Getting started with pickling has been a journey filled with cool surprises for me. Transforming a simple yellow onion into a jar full of tangy bites is a process I find thoroughly satisfying.
Whether you share my passion for pickling or are just on the lookout for a standout recipe, you’ve landed in the right place. This guide is designed to assist you every step of the way.
Yellow Pickled Onions Recipe
Equipment
- 1 16oz pickling jar
- 1 Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow 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- Dill
- Optional- 1 garlic clove thinly sliced
- Optional- 1/2 tbsp mustard seeds
- Optional- 1/2 ounce of lime juice or juice of choice
Instructions
- Cutting the yellow onion: Cut off the ends, cut in half, and peel away the outer skin. Next, thinly slice each half and separate the layers.
- Setting up your jar: In a clean jar, place the onion slices and any additional spices you prefer.
- Making the brine: Mix the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a saucepan. Heat on medium-high until the salt and sugar dissolve while stirring.
- Pouring 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.
- Cooling process: Let the jars sit until they reach room temperature, usually around 2 hours. After cooling, seal them and move to the fridge.
- Serving suggestion: Wait at least 24 hours for optimal flavor. When stored correctly, your quick pickled yellow onions can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
My Favorite Pairings
In my kitchen creations, I’ve found yellow pickled onions to be my secret weapon for elevating almost any dish. Here are some of my favorite ways to try them:
- Sandwiches, Burgers, and Tacos: Elevate these classics by adding a layer for an instant flavor uplift. Their tangy kick cuts through the richness of meats and complements the freshness of vegetable toppings.
- Salads, Pizza, and Nachos: Brighten up your salads with a sprinkle of these onions, or add them to your pizza before baking for a caramelized zest. On nachos, they provide a delightful tang that balances the cheesy and spicy notes.
- Potato Salad, Coleslaw, or Tuna Salad: Stirring in pickled onions into these salads not only adds a refreshing bite but also introduces a layer of complexity to the flavors. They’ll make your potato salad more vibrant, your coleslaw crisper with an extra tang, and your tuna salad a crowd-pleaser with their punchy zest.
- Roasted or Grilled Vegetables and Meats: Use yellow pickled onions as a garnish to introduce a beautiful contrast in both flavor and color. Their acidity and sweetness are perfect against the smoky, charred flavors of grilled meats and the earthiness of roasted vegetables, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Grain Bowls and Rice Dishes: Incorporate them into your favorite grain bowls or alongside rice dishes. They add a lively, acidic component that pairs wonderfully with grains.
- Breakfast Avocado Toast or Eggs: Top your morning avocado toast with a few slices of pickled onions for an energizing start to the day, or serve them alongside scrambled or poached eggs for a gourmet breakfast twist.
Looking to change up your pickled onion recipe a bit? Our Pickled White Onions wont disappoint!
Spicing Up My Yellow Pickled Onions
In perfecting yellow pickled onions, experimenting with spices has become my favorite part. Each addition subtly transforms the flavor, making every batch unique. Here are the spices I enjoy mixing into my creations:
- Mustard Seeds: Add a tangy, peppery kick that’s subtle yet impactful.
- Coriander Seeds: Bring a slight citrus hint that pairs well with the tanginess of the onions.
- Black Peppercorns: Offer a sharp, earthy contrast to the pickled onions’ brightness.
- Allspice Berries: Contribute a warm, sweet note, adding complexity to the pickle brine.
- Bay Leaves: Provide a subtle, herbal backdrop that complements the vinegar’s acidity.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Introduce a sweet, warm undertone, perfect for adding a cozy flavor during colder months.
- Cloves: Add a strong, aromatic sweetness that can elevate the onions to a gourmet level.
- Fennel Seeds: Impart a light, anise-like taste, offering a refreshing twist to the pickles.
- Dill Seeds or Fresh Dill: Bring a vibrant, herby freshness that enhances the natural flavors of the onions.
- Red Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch can add a spicy dimension without overwhelming the onions’ natural zest.
Join the Conversation
I hope you have enjoyed my yellow pickled onions recipe. Whether you’re a pickling enthusiast or just trying it out, I’d love to hear about your experience.
Share your stories, tweaks, and photos. And for those eager to learn more about the world of pickling, join my email list and stay tuned for more recipes and tips!
