Pickled Red Onion Recipe

There’s something magical about the crunch of pickled red onion. Picture this: a tangy burst of flavor dancing on your taste buds while adding a pop of color to your meals. It’s like a party in your mouth where every bite says “surprise!” This delightful treat is perfect for jazzing up salads, tacos, or even just munching on straight from the jar when no one is watching.

The best part? Making pickled red onion is as easy as pie—if pie were made in under 30 minutes with only a few ingredients. Trust me; you’ll wonder why you didn’t start this culinary adventure sooner! So grab your apron because we’re diving into this colorful world of flavor!

I remember the first time I made these pickled red onions for a taco night with friends. The look on their faces when they took their first bite was priceless—pure joy mixed with surprise!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Red Onions: Sweet and vibrant, choose firm bulbs for the best texture when sliced.
• White Vinegar: A staple for that tangy kick; feel free to use apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor.
• Water: Just enough to balance the vinegar and create the perfect brine.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to counterbalance the acidity—nobody wants a mouthful of sour!
• Salt: Enhances flavor; kosher salt works wonderfully here without additives.
• Spices (optional): Consider adding peppercorns or garlic cloves for extra pizzazz!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Onions: Slice your red onions thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline for even pieces. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness so they pickle quickly.

Create the Brine: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine equal parts water and white vinegar—about one cup each should do. Stir in sugar and salt until fully dissolved.

Add Flavor Boosts (Optional): If feeling adventurous, toss in some peppercorns or crushed garlic cloves while heating your brine. Let it simmer until aromatic.

Combine Everything in a Jar: Place your sliced onions into a clean glass jar and pour the hot brine over them until fully submerged. Make sure every ring gets its share!

Cool it Down: Allow the jar to cool at room temperature before sealing it tight. Pop it in the fridge once cool; they’ll be ready in about an hour but taste even better after a day!

Enjoy these crunchy delights on everything from tacos to burgers—they’re bound to be a hit at dinner!

These charming little jars of pickled happiness are not just eye candy; they pack quite a punch of flavor too! They’re an ideal way to add pizzazz to bland dishes without breaking sweat in the kitchen. Plus, who wouldn’t want more color on their plate? Grab those onions and let’s get cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by slicing the onions thinly; this ensures they soak up the pickling liquid perfectly. Combine vinegar, sugar, and salt in a pot, heat until dissolved, then pour over the onions in a jar.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with spices like coriander seeds or chili flakes for an extra kick. You can also swap white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a sweeter taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store your pickled red onion in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about two weeks, gaining flavor as they sit!

I remember the first time I made pickled red onion for a barbecue. My friends couldn’t get enough of them! It made me realize how something simple could elevate a meal so much.

FAQ

How long does it take to pickle red onions?

It takes about 30 minutes for quick pickling, but flavors improve after 24 hours.

Can I use other types of onions?

Yes, sweet onions or shallots can also work well for pickling.

Do I need to boil the pickling solution?

Boiling isn’t strictly necessary but helps dissolve sugar and salt quickly for better absorption.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onion Recipe

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups (8 servings) 1x

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Description

Transform your meals with this quick and easy pickled red onion recipe, bursting with tangy flavor and vibrant color, perfect for salads, tacos, and more!

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Ingredients

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• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• Optional: Spices such as peppercorns or garlic cloves

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Instructions

1. Thinly slice the red onion to about 1/8-inch thickness.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of vinegar. Stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of salt until dissolved.
3. If desired, add spices like peppercorns or crushed garlic to the brine and simmer briefly for added aroma.
4. Place sliced onions in a clean glass jar and pour the hot brine over them until fully submerged.
5. Allow the jar to cool to room temperature before sealing it. Refrigerate; they’ll be ready in about an hour but taste best after a day.

Notes

• For added sweetness, substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar.
•  Experiment with different spices such as coriander seeds or chili flakes for a unique flavor twist.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 60g
• Calories: 20
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg