On an unforgettable journey to the Hawaiian islands, I discovered the enchanting flavors of Hawaiian pickled onions.
Each slice was a revelation, offering a vibrant burst of freshness that captured the essence of tropical dishes!
This unique tropical twist on pickled onions has won hearts far and wide, and I’m excited for you to fall in love with it as well.
Dive into this recipe and let the lively flavors whisk you away to a Hawaiian sunset, no matter where you are!
Hawaiian Pickled Onions Recipe
Equipment
- 1 16oz pickling jar
- 1 Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 medium maui onions – sweet Onions (like Vidalia or Walla Walla) are a good substitute for Maui onions due to their mild and sweet flavor.
- 6 ounces water
- 6 ounces apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Hawaiian salt or sea salt – it's best not to use table salt since it has iodine and anti-caking additives, which can cause the pickling liquid to turn cloudy and change the color of what you're pickling.
- 1 tbsp sugar – or sweetener of choice
- optional – 1/2 ounce of pineapple juice
- optional – 1 small Hawaiian chili pepper, finely chopped
- optional – 1/2 ounce lime juice
- optional – small piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preparing the onion: Trim the ends, halve the onion, and remove the outer layer. Then, finely slice each half and separate the layers.
- Arranging your jar: In a sanitized jar, layer the onion slices and incorporate any chosen spices or herbs.
- Preparing the brine: Combine vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a pot. Warm over medium-high heat, stirring until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
- Adding the brine: After the brine has come to a boil, remove from the heat and transfer it into the jar. Be sure to leave enough room for pineapple juice and lime.
- Adding pineapple juice: Add pineapple juice and any other juice you like. Top off with more brine to ensure the onions are completely covered.
- Cooling process: Allow the jars to stand until they cool to room temperature, typically about 2 hours. Once cooled, add any citrus juice (lime or lemon etc.) secure the lids and transfer them to the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Ideas for Adding Hawaiian Pickled Onions to Your Meals
The lively flavor of Hawaiian style pickled onions can elevate a variety of dishes with a touch of tropical zest. Here’s how they’ve brightened up my meals with their vibrant taste and color:
- Poke Bowls: These pickled onions add a delightful crunch and a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the fresh, raw fish, enhancing the overall flavor of this Hawaiian favorite.
- Grilled Fish Tacos: Tucked into tacos with grilled fish, the pickled onions introduce a refreshing acidity that complements the smokiness of the seafood, offering a memorable taste sensation.
- Hawaiian Pizza: Sprinkling them atop a Hawaiian pizza before baking brings a zesty twist to the classic ham and pineapple combination, adding depth with their tangy flavor.
- Luau Pork: As a side or garnish for luau pork, the onions provide a bright contrast to the rich, slow-cooked meat, cutting through the fattiness with their crisp texture.
- Tropical Salads: Mixed into tropical salads, they lend a pop of color and a burst of flavor that turns a simple salad into an exotic treat.
- Chicken Katsu: Served alongside or on top of chicken katsu, the pickled onions cut through the richness of the fried chicken with their sharp sweetness, balancing the dish perfectly.
- Huli Huli Chicken: Grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. The pickled onions complement the caramelized flavors of the chicken, making each bite a tropical delight.
- Ahi Tuna Salad: Tossing them into an Ahi tuna salad elevates the dish with a refreshing acidity and sweetness, perfectly complementing the seared tuna and fresh greens.
Crafting the Perfect Pickled Onions with an Island Spice Symphony
Crafting the perfect batch of Hawaiian pickled onions requires a thoughtful blend of spices that complement the tropical and vibrant essence of Hawaiian cuisine.
Inspired by the dishes that pair beautifully with these pickled treasures, here’s a curated list of spices that will enhance your pickling liquid and infuse your onions with layers of flavor:
- Black Sesame Seeds: Their nutty and slightly sweet flavor adds a subtle complexity, perfect for garnishing poke bowls or tropical salads.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger lends a warm, spicy kick that’s ideal for cutting through the richness of dishes like luau pork and grilled fish tacos, adding a fresh, zesty note.
- Hawaiian Sea Salt: This local favorite brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, grounding the pickles with a depth of flavor that echoes the islands’ tastes.
- Crushed Pineapple or Pineapple Juice: Adding a touch of crushed pineapple or a splash of pineapple juice to the pickling brine introduces a sweet, tangy element that’s synonymous with Hawaiian cuisine, perfect for complementing Hawaiian pizza or chicken katsu.
- Smoked Paprika: A sprinkle of smoked paprika offers a smoky depth that mirrors the grilled elements in tacos or the smoky flavor of Spam Musubi, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- Lime Zest: The bright, citrusy tang of lime zest pairs wonderfully with seafood dishes like ceviche and ahi tuna salad, adding a light, refreshing lift.
- Chili Flakes: For a hint of heat that doesn’t overpower, chili flakes can be added to the mix, offering a spicy contrast that enlivens the onions and complements the spicy-sweet dynamics of Hawaiian and tropical dishes.
- Cilantro Seeds (Coriander): These seeds bring a lemony, floral note that bridges the gap between the savory and citrus elements in the recipe, enhancing the freshness of the pickled onions.
Are you interested in a recipe without sugar? We’ve got what your looking for: Keto-Friendly Pickled Red Onions
Embrace the Adventure of Spices, Vinegars, and Hawaiian Flavors!
Venturing into the realm of spices, seasonings, and the unique zest of Hawaiian flavors grants you the liberty to customize your pickling recipes to perfectly match your palate.
Embrace the spirit of the islands by incorporating traditional Hawaiian spices alongside your choice of vinegars, adding a tropical twist that makes each jar a celebration of Pacific cuisine.
Inspire your culinary spirit to take bold steps, blending classic ingredients with the vibrant essence of Hawaiian spices and infusing your distinct flair into the mix.
Don’t forget vinegars’ impact on pickling also. Choosing the right vinegar, whether it’s the bold tang of white vinegar, or the exotic flavors of tropical fruit vinegars, can significantly change your recipe’s flavor.
Paired with Hawaiian spices, each vinegar type introduces a unique taste, inviting endless creativity, experimentation, and a touch of island paradise.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Exploring Hawaiian pickled onions has been an exhilarating part of my journey into pickling, revealing new flavors and techniques.
We’re eager to see how these flavorful onions transform your meals and snacks.
Feel free to share your stories, ask questions, or offer your spicy pickling insights. The world of pickling is vast with flavors waiting to be explored – let’s dive into this tasty expedition together.
Stay connected for more culinary adventures and pickling tips by signing up for our newsletter. Together, we’ll cultivate a world of adventurous and innovative pickling, one delightful bite at a time!
Answering Your Questions
Diving into the world of pickling can come with its fair share of questions and curiosities.
In this section, I’ve addressed some of the most commonly asked questions about our Hawaiian pickled onions recipe and pickling in general.
Pickled onions, when stored properly, can last in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. If you notice any off smells, or mold, or if the brine becomes cloudy, it’s best to discard the onions.
What is a Maui onion? Can I use other types of onions?
A Maui onion is a type of sweet onion grown primarily on the Hawaiian island of Maui. They are known for their sweetness, mildness, and lack of a strong pungent flavor, which makes them great for both cooking and consuming raw.
Vidalia or Walla Walla are a good substitute for Maui onions due to their mild and sweet flavor.
