Embracing the art of pickling has turned crisp red onions into a tangy favorite in my kitchen.
This quick pickled red onions recipe, celebrated for its vibrant hue and unique taste, has quickly become a household favorite.
Ideal for both pickling pros and beginners, this guide simplifies the journey to creating your very own delicious batch of quick pickled red onions.
Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe
Equipment
- 1 16 oz 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 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 crushed red pepper
- Optional- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- Optional- 1 garlic clove thinly sliced
- Optional- 1/2 ounce of lime juice or juice of choice
Instructions
- Slice the red onion: Trim off the ends, halve it, and peel away the outer skin. Next, thinly slice each half and separate the layers.
- Get the pickling jar ready: 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 red onions should last up to 2 weeks if refrigerated properly.
Notes
Nutrition
Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe Food Pairing Ideas
Pickled onions have the magic touch to transform everyday meals into something truly spectacular, adding a zingy burst of flavor. Here are some ways I’ve used them to elevate my dishes:
Burgers – Elevate your burger with a layer of these tangy delights for exceptionally flavorful bites, perfectly complementing the juicy patty.
Tacos – Tucked into tacos, pickled red onions offer a vibrant contrast, enhancing the freshness and elevating this classic dish.
Salads – Scattered over greens, their vibrant touch and refreshing bite make every forkful more exciting.
Pizza – A pre-bake addition infuses your pizza with caramelized zest, enriching the taste profile with a gourmet twist.
Nachos – Among cheesy, spicy layers, pickled onions tangy balance turns a simple snack into an extraordinary treat.
Potato Salad – Folded into your potato salad, they not only brighten the dish but also invigorate the classic flavors with a tangy depth.
Coleslaw – Incorporated for an additional tang and enhanced texture, they make the slaw more refreshing and zesty.
Tuna Salad – Mixing in pickled red onions brings a lively punch of flavor, adding a zesty contrast that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Love pickled red onions but want to try something new? Our Yellow Pickled Onions Recipe will surely satisfy your desire!
Spice Ideas for Your Pickling Recipe
Turning my quick pickled red onions recipe into something truly special has been all about finding the right mix of spices.
Here are the ones I’ve fallen in love with, each bringing out the best in the onions and layering flavors in such a way that every jar turns out both rich and wonderfully complex:
- Mustard Seeds: These little seeds pack a punch, offering a tangy and peppery flavor that’s both subtle and significant.
- 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.
- Cloves: Their strong, aromatic sweetness can truly elevate your pickled onions, adding a layer of sophistication and depth.
- Fennel Seeds: With a light, anise-like flavor, they offer a refreshing and slightly sweet twist that’s delightfully unexpected.
- Dill Seeds or Fresh Dill: This herb adds a burst of freshness, enhancing the onions with its vibrant, green flavor.
- Red Chili Flakes: For a gentle kick, a sprinkle of these can introduce a spicy yet balanced dimension that doesn’t overpower but entices.
Don’t Be Affraid to Experiment with Spices and Vinegars!
Playing with different spices and seasonings allows you to customize your pickling recipes to your liking.
Feel free to get creative, mixing, matching, and even throwing in a personal favorite to the mix. After all, the charm of pickling lies in crafting a batch that’s distinctly yours.
And let’s not overlook the pivotal role of vinegars in the pickling process.
The selection of vinegar, from the bright acidity of white vinegar to the subtle sweetness of apple cider, can dramatically transform your recipe. Each vinegar variety introduces a distinctive flavor profile, inviting you to explore and experiment.
Jump Into the Pickling Mix!
We are excited to see how you use our quick pickled red onions recipe. Will they shine at your gatherings, become a new go-to, or the special touch in your dishes?
Share your experiences, exchange tips, or get advice in our community of pickling fans. For more recipes and simple pickling tricks, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter. Let’s keep the pickle fun alive!
