Jumping into pickling has been a fun food experience for me. Taking a fresh white onion and turning it into a tangy treat in a jar is truly satisfying.
Whether you’ve been pickling for years or are just giving it a try, this simple recipe will guide you step-by-step to create the perfect pickled white onions.
Pickled White Onions Recipe
Equipment
- 1 16oz pickling jar
- 1 Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 large white onion
- 6 ounces vinegar- (Distilled, Apple Cider, or White Wine)
- 6 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 type of sweeteners.
- Optional- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- Optional- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- Optional- 1 bay leaf
- Optional- 1/2 ounce of lime juice or juice of choice
Instructions
- Slice the white onion: Cut off the ends, cut in half, and peel away the outer skin. Next, thinly slice each half and separate the layers.
- Prepare your pickling jar: Using a clean jar, add the sliced onions and any optional seasoning you like.
- Preparing the brine: In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar.
- Adding the brine: Once the brine comes to a boil, remove from heat and pour into the jar making sure the onion slices are completely submerged.
- Cool to room temperature: Set aside the jars and allow them to cool to room temperature-typically 2 hours. Once cooled, cover and place jars inside the refrigerator.
- Tasty treat: For the best results, allow 24 hours before serving. Your quick pickled white onions should last up to 2 weeks if regerated properly.
Notes
Nutrition
Divine Pairings For Pickled White Onions
Each of these dishes has been transformed in my kitchen by the simple addition of pickled white onions.
They’re a testament to the power of pickling, proving that sometimes, it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest impact on our taste buds.
- Classic Burgers: Topping a juicy burger with pickled white onions adds a delightful crunch and a burst of acidity, cutting through the richness of the meat.
- Pulled Pork Sliders: The tangy bite of these onions is the perfect counterbalance to the sweet and savory flavors of slow-cooked pork.
- Ceviche: Sprinkling diced pickled white onions over fresh ceviche adds a layer of complexity and enhances the citrus notes in the dish.
- Veggie Tacos: For a refreshing twist, add pickled white onions to veggie tacos. They provide a zesty contrast to the earthy flavors of the fillings.
- Grain Bowls: Scatter some atop your favorite grain bowl for an instant uplift in flavor. They’re particularly good with quinoa and farro bowls that feature leafy greens and roasted veggies.
- Hot Dogs: Elevate your hot dog game by swapping out traditional toppings for these onions, adding sophistication and zing with every bite.
- Greek Salad: Give a classic Greek salad a twist by including pickled white onions. Their sharpness pairs beautifully with feta cheese and olives.
- Pizza: Yes, pizza! Adding pickled white onions to pizza, especially on flavors like BBQ chicken or classic Margherita, introduces an unexpected burst of flavor that complements the cheese and sauce wonderfully.
Want to try a pickled onion with a little tang? Check out my Lemon Pickled Onions recipe, you won’t be disappointed!
Spice Symphony for Pickled White Onions
When it comes to pickling, the right blend of spices can transform the simple into the sublime.
In my kitchen, I treat each batch of pickled veggies as a canvas, where spices are my palette for adding depth, warmth, and complexity.
Here’s my go-to spices that harmonize beautifully with the crisp, sharp essence of white onions:
- Mustard Seeds: Their pungent, tangy kick is a classic in pickling, offering a lively contrast to the onions’ sharpness.
- Coriander Seeds: These lend a lemony, floral note that complements the acidity of the vinegar, enhancing the onions’ natural zing.
- Black Peppercorns: For a bit of heat and earthiness, black peppercorns are unbeatable, grounding the brighter notes of the pickled onions.
- Dill Seeds: They introduce a hint of grassy freshness, reminiscent of cucumber pickles, and work wonders with white onions.
- Bay Leaves: Their herbal whisper adds a layer of complexity, infusing the brine with a subtle depth.
- Juniper Berries: Offering a distinctive piney flavor, juniper berries bring a wild, aromatic twist to the mix.
- Allspice Berries: With their warm, nutmeg-clove flavor, allspice berries add a hint of sweetness and spice that’s intriguingly cozy.
- Red Chili Flakes: For those who like it hot, a sprinkle of chili flakes can dial up the heat while adding a vibrant visual flair.
Venture Into the Spice and Vinegar Odyssey!
Delving into the variety of spices and vinegars has been a game-changer for my pickled recipes, morphing every batch into its own distinct taste adventure.
Consider this your culinary sandbox—where you’re encouraged to mix and match your preferred spices and vinegars, personalizing each batch to your heart’s content.
For me, the true delight of pickling lies in creating blends that resonate with my taste buds.
The selection of vinegar, from the bold zest of white vinegar to the subtle, mellow notes of rice vinegar, can utterly redefine your onions.
Every decision you make infuses your pickled vegetables with a unique flair, crafting that’s all yours.
Join the Conversation
Launching into the world of pickled white onions has kicked off an exciting new chapter in my pickling journey.
It’s uncovered a realm where the crisp tanginess of white onions turns everyday meals into extraordinary experiences.
I invite you to share your experiences with these pickled delights, ask any questions, or share your own pickling discoveries.
The world of pickling is a treasure chest of flavors yet to be discovered – let’s dive into this exploration together.
Stay tuned for more straightforward pickling guides and inventive ideas by joining our newsletter. Together, let’s keep the joy of pickling alive, one jar of pickled white onions at a time!
Pickled White Onions Recipe – Your Questions Answered
Starting with a new recipe can bring up lots of questions. Over time, I’ve collected some of the most common ones to help guide your pickling journey. Hope this helps!
Personally, I don’t. However, some swear by this step, believing it helps in maintaining the onions’ crunchiness. If you’re curious, you can try both methods and see which texture you prefer.
How long do pickled white onions last?
In my experience, quick pickled white onions can last up to 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly. Always ensure they’re submerged in the brine and kept in a sealed container to maintain their freshness.
What kind of vinegar do you use for pickling?
I’ve experimented with various vinegars over the years. Apple cider vinegar is a favorite of mine for its tangy flavor, but white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even plain white vinegar can also work wonders. Each type imparts its unique taste. Play around with them all to find your favorite.
