even the most basic dishes can spark something big on social media.

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Describing the onion boil as part of “the wholesome side of TikTok,” this video struck a chord with viewers looking for comfort and ease. The comments section became a place to share onion-based recipes, swap memories of family dishes, and enjoy the simple joy of an affordable, familiar meal.

The Journey of the Onion

Onions have been a kitchen staple around the world for thousands of years, with origins in Central Asia. As they spread, they became known for their hardiness and flavor. Ancient Egyptians even used onions in burial rituals, symbolizing eternity, according to the National Onion Association. They were also common in Greek diets, from soldiers to athletes, because they were easy to grow and packed with flavor.

Onions have long been a go-to ingredient, thanks to their simplicity, affordability, and versatility. This trend taps into that legacy, celebrating the onion as a food that has nourished people for centuries.

Onions aren’t just cheap and versatile; they’re also packed with nutrients. Research, including a study in PubMed, shows that onions are rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy compounds.. For a food that’s so simple, the onion boil manages to offer something surprisingly nutritious too—perfect for anyone looking for an easy, feel-good addition to their diet.

Simple Prep with Deep Roots

While the “onion boil” is new to TikTok, baking onions with minimal fuss isn’t a new idea. In fact, recipes for boiled or roasted onions go back centuries. One example comes from the 1808 cookbook The New System of Domestic Cookery by Maria Rundell, which includes a recipe for roasted onions. This dish celebrates the onion’s natural flavor, with just a few seasonings to bring out its best.

In a 2019 video, historical cooking channel Townsends recreated the 1808 recipe, how past generations made something special from basic ingredients. Long before TikTok, people recognized the onion’s versatility and value as an ingredient that’s both flavorful and affordable.

Baked or stuffed onions are also beloved in Turkish, Armenian, and Greek cuisines. Dishes like Soğan Dolması from Turkey, Sogan Tourmasi from Armenia, and Gemista me Kremmydia from Greece are a few of the many recipes that transform onions into a hearty meal. These dishes are made by stuffing onions with rice, meat, or herbs and baking them until tender. Like the onion boil on TikTok, these recipes show the power of simple ingredients when they’re prepared with care.

The Power of Comfort Foods During Hard Times

The appeal of the onion boil isn’t just about its simplicity—it taps into a craving for comfort foods that provide emotional relief, especially in tough times. According to research published in Food and Foodways, comfort foods are often chosen for their power to ease distress, falling into categories like nostalgic foods and physical comfort foods.

The onion boil, with its savory flavors and soft, caramelized texture, captures what people crave in a comfort food. This dish captures this feeling, bringing people back to basics with a dish that’s both familiar and satisfying. It’s a reminder of how food can be more than just sustenance; it’s a way to manage our moods, connect with the past, and find comfort in simple flavors.

Everything Old is New Again–How Viral Trends Reframe Tradition

The phrase “everything old is new again” couldn’t be more fitting for the onion boil. Conversations on the Reddit r/OnionLovers subreddit reveal that, to seasoned cooks, this “trend” feels more like a familiar friend than a novel discovery. For long-time members, the onion boil is no breakthrough technique—it’s a trusted method that’s been around for ages. But thanks to TikTok, this simple dish has found new energy, drawing in newcomers and sparking fresh creativity within the community.

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

Some veteran members on the subreddit find the sudden hype around the onion boil amusing, even a little ironic. They’ve been preparing onions this way for years, but now, thanks to social media, the rest of the world is catching on. This reaction underscores a key point: while the “onion boil” name might be new, the technique is far from it. The trend’s viral nature reframes an old practice, bringing it to an audience that might never have considered boiling onions as a dish on its own.

Why The Onion Boil is Here to Stay

As we navigate a world that’s constantly shifting, trends like the onion boil blend tradition with a fresh perspective. They encourage us to revisit familiar ingredients and discover new ways to enjoy and celebrate them.

In the end, the onion boil is more than a passing internet trend. It taps into a shared need for comfort, connection, and creativity in the kitchen, showing that sometimes, the most meaningful food experiences come from the simplest ingredients.