Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions Recipe

If you love a tangy and pungent flavor added to your dishes, then pickled red onions are a must-try! They are the perfect addition to salads, tacos, sandwiches, and many other dishes. They are easy to make at home and last for a long time in the fridge, making them a great condiment to have on hand.

Pickling red onions involves the process of soaking sliced onions in vinegar and spices. This process not only enhances its flavor but also makes it easier to digest. Moreover, the bright pink color of these onions adds a pop of color to your dishes, making them look more appetizing. In this article, we will walk you through a simple and easy recipe to make delicious pickled red onions at home.

1. What you’ll need:

Before we dive deep into the recipe for pickled red onions, let’s talk about what you’re going to need. Here are the ingredients:

– 2 medium sized red onions
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
– 1 bay leaf

2. Getting started:

The first step in making pickled red onion is to slice the onions. You can choose to slice them in thin rings, half moons, or however you prefer. Once you’ve sliced them, you can set them aside.

3. Preparing the brine:

The next step is to prepare the brine. Combine the apple cider vinegar, water, honey, salt, black peppercorns, and bay leaf in a saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure all of the ingredients are well mixed.

4. Letting the brine cool:

Once the brine has simmered for 5 minutes, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool completely. This may take around 10-15 minutes, but it’s essential to wait until the brine has reached room temperature before pouring it over the onions.

5. Preparing the jars:

While you’re waiting for the brine to cool, it’s time to prepare the jars. You can use any airtight container, but a mason jar works perfectly. Make sure the jar is clean and sterilized before using it. You can sterilize the jar by boiling it in water for 10 minutes.

6. Filling the jars:

Once the jars are sterilized and the brine is cooled, it’s time to start filling the jars. Place the sliced onions into the jar and pour the cooled brine over the top until the onions are completely submerged.

7. Adding extra flavors:

If you’d like to add some extra flavor to your pickled onions, feel free to do so. You can add garlic, ginger, or even chili flakes to the mixture if you want. Mix in the extra flavors before pouring the brine over the onions.

8. Letting the mixture sit:

Once the jars are filled, it’s time to seal them up and let them sit. You should store the jars in a cool, dark place for at least 24 hours before using them. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the onions to fully pickle.

9. Enjoying your pickled red onions:

Pickled red onions are a delicious addition to many dishes. You can use them as a topping for tacos, sandwiches, or even salads. They’ll add a tangy and sweet flavor that you won’t be able to resist.

10. Storing your pickled onions:

Your pickled red onions will last in the fridge for up to a month. Make sure you keep them in an airtight container, and they should stay fresh. You can enjoy them on just about any dish, so feel free to get creative with how you use them!

Choosing the Right Onions

Pickling red onions requires choosing the right onions that are conducive to the pickling process. The ideal onion to use is the red onion, and it can be found in most supermarkets around the world. However, you want to ensure the onions are fresh, with no signs of blemishes or soft spots. Some people prefer to use organic onions as they are generally free from pesticides, but this is not mandatory.

When selecting your onions, you need to choose the ones that are firm to the touch and have tight, shiny skins. The skins should be a deep red, with no discolored patches or brown spots. Onions with a fresher appearance are much easier to peel, which is necessary when making pickled red onions.

Cutting the Onions

Once you have your onions ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: cutting them. When cutting your onions, it is essential to work carefully to ensure that you don’t cut yourself, as with all knives, they are very sharp. Begin by slicing off the top of the onion in a straight line, then slice the onion in half, so you have two separate sides.

Next, slice the onion into thin, even slices. The thinner the slices, the easier it will be for the onions to absorb the pickling brine. This will also make the onions crispier, which is what you want from a pickled onion. Be sure to have a sharp knife handy that glides easily through the onion.

Creating the Pickling Solution

Making the pickling solution for the onions is the most crucial part of the process, and getting it right is critical. The ingredients that go into your pickling solution will ultimately determine the flavor, texture, and longevity of your pickled onions.

To create the pickling solution, you need to mix vinegar, sugar, salt, and water. There are several types of vinegar that you can use to make pickled red onions, but the most common are white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and red wine vinegar. The most popular vinegar used is apple cider vinegar, but you may opt for other types, depending on your preference.

Adding Flavors

Once your pickling solution is made, you can add different flavorings to it to give your pickled red onions more flavor and depth. Some people add ginger, garlic, bay leaves, or thyme to their pickling solutions. You may also add chili flakes or even lemon zest if you want a spicy kick or a citrusy taste.

Keep in mind that while using additional flavors may be tempting, it’s best to work with simpler flavors to see how they complement the onions before experimenting with other bold flavors.

Heating the Pickling Solution

After combining all the ingredients for the pickling solution, heat the solution over medium heat. Do not let the solution boil, just heat it until the sugar and salt dissolve completely in the vinegar.

The heat helps dissolve the sugar and salt mixture evenly so that they are dispersed throughout the pickling solution. Moreover, it helps infuse the flavors of the spices you added to your pickling solution.

Pickling the Onions

When pickling your onions, ensure that you are using a clean glass jar or container, preferably with a lid. Begin by layering your thinly sliced onions into the jar, then pouring the pickling solution over the onions.

Make sure all the onions are submerged in the pickling solution by shaking the jar or stirring with a spoon. Let the onions rest in the solution at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Storing Pickled Onions

Pickled red onions can last up to two weeks in the fridge if stored in an airtight container or jar. It’s important to ensure that the onions are fully submerged in the pickling solution to keep them from getting dry or moldy.

When storing your pickled onions, keep them towards the back of the fridge, where it is colder. This will help them to last longer and retain their flavor. It’s worth noting that the longer you keep your pickled onions, the softer they may become over time.

Serving Pickled Onions

Enjoy your pickled red onions with all your favorite dishes like tacos, sandwiches, or burgers. You can also add them to salads, pizzas, or charcuterie boards as a delicious garnish that adds a burst of flavor.

The possibilities for using pickled red onions are endless, so feel free to experiment with your favorite dishes. The tangy, sweet, and sour flavors of pickled onions are addictive and irresistible, so get creative and enjoy them to your liking.

Caring for Your Knife and Cutting Board

After using your knife and cutting board to slice your onions, clean them thoroughly before storing them. A quick clean immediately after use and a more thorough one before your next use is recommended. This helps to prevent bacteria that may be harmful to your health.

Always store your knife in a knife block or sheath to ensure the blade remains sharp and free from dirt and moisture. Additionally, store your cutting board separately to prevent cross-contamination, and replace it as soon as it shows signs of wear and tear.

Conclusion

Making pickled red onions is easy and straightforward, and it’s a great way to add zest and flavor to your dishes. With simple ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, you can have a delicious and tangy garnish that adds an extra depth of flavor to your dishes. Follow the above steps, and you will enjoy making your pickled onions, which will also save money compared to buying store-bought ones. So go ahead, make a batch and enjoy the deliciousness in your cooking!

Ingredients for Pickled Red Onions

1. Red Onions

For pickled red onions, you will need two medium-sized red onions. These onions are sweeter and milder in flavor compared to their white and yellow counterparts.

2. Vinegar

You can use any vinegar of your preference; however, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar are popular choices for pickling.

3. Sugar

Sugar is added to balance out the acidity of the vinegar. Granulated sugar or honey can be used depending on your preference.

4. Salt

Salt enhances the flavor of the pickled onions, and two teaspoons should suffice for this recipe.

5. Spices

You can add different spices to the pickling mixture for more flavor. The following spices work well with pickled onions:

Instructions for Pickled Red Onions

1. Slice the onions

Begin by slicing the red onions into thin rounds. You can also use a mandoline or food processor for even slices.

2. Sterilize the jars

Sterilize the jars and their lids by immersing them in boiling water for a few minutes.

3. Prepare the pickling mixture

Combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for one minute, then take off the heat.

4. Layer the onions in the jar

Layer the sliced onions inside of the sterilized jars until about ¾ full.

5. Pour the pickling mixture and let it cool

Pour the pickling mixture over the onions until they are fully submerged. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then seal the jars.

Storing and Serving Pickled Red Onions

1. Refrigeration

Pickled onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. Make sure the jars are sealed correctly and have not been opened before storing.

2. Uses for Pickled Onions

Pickled red onions are the perfect addition to any meal. They add a tangy and sweet flavor to salads, sandwiches, tacos, and much more. They can also be used as a garnish for cocktails.

3. Variations of Pickled Red Onions

You can add different flavors to your pickled onions by adding other ingredients like garlic, ginger, or citrus. You can also experiment with different vinegars and sugars for different flavor profiles.

4. Advantages of Pickled Onions over Fresh Onions

Pickled red onions have a milder flavor and are easier to digest compared to raw onions. They are also more aesthetically pleasing and can be stored for longer periods.

5. Conclusion

Pickled red onions are a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal. They are easy to make, versatile, and can be stored for long periods. Make a batch to have on hand as a condiment or garnish to elevate your dishes.

Happy pickling!

So there you have it, folks! Making pickled red onions is a quick and easy way to add a pop of flavor and color to any dish. Remember to use good quality ingredients and have fun experimenting with different spices and flavors. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you again soon for more delicious recipes!