Pickled red onions are a game-changer for adding a zesty pop to any dish! This quick recipe skips the sugar, letting the natural sweetness of the onions shine through. Perfect for tacos, salads, or sandwiches, these tangy onions are ready in no time.
Steps
- Thinly slice the red onions, ideally using a mandoline for even slices, and distribute them between two jars. Optionally, add garlic cloves and peppercorns to each jar to enhance the flavor.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir the mixture until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved, which should take around a minute.
- Allow the brine to cool slightly before pouring it over the onions in the jars. Let the jars sit until they reach room temperature, then cover and refrigerate them.
- The pickled onions will be ready to enjoy once they have turned a vibrant pink and are tender, which may take from one hour to overnight, depending on the onion thickness. They can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Ingredients
- 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cane sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- Optional: a few whole peppercorns
- Optional: a couple of garlic cloves
FAQ
- How long do pickled red onions last in the fridge?
- Pickled red onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- What ingredients are needed to make pickled red onions?
- You will need red onions, white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt. Optional additions include peppercorns or garlic cloves for extra flavor.
- Can I use different types of vinegar for pickling onions?
- Yes, you can experiment with different vinegars such as white wine, rice vinegar, or a combination of apple cider vinegar and white vinegar to alter the flavor.
- What dishes pair well with pickled red onions?
- Pickled red onions are versatile and can enhance a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, burgers, and Mexican dishes like tacos and burritos.
- What is the best way to slice onions for pickling?
- Using a mandoline is recommended for quick and even slicing, which helps the onions pickle uniformly.
Tips
- For quick and uniform slices, consider using a mandoline to thinly slice the red onions, which will help them pickle evenly.
- Enhance the flavor of your pickled onions by adding optional ingredients like peppercorns or garlic cloves to the jars before pouring in the brine.
- Experiment with different vinegar combinations, such as white wine with rice vinegar or apple cider with white vinegar, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Use 16-ounce BPA-free Ball Mason jars for pickling, as they are space-efficient for refrigerator storage and easy to clean in the dishwasher.
Equipment
- Mandoline Slicer – For quick and uniform slicing of the onions.
- 16-ounce Ball Mason Jars – Recommended for storing the pickled onions, especially if you plan on making a large batch.
