Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Introduction

Pickled red onions are a vibrant and tangy addition that can elevate any meal. They are quick to prepare, adding a burst of flavor and crunch to salads, tacos, sandwiches, and more.

Ingredients

• 2 small red onions
• 2 cups white vinegar
• 2 cups water
• ⅓ cup cane sugar
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon mixed peppercorns

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thinly slice the onions, ideally using a mandoline for even slices. Divide the onions evenly between 2 jars (16-ounce) or 3 jars (10-ounce). Add one garlic clove and a pinch of peppercorns to each jar.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir continuously until the sugar and salt fully dissolve, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
3. Step 3: Pour the cooled brine over the onions in the jars, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let the jars sit at room temperature until they cool down, then refrigerate.
4. Step 4: Allow the onions to pickle until bright pink and tender, which takes about 1 hour for thin slices or overnight for thicker slices. Store in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a few bay leaves or a pinch of chili flakes to the jars before adding the brine.
• Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a milder, fruitier taste.
• Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the jars to infuse new aromas.

Storage

Pickled red onions should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their best flavor and texture for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, serve them cold or at room temperature for the best crunch and tang.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use yellow or white onions instead of red onions?

Yes, you can pickled other types of onions, but red onions are preferred for their color and slightly milder flavor. Yellow or white onions may have a stronger taste and less vibrant color.

Do I have to slice the onions thinly?

Thin slices absorb the brine faster, making the pickled onions ready in about an hour. Thicker slices take longer to soften and develop flavor, usually overnight, but can offer a heartier texture.

Pickled Red Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 108 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 2 jars or about 3 cups of pickled onions 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

This recipe for Pickled Red Onions offers a quick and easy way to add tangy, vibrant flavor to your dishes. Using simple ingredients like red onions, white vinegar, and a hint of sweetness from cane sugar, these pickled onions are perfect for salads, tacos, sandwiches, and more. Ready in as little as an hour, they bring a crisp, bright pink bite to any meal.

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Ingredients

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Pickled Red Onions

• 2 small red onions
• 2 cups white vinegar
• 2 cups water
• ⅓ cup cane sugar
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon mixed peppercorns

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Instructions

1. Slice the Onions: Thinly slice the red onions using a mandoline or a sharp knife for even, delicate slices. Distribute the sliced onions evenly between two 16-ounce jars or three 10-ounce jars. Add one garlic clove and half the mixed peppercorns into each jar to infuse flavor.
2. Prepare the Pickling Liquid: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt. Stir continuously until the sugar and salt fully dissolve, which takes about 1 minute. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. Combine and Cool: Pour the warm pickling liquid over the onions in the jars, ensuring the onions are fully submerged. Let the jars sit at room temperature until they reach room temperature to avoid condensation inside the fridge.
4. Refrigerate and Pickle: Seal the jars and refrigerate. The onions will be ready to eat once they turn bright pink and tender, which takes about 1 hour for very thin slices or overnight for thicker slices. Properly stored, they will keep well for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Using a mandoline helps achieve uniform thin slices for faster pickling.
• You can adjust the sugar amount to taste for a sweeter or more tangy pickle.
• The pickled onions add a vibrant flavor to tacos, salads, sandwiches, and grilled dishes.
• Ensure onions are fully submerged in brine to prevent spoilage.
• For a spicy variation, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the jars.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Pickled Red Onions, Quick Pickled Onions, Tangy Pickled Onions, Easy Pickled Onions Recipe, Vegan Condiment