Quick Pickled Red Onions – Easy!
Quick Pickled Red Onions are a simple and delicious way to add a tangy punch of flavor to any dish.
These versatile onions can be used to enhance everything from salads and sandwiches to tacos and grilled foods. With their vibrant pink color and crisp texture, quick pickled red onions are not only a flavorful addition to your meals but also an eye-catching garnish. In this post, I’ll show you how to make quick pickled red onions in just 15 minutes, using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. So, let’s get started and add some zing to your meals with these tasty and easy Quick Pickled Red Onions!
Ingredients for Quick Pickled Red Onions
- Red Onion: While you can use any type of onion for pickling, I prefer red onions for their distinct flavor and stunning pink color. Red onions are also milder than other onion varieties, making them ideal for pickling.
- White Vinegar: When it comes to vinegar, you have plenty of options for pickling. While white vinegar is the most commonly used, I’ve found that red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, and rice vinegar also work well and add unique flavors to the pickled onions.
- Water: Diluting the vinegar with water is crucial to prevent it from becoming too overpowering. You’ll want to use equal parts vinegar and water to strike the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness in your pickled onions.
- Salt: Salt is an essential ingredient that helps bring out the flavors of the pickled onions. I recommend using a high-quality sea salt or kosher salt for the best results.
- Herbs: Adding herbs to your pickled onions is a great way to elevate their flavor profile and complement the other ingredients in your dish. While dill is a popular choice for pickling, you can experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even basil to customize your pickled onions to your liking. Get creative and have fun with it!
How to make Quick Pickled Red Onions
Making Quick Pickled Red Onions is a quick and easy process that yields delicious results. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your own pickled onions at home:
- Start by thinly slicing your red onion. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline to achieve thin, even slices. Place the sliced onions in a heat-safe lidded container, such as a mason jar, that is large enough to hold the onions and the vinegar solution.
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat the vinegar, water, and salt until the salt is completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil. This should only take a few minutes.
- Once the vinegar solution is boiling, carefully pour it over the sliced red onions in the container. Make sure that the onions are completely submerged in the vinegar solution.
- If you’re adding any herbs or seasonings to your pickled onions, now is the time to do it. Popular herbs for pickling include dill, bay leaves, and thyme, but feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors.
- Once you’ve added any desired herbs or seasonings, place the lid on the container and let the onions sit at room temperature for at least 10-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you have time, you can also refrigerate the onions for a few hours or overnight to intensify the flavor.
- After the pickling process is complete, your Quick Pickled Red Onions are ready to enjoy! They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, and are the perfect addition to salads, sandwiches, tacos, and more.
What to Do with Pickled Red Onions
Quick Pickled Red Onions are a versatile and delicious addition to many different dishes. Here are some ideas for how you can use them in your cooking:
- Salads: Add a tangy kick to your favorite salad by tossing in some pickled red onions. They pair particularly well with leafy greens, avocado, and feta cheese.
- Sandwiches: Elevate your sandwich game by topping it with pickled red onions. They add a burst of flavor to any classic sandwich.
- Tex-Mex: Pickled red onions are amazing in many Tex-Mex dishes, including tacos. Try them in these Sweet Potato Tacos with Poblano Cream Sauce for a sweet and savory flavor combination. Or, try them in this Vegetarian Chile Relleno for a spicy and tangy dish.
- Bowls: Create a delicious and nutritious bowl by topping it with pickled red onions. Try them in this Sweet Potato Bowl for a hearty and flavorful meal.
- Vegetarian Chili: Add some zing to your vegetarian chili by topping it with pickled red onions. Try them in this Vegetarian Chili for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Polenta: Use pickled red onions as a garnish for creamy polenta dishes, like this Cheesy Polenta Recipe with Roasted Beets. The tangy onions complement the earthy beets and rich cheese perfectly.
These are just a few ideas for how you can use Quick Pickled Red Onions in your cooking. Experiment with different dishes and flavor combinations to find your favorite way to use them.
Pickled Red Onions
Slice up some onions and pour a warm pickling mixture over for a quick enhancement to roasted veggies, salads, and more. Red onions make for a pretty end product, but any onion will work.
Ingredients
- 1 red onion
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
Instructions
- Thinly slice red onion and place in a lidded container, like a mason jar.
- Heat the vinegar, water, and salt in a pan until the salt is dissolved and the mixture boils.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the sliced red onions.
- If you are adding herbs or extra seasoning, add it now.
- Leave to sit for about 10-20 minutes to pickle.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 16Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 531mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.