I can’t wait to share this tangy recipe with you: homemade pickled red onions in apple cider vinegar.
It’s a fresh, customizable alternative to the store-bought stuff, that I absolutely love.
Though they might sound like a chef’s specialty, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up. And the flavor? Simply out-of-this-world!
These pickled red onions are like flavor fireworks, perfect for jazzing up your meals.
Never pickled before? No sweat! You won’t need any fancy gear or hard to find ingredients.
Just a few basics, and you’re all set to transform red onions into a flavor-packed treat!
Pickled Red Onions In Apple Cider Vinegar
Equipment
- 1 16oz pickling jar
- 1 Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion
- 8 ounces apple cider vinegar
- 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.
- 1 tbsp sugar- For a low-carb or keto option, try using monk fruit or other types of sweeteners.
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- First things first, let's tackle the onions. Slice them thinly and evenly to ensure they pickle perfectly.
- Place the sliced onions into a sterilized glass jar.
- In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, bay leaf, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the brine mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Pour the hot brine over the onions, making sure to completely submerge.
- Allow the jar to cool to room temperature, seal it, and pop it in the fridge. Give it at least 2 hours to pickle, but for that optimum flavor, leave them for a day or two.
Notes
Nutrition
Spicing Up the Recipe
Experimenting with the spices for my pickled red onions in apple cider vinegar recipe has been like painting with bold and subtle flavors, each stroke adding depth and character to the final masterpiece.
The right combination of spices can elevate the humble onion from a basic ingredient to a star condiment.
Here’s a glimpse into my spice cabinet for this recipe, where each selection plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect harmony of taste.
- Mustard Seeds: Their piquant heat introduces a subtle spiciness that complements the tanginess of the apple cider vinegar.
- Black Peppercorns: Offering a sharp bite, these peppercorns ground the onions with an earthy depth.
- Coriander Seeds: With their citrus undertones, coriander seeds add a hint of lemony zest that enhances the natural flavors.
- Allspice Berries: These bring a warm, aromatic sweetness, balancing the acidity of the vinegar with their rich bouquet of flavors.
- Bay Leaves: Their herbal notes infuse the pickling liquid with a whisper of the woods, adding complexity to the onions.
- Cinnamon Sticks: A stick or two lends a sweet, woody aroma, introducing a cozy warmth ideal for balancing the sharpness of the onions.
- Cloves: Just a few cloves can provide a potent burst of spicy sweetness, enriching the overall flavor profile with their intense depth.
- Red Chili Flakes: For those who like it hot, a sprinkle of chili flakes brings a fiery dimension that lights up the palate.
Pickling allows you to tailor each batch to your liking. Mixing different spices and aromatics, you can create flavors that represent your personal taste.
Choosing the perfect vinegar is key to defining your pickles’ flavor, with each variety contributing its own special touch.
Check out my detailed vinegar guide to explore the diverse range of vinegars and their distinct tastes!
Versatility Is What Makes Pickled Red Onions in Apple Cider Vinegar a Hit!
The versatility of these pickled red onions never ceases to amaze me. Their vibrant taste can elevate a multitude of dishes.
Here’s where I find they truly shine:
- Burgers and Hot Dogs: There’s something about the sharp tang of these onions that just cuts through the richness of burgers and hot dogs. It adds such a delightful contrast, enhancing every bite with a burst of flavor. I always make sure to have a jar handy for BBQs and cookouts.
- Grain Bowls: A spoonful of these onions on top of a quinoa or rice bowl brings everything together. The zesty zing livens up even the simplest of grain dishes.
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches: The tanginess of the onions cuts through the richness of the pork, adding a refreshing crunch.
- Avocado Toast: Adding pickled onions to my morning avocado toast has become a ritual, making a classic breakfast dish even more enjoyable.
- Grilled Fish: The acidity of these onions is a perfect match for the delicate flavors of grilled fish. They bring a balance to the dish that’s both subtle and impactful.
- Roast Chicken: Drizzling these onions over roast chicken adds an unexpected burst of flavor. Their acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that’s truly mouthwatering.
- Pasta Salads: I often toss a handful of these onions into my pasta salads. They bring a lively, tangy element that transforms a simple pasta salad into a memorable dish.
- Baked Potatoes: A topping of pickled red onions on a hot baked potato is a revelation. The combination of the hot, fluffy potato and the cool, tangy onion is a match made in buttery heaven.
You can incorporate pickled onions into any dish. Their ability to add depth and excitement to a wide range of meals makes them a staple in my fridge.
Want to add a little sophistication to your onion recipe? You found it: Pickled onions in white wine vinegar– add a gourmet touch!
Join Our Community!
I’m truly excited to learn about the delicious transformations in your meals thanks to these pickled red onions in apple cider vinegar.
Cooking is all about sharing experiences and flavors, and I’m thrilled at the thought of how you might use these tangy onions in your own creations.
Feel free to share your culinary adventures, pose questions, and engage in our shared passion for dynamic tastes. And there’s more – join my newsletter for an extra dash of culinary excitement!
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Saying Goodbye-For Now
As we wrap up our pickled red onion recipe, I hope you feel inspired to try this vibrant creation. Imagine your fridge housing these colorful jars, not just as condiments, but as bold flavor enhancers.
Embrace the joy of cooking with these tangy treats, and let each dish be a flavor-packed experience.
Until our next food adventure, happy pickling, and relish the symphony of tastes in every crunchy, tangy bite!
Commonly Asked Questions
Welcome to my FAQ section! Here, I’ve gathered some of the most common questions about pickling onions to help you along:
Both white and apple cider vinegar are excellent for pickling onions, but they offer different flavors.
White vinegar gives a clean, sharp taste, while apple cider vinegar adds a subtle fruity note. The choice depends on the flavor profile you prefer for your pickled onions.
Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice, giving it a mild, fruity flavor.
Distilled vinegar, often made from grain-based ethanol, has a more potent and acidic taste. This difference in flavor profiles is significant when pickling, as it can influence the overall taste of your pickled goods.
The best vinegar for pickling is one with a 5% acidity level, which is the standard acidity for most vinegars available in the market.
This level of acidity is crucial for preserving and flavoring, ensuring that your pickled onions are both safe to eat and delicious.
Adjustments in the ratio of vinegar to water can be made based on personal taste preferences, but the vinegar’s acidity should always remain at 5%.
