Diving into the world of keto doesn’t mean giving up on flavorful foods.
Our keto pickled red onions are an example of that. These tangy treats not only complement a wide range of dishes but also align perfectly with a low-carb lifestyle.
This guide offers a straightforward approach to making these vibrant, keto-friendly pickled onions that are sure to be a hit at any table.
Keto Pickled Red Onions Recipe: The Perfect Sugar-Free Treat
Equipment
- 1 16oz pickling jar
- 1 Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion
- 6 ounces water
- 6 ounces vinegar- (Distilled, Apple Cider, or White Wine)
- 1 tbsp 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 your pickling.
- 1 tbsp artificial sweetener- Allulose, Erythitol or Monk Fruit will work fine.
- Optional- 1/2 ounce of lime juice or juice of choice
- Optional- 1 tsp-Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Optional- 1 tsp-Whole Black Peppercorns
- Optional- 1-Garlic Clove (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Preparation: Trim off the ends and halve the red onion, then peel and thinly slice. Separate the layers.
- Jar Setup: In a clean pickling jar, add the sliced onions and any optional seasonings.
- Brine: In a saucepan, mix vinegar, water, salt, and monk fruit sweetener. Boil until the salt and sweetener dissolve.
- Pouring the Brine: After the brine has come to a boil, remove from the heat and transfer it into the jar. If you're adding lime juice or any other juice, leave room when adding the brine. Then, add additional brine to ensure the onions are completely covered.
- Cooling: Allow the jar to cool to room temperature for approximately 2 hours. Then cover and refrigerate.
- Serving: For optimal flavor, wait 24 hours before serving. These keto pickled red onions can be stored for up to 2 weeks when refrigerated properly.
Nutrition
My Pairing Favorites For Enhancing Dishes with Keto Pickled Red Onions
I’ve found that pickled red onions really elevate dishes with their vibrant tang. Below are a few ways I love incorporating them:
- Tuna Salad: Stir in some pickled red onions for a zesty kick that’s sure to delight.
- Grilled Meats: Drizzle onions over the top for a flavorful contrast of acidity and sweetness.
- Rice Dishes: Scatter pickled red onions through to add a deliciously tangy touch to every bite.
- Eggs: Pair with scrambled or poached eggs to introduce a refined flavor twist.
- Quinoa Salads: Brighten up these hearty salads with a sprinkle of pickled red onions for a zesty pop.
- Baked Potatoes: Use them as a tangy complement to the creamy texture of baked potatoes.
Not strictly keto? This Pickled Red Onion Recipe will make your taste buds sing!
FLAVORFUL TWISTS TO TRY
Pickling is all about trying new spices. While our foundational recipe is a great starting point, here are some suggestions to make these pickled red onions burst with flavor:
Coriander Seeds: With their slight citrusy undertone, they’re a perfect match for the tanginess of the onions, adding a fresh zest.
Black Peppercorns: These provide a sharp and robust contrast, grounding the brightness of the onions with their earthy depth.
Allspice Berries: Add a dash of warmth and sweetness, lending a complex note to the brine that’s intriguing and comforting.
Bay Leaves: Their herbal and subtle flavor creates a perfect harmony with the acidity of the vinegar, offering a whisper of the forest.
Cinnamon Sticks: Sweet and warm, they’re ideal for introducing a cozy, spiced note that’s especially welcome in the cooler seasons.
Red Chili Flakes: For a gentle kick, a sprinkle of these can introduce a spicy yet balanced dimension that doesn’t overpower but entices.
Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrus note that enhances the pickles with a refreshing zing, complementing the vinegar’s acidity.
Dive into the World of Spices and Vinegars!
Embracing a variety of spices and seasonings offers the perfect opportunity to tailor your pickling recipes just the way you like them.
Don’t hesitate to unleash your creativity by combining different flavors, adding a special ingredient that you love into the blend. The true beauty of pickling is in creating something different.
And lets not forget the contribution of vinegars in the art of pickling.
Choosing your vinegar, from the sharp tang of white vinegar to the mellow sweetness of apple cider, both can significantly alter your recipe-in a good way.
Each type of vinegar brings its own unique taste to the table, encouraging you to dive in and play with the possibilities.
Dive Into the Pickling Adventure!
We’re eager to discover how our keto pickled red onions recipe enhances your culinary experiences.
Will they be the highlight of your social events, turn into your new favorite, or add that extra flair to your meals?
We invite you to share your stories, swap tips, or seek guidance within our enthusiastic pickling community.
For additional recipes and effortless pickling techniques, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter. Let’s continue to celebrate the joy of pickling together!
My Parting Bites for Keto Pickled Red Onions
Throughout my culinary experiences, I’ve come to appreciate that dietary choices, like keto, don’t mean sidelining flavor.
These keto pickled red onions are a testament to that belief.
Every tangy bite is a reminder that delicious food can cater to various dietary preferences.
Whether I’m adding a zesty touch to salads, elevating sandwiches, or simply enjoying them straight from the jar, these onions have earned a special place in my fridge.
Popular Questions
Trying out a new recipe often brings up plenty of questions.
Through my experiences with pickling everything under the sun, I’ve gathered answers to a few of the most frequent questions:
Keto pickled red onions maintain the tangy and vibrant flavor characteristic of pickled onions. The primary difference lies in the sweetness. Traditional recipes use sugar, which gives a distinct sweet-tangy balance. In keto versions, alternative sweeteners like monk fruit provide the sweetness without the carbs, resulting in a slightly different, yet equally delightful, taste profile.
Can I use other keto-friendly sweeteners besides monk fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! While monk fruit is a popular choice, there are other keto-friendly sweeteners you can use. Erythritol, stevia, and allulose are all suitable alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the quantity based on the sweetener’s sweetness level and your personal preference.
How long can I store keto pickled red onions in the refrigerator?
When stored in a well-sealed container, pickled red onions can last in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. It’s essential to ensure the onions remain submerged in the brine to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Why put sugar in pickled onions?
Sugar plays a multifaceted role in pickling onions. Firstly, it balances the acidity of the vinegar, creating a harmonious sweet-tangy flavor profile that many find appealing.
This balance can make the pickled product more palatable, especially for those who might find a purely acidic taste too sharp.
Secondly, sugar can influence the texture of the pickled onions, often resulting in a crisper finish. Additionally, sugar acts as a preservative, enhancing the shelf life of the pickled product.
However, for those watching their sugar intake or following specific diets, there are alternatives available that can mimic the effects of sugar without the added carbs.
