Alright, my fellow flavor enthusiasts, let’s huddle up for a confession – I am utterly, hopelessly obsessed with pickling.
And not just your garden-variety pickles, I’m talking about concoctions that’ll make your taste buds do the tango. Today’s recipe is my signature pickled red onions and jalapeños.
You see, this isn’t just about adding zing to your meals; it’s a bold statement in a jar.
These pickled wonders are the unsung heroes of my kitchen, bringing a pop of color and a blast of flavor to even the most boring of dishes.
So grab a knife, and cutting board, because we’re about to slice, dice, and pickle our way to flavor town! 🙂
Pickled Red Onions and Jalapenos
Equipment
- 1 16oz pickling jar
- 1 Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion
- 1/2 small jalapeno
- 8 ounces white vinegar- Apple cider, white or red wine will work
- 4 ounces water
- 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 what you're pickling.
- 2 tbsp sugar- For a low-carb or keto option, try using monk fruit or other types of sweeteners.
- Optional- 1 tsp of whole black peppercorns
- Optional- 1 tsp of mustard seeds
- Optional- 1 tsp of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Let's start by thinly slicing the red onions and jalapeños.
- Place the sliced onions and jalapeno into a sterilized, heat-proof jar.
- Mix the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer until everything's dissolved.
- Pour the simmering potion over the onions and jalapeños, making sure they’re submerged.
- Let the jar cool to room temperature, then seal it and chill it.
- Give it at least 2 hours to pickle, but for that optimum sweet and spicy magic, leave them for a day or two.
Notes
Nutrition
Elevating Meals with Pickled Red Onions and Jalapeños
The vibrant kick of pickled red onions and jalapeños can transform almost any dish, adding depth and a spicy tang that awakens the palate. Here are some of the ways I like to enjoy these tasty bites:
- Tacos and Fajitas: Layer them in tacos or fajitas for an extra burst of flavor and color, complementing the savory fillings with their spicy, tangy crunch.
- Sandwiches and Burgers: Elevate your sandwiches and burgers by adding a generous serving of pickled onions and jalapeños, introducing a lively contrast to the rich meats and cheeses.
- Grilled Meats: Serve them alongside grilled meats as a zesty condiment that cuts through the smokiness and fat with its bright acidity and spice.
- Nachos: Scatter them over nachos for an added layer of complexity, balancing the cheesy, crunchy base with their piquant bite.
- Salads: Toss them into your salads for a refreshing twist that brings a lively kick to greens and veggies, enhancing the overall freshness.
- Cheese Boards: Include them in your cheese boards as a pickled companion to various cheeses, offering a spicy counterpoint that cleanses the palate.
- Rice Bowls: Mix them into rice bowls to add a vibrant dimension to the dish, pairing well with the subtle flavors of rice, beans, and proteins.
- Eggs: Top your morning eggs with these pickles for a bold start to the day, whether it’s over easy eggs, omelets, or avocado toast.
Interested in another recipe with a little more Mexican flare? Here’s another tasty treat: Mexican pickled white onions that make your taste buds dance!
Selecting the Perfect Spices for Pickled Red Onions and Jalapeños
I’ve found that the right combination of spices can elevate this condiment to new heights, adding layers of flavor that make each bite unforgettable.
Here are the spices I’ve handpicked to harmonize with the natural zestiness of the onions and the bold heat of the jalapeños:
- Mustard Seeds: Their tangy bite introduces a subtle spice that pairs beautifully with the sharpness of the onions and the heat of the jalapeños.
- Coriander Seeds: Offering a hint of citrus, these seeds add a fresh, lemony undertone that complements the pickles’ zesty profile.
- Cumin Seeds: The earthy warmth of cumin balances the acidity of the vinegar, adding depth to the overall flavor palette.
- Black Peppercorns: For a classic spice that brings a robust aroma and a mild heat, black peppercorns are a must, enhancing the spicy kick of the jalapeños.
- Bay Leaves: Their herbal notes infuse the brine with a subtle complexity, grounding the brighter flavors with a whisper of woodsiness.
- Allspice Berries: A touch of allspice adds a warm, nuanced sweetness, offering a counterbalance to the tang and heat, without overwhelming the palate.
- Garlic Cloves: Including whole garlic cloves introduces a pungent depth, marrying well with the bold flavors of onions and jalapeños.
- Oregano: A sprinkle of oregano brings a hint of Mediterranean freshness, adding an aromatic layer that highlights the pickles’ spicy and acidic notes.
Each spice is carefully chosen to enhance the natural flavors of the onions and jalapeños.
This ensures that every jar achieves a harmonious blend of heat, tanginess, and aromatic spices.
Embrace the Adventure with Spices and Vinegars in Your Pickling!
Venturing into the array of spices and the wide selection of vinegars allows you to customize your pickling recipes to your exact liking.
Let your creativity run wild, playing with spice combinations and incorporating your own unique twist.
It’s in these personal touches that the true spirit of pickling emerges, allowing you to craft a condiment that’s distinctly yours.
The choice of vinegar also plays a pivotal role in the pickling process.
From the bold zest of white vinegar to the mellow sweetness of apple cider, selecting the right vinegar can transform the flavor profile of your recipes.
Each vinegar type brings its own distinct flavor, opening up endless possibilities for taste exploration.
Come Join Our Flavorful Expedition!
Exploring the spicy and tangy world of pickled red onions and jalapeños has been a fun part of my pickling adventure, introducing me to a spectrum of bold flavors and innovative techniques.
I warmly invite you to share your journey, ask questions, or offer your own spicy pickling insights.
The world of pickling is vast with exciting flavors waiting to be uncovered – let’s venture into this spicy quest together.
Stay connected for more culinary adventures and pickling secrets by joining our newsletter. Together, we’ll nurture a community of bold and creative pickling enthusiasts, one spicy bite at a time!
Your Questions Answered
I’ve gathered here the answers to some frequent questions to ensure your pickling journey is smooth and successful:
You sure can! Apple cider vinegar brings a slightly fruitier, milder tang compared to the sharp, clean bite of white vinegar.
It’ll infuse your pickled onions with a subtle sweetness and a warm, golden hue. So if you’re all for a gentle, rounded acidity with an extra hint of flavor complexity, apple cider vinegar might just become your new pickling pal.
How long do these pickled red onions and jalapeños need to sit before they reach their best flavor?
Patience may be a virtue, but luckily, it won’t be tested for too long with this recipe.
Give your creation at least a solid 24 hours in the fridge to let the flavors meld and the magic happen. If you can hold out for 48 hours, even better—your taste buds will thank you.
