Vibrant Pickled Red Onions

Transform everyday meals with our incredibly simple **Pickled Red Onion Recipe**. This culinary gem requires minimal effort – just a few minutes of mixing thinly sliced red onion, vinegar, salt, sugar, and water in a jar, a quick shake, and a little waiting time. The result? A vibrant, tangy, and crunchy condiment that elevates nearly any dish.

These delightful pickled onions are a game-changer! Imagine them enhancing the rich flavors of Chicken Tinga Tacos or adding a bright, acidic counterpoint to a hearty Tuna Salad. Their versatility knows no bounds, making them an indispensable staple in any kitchen.

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The 5-Minute Topping I Use on Everything!

I’m utterly obsessed with pickled red onions. Seriously, they’re my absolute go-to topping for almost everything I eat, and you’ll always find a jar chilling in my fridge. They’re the kind of ingredient that takes mere minutes to prepare but delivers an explosion of flavor that can completely transform a meal.

Every week, without fail, during my meal prep routine, I whip up a fresh batch. It’s right up there with preparing staples like brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and my favorite homemade sauce. The beauty of this quick pickling method is its incredible simplicity: just toss all your ingredients into a jar, give it a good shake, and pop it into the fridge. It truly couldn’t be easier to achieve such a potent flavor boost!

Why You Need Pickled Red Onions in Your Life

If you’ve never experienced the magic of pickled red onions, prepare to have your culinary world rocked. These humble onions, transformed by a simple brine, offer an irresistible combination of tangy, sweet, and slightly savory notes, all wrapped in a satisfying crunch. They’re not just a topping; they’re a flavor enhancer, a texture provider, and a visual pop of color that makes any dish feel gourmet.

Beyond their incredible taste, quick pickled red onions are a healthy addition to your diet. Red onions are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, and the pickling process adds a probiotic boost (though quick pickling offers less than traditional fermentation, it still provides some benefits). They are low in calories and fat, making them a guilt-free way to add depth and excitement to your meals without heavy dressings or sauces.

The Simplicity of Quick Pickling

The term “quick pickled” perfectly describes this effortless technique. Unlike traditional pickling, which involves canning and a longer fermentation process, quick pickling simply requires marinating ingredients in a vinegar-based brine for a short period, typically just 20 minutes to a few hours. This method infuses the onions with a bright, zesty flavor and a pleasant crispness without requiring any special equipment or extensive time commitments. It’s the ideal solution for adding a homemade, gourmet touch to your meals on a busy weeknight.

Choosing the Perfect Red Onion

The foundation of great pickled red onions starts with selecting the best quality fresh onions. Here are some essential tips to ensure your pickled onions are as delicious as possible:

1. **Firmness is Key:** Always look for **firm onions** that feel solid when gently squeezed. Avoid any onions with soft spots, bruises, or blemishes, as these indicate spoilage or poor quality.
2. **Shiny, Smooth Skin:** Choose onions with **shiny, smooth, and dry outer skin**. Steer clear of onions that appear wet, moldy, or have visible sprouts, which suggest they are past their prime.
3. **Heavy for Their Size:** A good red onion should **feel heavy for its size**. This indicates a higher water content and freshness, which translates to a crispier texture in your pickled onions.
4. **Smell Test:** While a faint onion scent is normal, **avoid onions with a strong or unpleasant odor**. A pungent or sulfuric smell often means the onion is old or has started to rot, which will negatively impact the flavor of your pickled creation.

Essential Ingredients for Your Pickling Brine

Creating delicious pickled red onions requires just a handful of basic ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing that signature tangy-sweet flavor and crisp texture:

• **Red Onion**: The star of the show! Red onions are preferred for their beautiful color and mild, slightly sweet flavor. Slicing them very thinly is crucial for the best results, ensuring they absorb the brine quickly and evenly.
• **Red Wine Vinegar**: This provides the foundational tangy, slightly fruity flavor. While red wine vinegar is excellent, you can certainly use white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even a blend of vinegars in a pinch for a different flavor profile. The acidity is key to the pickling process.
• **Water**: Water helps to dilute the acidity of the vinegar, creating a balanced brine that’s flavorful without being overly harsh. It also contributes to the overall volume of the liquid needed to submerge the onions.
• **Salt**: A non-negotiable ingredient, salt enhances all the flavors in the brine and helps to draw out moisture from the onions, contributing to their crispness. We recommend a good quality fine sea salt.
• **Sugar**: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the vinegar. This sweet-and-sour combination is what makes pickled red onions so addictive. You can adjust the amount based on your personal preference – more for a sweeter pickle, less for a tangier one.

Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Pickled Red Onions

Making your own pickled red onions is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

1. **Prepare the Onion:** Begin by trimming off the ends of your red onion. Then, slice it in half through the root end and carefully remove the papery outer layer.
2. **Slice Thinly:** The key to quick pickling is thin slices. Using a mandoline slicer set to a very thin setting will yield consistent, delicate slices. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife can also do the job; just aim for slices as thin as possible for optimal texture and brine absorption.
3. **Combine Ingredients in a Jar:** Place your thinly sliced red onions into a clean, airtight jar. Add the red wine vinegar, water, salt, and granulated sugar directly into the jar with the onions.
4. **Shake and Marinate:** Secure the jar’s lid tightly and shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the onions are coated. Place the jar in the refrigerator and let the onions marinate for at least 20 minutes. For even better flavor and a softer texture, let them sit for a few hours or overnight.
5. **Serve and Store:** Your pickled red onions are now ready to use! Enjoy them immediately, or store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks in the same airtight container. The flavor will continue to develop over time.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Pickled Onions

Once you have a jar of these vibrant pickled red onions, you’ll find countless ways to incorporate them into your meals. Their bright, tangy kick can elevate almost any dish:

• **Tacos**: A classic pairing! Sprinkle a generous amount on top of your favorite tacos, such as these healthy tacos or chicken tacos with rotisserie chicken, for an essential burst of acidity and crunch. They cut through rich fillings beautifully.
• **Salads**: Brighten up any salad with a handful of pickled red onions. They add a sophisticated zing to everything from a simple green salad to heartier options like this Mexican salad or chipotle chicken salad.
• **Sandwiches & Wraps**: Elevate your everyday sandwiches. I especially love throwing them on this turkey bacon avocado sandwich, but they’re fantastic on deli sandwiches, grilled cheeses, or wraps too.
• **Burgers**: Forget plain raw onion! Layer pickled red onions on burgers or sliders for an irresistible tangy crunch that complements the savory meat perfectly.
• **Grain & Buddha Bowls**: Add a pop of flavor and color to your homemade bowls. Mix them into grain bowls, Buddha bowls, or this buffalo chicken bowl for a delightful contrast.
• **Eggs**: A surprising but delicious addition! Top scrambled eggs, omelets, or avocado toast with a few pickled onions for a gourmet breakfast or brunch.
• **Seafood**: They pair wonderfully with grilled fish, fish and chips, or even smoked salmon, cutting through the richness with their vibrant acidity.
• **Charcuterie Boards**: Add a small bowl to your next cheese and charcuterie board for a beautiful, tangy counterpoint to cheeses and cured meats.

Conclusion

Homemade pickled red onions are a revelation for anyone looking to add a burst of flavor, color, and crunch to their meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This simple recipe proves that some of the most impactful culinary additions are often the easiest to make. From brightening up tacos and salads to elevating sandwiches and grain bowls, these tangy gems are incredibly versatile and endlessly satisfying. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll quickly understand why a jar of quick pickled red onions belongs in every fridge!

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Rating: 5/5 stars (1 vote)

Homemade Pickled Red Onions Recipe

By
Chelsea Lords

Quick Pickled Red Onions recipe is a game-changer! Just toss sliced red onions with vinegar, a touch of salt and sugar, and water in a jar. Shake, let them sit, and voilà—tangy, crunchy magic for tacos, salads, or anything else!

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Total Time:

10 minutes

Servings:

1 cup

Equipment

• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife

Ingredients

• 1 cup red onion very thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 up to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar add to preference

Instructions

• Trim the ends off the onion, slice it in half, and remove the outer layer.
• Using a Mandoline Slicer set to a very thin setting, thinly slice the onion. (If you don’t have a slicer, use a sharp knife to slice as thin as possible.)
• Place the sliced onions in a jar along with the rest of the ingredients.
• Secure the jar’s lid and shake well to mix the ingredients. Let the onions marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.
• Use the pickled onions as desired. Store leftovers in the fridge for 1 (up to 2) weeks.

Recipe Notes

**How to Use Pickled Red Onions**:

• **Tacos**: Throw some on top of your tacos. These healthy tacos or chicken tacos with rotisserie chicken.
• **Salads**: Brighten up salads like this Mexican salad or chipotle chicken salad with a handful of pickled red onions.
• **Sandwiches**: Add them to sandwiches! I love throwing them on this turkey bacon avocado sandwich.
• **Burgers**: Put them on burgers to make them even better.
• **Bowls**: Mix them into grain or Buddha bowls.

**Storage**: Store leftover onions in the fridge for up to 1–2 weeks in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving
|

Calories: 11kcal
|

Carbohydrates: 2.4g
|

Protein: 0.2g
|

Sodium: 146.6mg
|

Fiber: 0.3g
|

Sugar: 1.4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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