Pickled Red Onions
on Dec 08, 2023, Updated Mar 14, 2024
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Pickled onions are a delightful and zesty condiment that can elevate any dish with their tangy, sweet, and sour flavors. Loved for their versatility and easy preparation, pickled onions have become a staple in kitchens worldwide.
Pickled onions are incredibly versatile and can be used to complement a wide range of dishes. Their tangy and slightly sweet flavor makes them an excellent topping for tacos, burgers, and sandwiches, adding a delightful crunch and zest. They also work wonders in salads, offering a bright, acidic note that balances out rich, creamy dressings.
For a more adventurous culinary experiment, try incorporating pickled onions into your charcuterie boards or as a garnish for hearty stews and soups. Their vibrant color and distinct flavor can turn an ordinary dish into something extraordinary.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Recipe Ingredients
- Popular Substitutions and Variations
- How To Make Pickled Onions
- Recipe FAQs
- Expert Tips
- Can I use this pickling method for other vegetables besides onions?
- How can I make the pickled onions less pungent?
- Serving Ideas for Pickled Onions
- More Condiment Recipes To Consider
- Pickles Red Onions Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and no cooking required, pickled onions are a hassle-free addition to your meals.
- Flavor Booster: They add a burst of tangy, sweet, and sour taste that can enhance various dishes.
- Long Shelf Life: When stored properly, pickled onions can last for weeks in the refrigerator.
Recipe Ingredients
- Red onions
- Red wine vinegar
- Salt
- Sugar
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Popular Substitutions and Variations
- Vinegar: Substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Sweeteners: Replace sugar with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetness.
- Spices: Experiment with various spices like cumin, coriander, thyme, and oregano, or spices like black peppercorns or red pepper flakes to customize the flavor of your pickled onions.
How To Make Pickled Onions
Step #1. Peel and thinly slice the red onions into half-moon shapes.
Step #2. In a non-reactive bowl or measuring cup, combine the red wine vinegar, salt, and sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
Step #3. Place the sliced red onions in an airtight container. A glass jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works well.
Step #4. Pour the prepared pickling liquid over the red onions in the container, ensuring that the onions are fully submerged.
Step #5. Seal the container with its lid or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Place the container in the refrigerator.
Step #6. Allow the onions to marinate in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours or longer for a stronger flavor. The longer they marinate, the more pronounced the pickled flavor will be.
Recipe FAQs
When stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, pickled red onions can last for several weeks to a few months. The flavor may become more pronounced over time.
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and salt to suit your taste. Add more or less according to your preference.
It’s best to refrigerate them promptly to preserve their freshness. However, if left at room temperature for a short period, they should still be safe to consume.
Yes, you can reuse the pickling liquid for a second batch of onions. Just make sure the liquid is still flavorful, and you may need to adjust the seasoning slightly.
Expert Tips
- Thinly sliced onions will pickle faster and absorb more flavor.
- To extend shelf life, use sterilized jars for storing your pickled onions.
- Adjust the sugar and vinegar ratio to suit your taste preference. More sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tartness.
- The onions should be fully submerged in the pickling liquid for even pickling. You can add a bit of water if there’s not enough liquid to cover the onions.
Can I use this pickling method for other vegetables besides onions?
You can use this pickling method for various vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, radishes, and bell peppers. Adjust the marinating time to suit the vegetable you’re pickling.
How can I make the pickled onions less pungent?
To make pickled onions milder, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for about 10-15 minutes before pickling. Drain and proceed with the pickling process.
Serving Ideas for Pickled Onions
Pickled red onions are versatile and can be used as a condiment for tacos, burgers, sandwiches, salads, toast, and more. They also make a colorful garnish for appetizers and main courses.
While pickled red onions are typically served cold or at room temperature, you can also incorporate them into warm dishes if desired. They add a delightful tangy contrast to many dishes.
More Condiment Recipes To Consider
Condiments, Marinades & Spreads
How to Make Homemade Salad Dressing – 9 Easy Recipes!
From Scratch Recipes
Quick and Easy Refrigerator Pickled Banana Peppers
Preserving Food
How To Pickle Peppers (Hot Water Bath Canning Method)
Condiments, Marinades & Spreads
Homemade Green Enchilada Sauce
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Pickles Red Onions
Ingredients
- 2 medium red onions
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice the red onions into half-moon shapes.
- In a non-reactive bowl or measuring cup, combine the red wine vinegar, salt, and sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
- Place the sliced red onions in an airtight container. A glass jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works well.
- Pour the prepared pickling liquid over the red onions in the container, ensuring that the onions are fully submerged.
- Seal the container with its lid or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Place the container in the refrigerator.
- Allow the onions to marinate in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours or longer for a stronger flavor. The longer they marinate, the more pronounced the pickled flavor will be.
- Your pickled red onions are now ready to use as a delicious condiment or topping for various dishes.
Notes
- Thinly slicing the onions into half-moons ensures they pickle evenly and absorb the vinegar mixture well.
- It’s important to use a non-reactive bowl (like glass or ceramic) for mixing the pickling liquid to prevent any chemical reaction with the vinegar.
- The combination of red wine vinegar, salt, and sugar creates a balanced pickling liquid. Adjust the quantities slightly according to your taste preference.
- Ensure that the salt and sugar are completely dissolved in the vinegar for a consistent flavor throughout the pickling liquid.
- The onions should be fully submerged in the pickling liquid for even pickling. You can add a bit of water if there’s not enough liquid to cover the onions.
- Pickled red onions are versatile and can be used to enhance many dishes. They can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
