Pickled red onions are a delightful addition to many dishes, adding a tangy crunch that can elevate the flavors of tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. This quick and easy recipe ensures you have a jar of these zesty onions ready to enhance your meals.
The ingredients for this recipe are quite simple and should be easy to find at any supermarket. However, if you don't usually stock apple cider vinegar in your pantry, you'll need to pick some up. This type of vinegar adds a unique sweetness and tanginess that is essential for the pickling process.
Ingredients for Pickled Red Onions Recipe
Red onion: Thinly sliced to ensure they absorb the pickling liquid quickly and evenly.
Apple cider vinegar: Provides the necessary acidity and a subtle sweetness for the pickling brine.
Water: Dilutes the vinegar to balance the acidity.
Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to counterbalance the tanginess of the vinegar.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps in the pickling process.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When slicing the red onion, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even pickling. A mandoline slicer can be particularly useful for achieving consistent, thin slices. This not only enhances the texture but also allows the vinegar mixture to penetrate more effectively, resulting in a well-balanced flavor.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
red onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a milder flavor and will still provide a nice crunch and tang when pickled.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor, making them a good alternative for pickling.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white vinegar: White vinegar has a similar acidity level and will achieve the same pickling effect.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar is milder and slightly sweet, which can add a different but pleasant flavor profile.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Using vegetable broth can add an extra layer of flavor to the pickling liquid.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and can add a subtle floral note to the pickled onions.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a unique sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a slightly different mineral content and can enhance the overall flavor.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains and a purer taste, making it a good alternative for pickling.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- Ensure the pickled red onions are fully cooled before storing. This helps maintain their crisp texture and vibrant flavor.
- Transfer the pickled onions to an airtight container or a clean mason jar. A tight seal is crucial to prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in and to keep the onions fresh.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The pickled red onions will keep well for up to 2-3 weeks, retaining their tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the pickled onions. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of their freshness and ensures you use them within an optimal time frame.
- When ready to use, thaw the pickled onions in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain their texture and flavor.
- Avoid refreezing pickled onions once thawed, as this can compromise their quality and texture. Instead, use them up within a few days of thawing.
- For a quick pick-me-up, add the thawed pickled onions to salads, tacos, sandwiches, or even as a garnish for soups and stews. Their tangy zest can elevate any dish, adding a burst of flavor and color.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Gently warm the pickled onions in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, but be careful not to overheat as this can alter their texture and flavor.
- Microwave the pickled onions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until they reach the desired temperature.
- Place the pickled onions in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir occasionally until warmed through. This gentle method helps maintain their crispness.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can briefly sauté the pickled onions in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or butter to enhance their richness. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Small saucepan: Used to combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Stirring spoon: Essential for stirring the vinegar mixture to ensure the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
Knife: Needed to thinly slice the red onions.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to slice the red onions.
Jar: Used to place the thinly sliced red onions and pour the hot vinegar mixture over them.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the apple cider vinegar and water accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the sugar and salt precisely.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-slice onions: Slice the red onions in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Batch pickling: Double or triple the recipe to have pickled onions ready for future use.
Quick cool: Place the jar in an ice bath to cool it faster before refrigerating.
Use a mandoline: A mandoline slicer ensures even, thin slices quickly.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt before starting.
Pickled Red Onions Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- 1. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
- 2. Place the thinly sliced red onions in a jar.
- 3. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- 4. Let the jar cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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