The Best Pickled Red Onions Recipe: Sweet, Tangy, and Perfect for Everything
Pickled red onions are a culinary game-changer. Their vibrant color, sweet and tangy flavor, and satisfying crunch elevate any dish from humble tacos to gourmet burgers. This recipe delivers perfectly pickled onions every time, and it's incredibly easy to make!
Why You'll Love This Pickled Onion Recipe
This recipe isn't just about preserving onions; it's about creating a delicious and versatile condiment. Here's what sets it apart:
- Easy to customize: Adjust the sweetness, vinegar type, and spices to your liking.
- Quick and simple: Minimal prep work and a short pickling time.
- Versatile addition: Perfect for tacos, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more!
- Makes a great gift: These pickled onions make a thoughtful and flavorful homemade gift.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup white vinegar (apple cider vinegar works well too!)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prep the onions: Thinly slice the red onion. The thinner the slices, the faster they'll pickle. Consider using a mandoline slicer for consistent thickness.
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Combine the pickling liquid: In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
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Pickle the onions: Place the sliced red onions in a clean jar. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.
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Cool and store: Let the jar cool to room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer they pickle, the more intense the flavor will become. They'll be ready to eat in 30 minutes, but are even better after a few hours or overnight. They'll keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for the Perfect Pickled Onions
- Thinly sliced onions: This ensures even pickling and a quicker process.
- Experiment with flavors: Add other spices like black peppercorns, mustard seeds, or coriander seeds for a more complex flavor profile.
- Use a good quality vinegar: The type of vinegar you use will significantly affect the flavor. Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle sweetness, while white vinegar keeps it clean and bright.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a less sweet pickle, reduce the sugar. Conversely, add more sugar for a sweeter pickle.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add a splash of your favorite liqueur for an extra layer of flavor!
Serving Suggestions
These pickled red onions are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:
- Tacos: Add them to your favorite taco fillings for a tangy crunch.
- Burgers: Top your burgers with pickled onions for a burst of flavor.
- Salads: Use them as a colorful and flavorful addition to salads.
- Sandwiches: Add them to sandwiches for an extra layer of texture and taste.
- Charcuterie boards: They make a beautiful and delicious addition to any charcuterie board.
Enjoy your homemade pickled red onions! They're sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let me know in the comments how you enjoy them!
