How to Make Pickled Onions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you love the tangy and slightly salty taste of pickle onions? If yes, then it’s time to stop buying those expensive jars of pickled onions from the supermarket and start making your own at home. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also a lot more fun and satisfying to make your own pickled onions from scratch. In this article, we’ll show you how to make your own delicious pickled onions in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Pickled onions are ideal as a condiment for sandwiches, burgers, and salads. They are also the perfect accompaniment to cheese and crackers or enjoyed on their own. Rest assured that making pickle onions is incredibly easy, and you don’t need any fancy equipment to get started. So, let’s get pickling!

1. Choosing the Right Onions

When it comes to making pickled onions, the type of onion you use can make a big difference. But, not all onions are created equal. If you’re looking for the perfect onion to pickle, you’ll want to choose one that’s firm and not too sweet. Some of the best onions for pickling are red onions, shallots, or white onions.

2. Preparing the Onions

Once you’ve selected your onions, it’s time to start preparing them for pickling. The first step is to peel off the outermost layer of the onion. Then, you’ll want to slice the onion as thin as possible. If you have a mandolin, this is the perfect tool to use. However, if you don’t have one, you can easily use a sharp knife.

3. Create the Pickling Solution

Now that your onions are sliced, it’s time to create the pickling solution. The perfect pickling solution should have a balance of acidity, salt, and sweetness. For this recipe, we’ll be using a mixture of apple cider vinegar, water, and sugar. You can also add in some spices like peppercorns, mustard seeds, or bay leaves to add more flavor to your pickled onions.

4. Cooking the Pickling Solution

Once you’ve combined all the ingredients for your pickling solution, it’s time to bring it to a boil. This will help dissolve the sugar and spices and help infuse all the flavors together. Once the solution is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.

5. Sterilizing Jars

To ensure the long shelf life of your pickled onions, you’ll want to sterilize the jars you’ll be using to store them. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through a cycle in the dishwasher. Once sterilized, let the jars cool before filling them with your pickled onions.

6. Packing the Sprinkle Jars

Once your jars are sterilized and cooled, it’s time to pack them with your pickled onions. You can also add in some of the pickling solution to make sure your onions are fully submerged. Make sure to leave some headspace in the jar to prevent any overflow.

7. Cooling and Sealing the Jars

Once your jars are packed with pickled onions, it’s time to let them cool before sealing them. Place the jars on a cooling rack to ensure they cool evenly and completely. Once your jars are cool, put on the lids tightly and store them in a cool, dark place.

8. Letting the Pickled Onions Marinate

Although pickled onions can be eaten right away, they taste best after marinating for a few days. This will give the onions time to absorb all the flavors of the pickling solution. So, be patient and let them marinate for at least 48 hours before enjoying.

9. Serving Pickled Onions

There are endless ways to enjoy your freshly pickled onions. They can be added to salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, or just eaten as a snack. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and experiment with them in your favorite dishes.

10. Storing Pickled Onions

Pickled onions can last for up to 2 months when stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep them submerged in the pickling solution to ensure they stay fresh and delicious.

Ingredients for Pickled Onions

When it comes to making pickled onions, you only need a few simple ingredients to get started. Here are the must-have ingredients that you will need to make delicious pickled onions:

1. Onions: You can use any type of onion that you prefer for pickling but red onions are the best option.

2. Vinegar: Any vinegar can be used for pickling, but white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar tend to be the most favorable options.

3. Salt and sugar: Salt and sugar are important for balancing the acidity of the vinegar and are crucial for the pickling process.

4. Water: Water is needed to dilute the vinegar and balance the flavor.

5. Optional ingredients: You can add in other ingredients such as garlic, chili flakes, mustard seeds, or herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.

Preparing the Onions

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare the onions for pickling. Here’s how to do it:

1. Slice the onions: Cut the onions into thin slices.

2. Salt the onions: Place the sliced onions in a colander or strainer over a bowl and sprinkle them with salt. This step helps to draw out any excess moisture from the onions and enhances their flavor.

3. Rinse the onions: After 30 minutes of salting, rinse the onions thoroughly with cold water and drain off any excess water.

Prepping the Pickling Solution

Now that you have prepared the onions, it’s time to make the pickling solution. Follow these steps to make the perfect pickling solution:

1. Heat the vinegar: In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, and any other optional ingredients you want to add. Bring the mixture to a boil.

2. Add water: Once the mixture is boiling, add water and reduce the heat to low.

Filling the Jars

Once you have made the pickling solution, it’s time to fill the jars with the sliced onions. Here’s how to do it:

1. Pack the onions: Add the sliced onions to the jars and pack them in tightly.

2. Pour the pickling solution: Using a funnel, pour the hot pickling solution over the onions in the jars.

3. Seal the jars: Seal the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature.

Storing and Using Pickled Onions

Now that you have made your pickled onions, here is what you need to know about storing and using them:

1. Storage: Store the jars in the refrigerator for up to three months.

2. Serving: Pickled onions are a great addition to sandwiches, tacos, salads, and burgers.

3. Culinary uses: You can also use pickled onions for making chutneys, relishes, and sauces.

Pickled Onion Variations

There are many variations of pickled onions that you can make by adding different ingredients. Here are some recipe ideas to get you started:

1. Spicy pickled onions: Add chili flakes or whole chilies to the vinegar mixture for a spicy kick.

2. Sweet pickled onions: Add honey or maple syrup to the pickling solution for a sweet and tangy flavor.

3. Asian pickled onions: Add soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to the pickling solution for an Asian-inspired flavor.

Final Thoughts

Pickled onions are a simple and versatile condiment that you can easily make at home. With this easy-to-follow guide and simple recipe ideas, you can make delicious pickled onions that are perfect for your favorite dishes. So why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you!

Types of Onions to Use for Pickling

When it comes to pickling onions, it’s important to choose the right type of onion. While any type of onion can be pickled, there are a few varieties that work particularly well. Here are some of the best options:

Preparing the Onions

Once you’ve chosen your onions, it’s time to prepare them for pickling. Here’s how to do it:

1. Slice the onions: Start by slicing your onions thinly. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to achieve even, thin slices.

2. Salt the onions: After slicing your onions, place them in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Leave them to sit for about an hour. This will draw out excess moisture from the onions and make them crunchier.

3. Rinse the onions: After the hour is up, rinse the onions thoroughly to remove any excess salt.

4. Pat the onions dry: Using a paper towel or clean kitchen towel, pat the onions dry to remove any excess moisture.

Making the Pickling Brine

The secret to great pickled onions is in the brine. Here’s how to make a basic pickling brine:

To make the brine, simply combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar and salt have dissolved, then remove from the heat and let cool.

Pickling the Onions

Now that you have your onions and your brine ready, it’s time to pickle. Here’s how to do it:

1. Pack the onions: Pack the sliced onions into a glass jar or other container.

2. Pour in the brine: Pour the cooled brine over the onions, making sure they are completely covered.

3. Let it sit: Cover the jar or container and let the onions sit in the brine for at least a few hours or overnight. The longer the onions sit in the brine, the more flavorful they will become.

4. Enjoy: Once the onions are pickled to your liking, they are ready to enjoy! Use them as a topping for sandwiches, salads, or burgers.

Storing Pickled Onions

Pickled onions will last for several weeks in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out, and be sure to eat them before they go bad. If you want to preserve your pickled onions for longer, you can also can them using a canning kit and follow the instructions carefully.

Wrap it up, it’s pickle time!

Now that you have learned how to make your very own pickle onions, there is no need to buy them from the store anymore! You can have them fresh and tasty right from your own kitchen. Thank you for reading this article and we hope that you enjoyed it. Come back soon for more exciting recipes and food ideas! Happy pickling!