Pickled red onions are a versatile and flavorful addition to any dish. They add a tangy and sweet pop of flavor that can elevate sandwiches, salads, bowls, and more. With just a few minutes and 5 basic ingredients, you can easily make perfect pickled red onions at home.
To make homemade pickled onions, start by thinly slicing red onions. Divide the sliced onions between glass jars. Next, heat a mixture of white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt until the sugar and salt dissolve. Pour the brine over the sliced onions, covering them completely.
Let the jars cool to room temperature before refrigerating. The pickled onions will be ready to eat when they turn bright pink and reach a tender texture, which can take anywhere from 1 hour to overnight. Once ready, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with different variations of homemade pickled onions. You can add garlic cloves for an extra burst of flavor or try using different types of vinegar for a unique taste.
Stay tuned to learn how to make pickled onions in the next section.
How to Make Pickled Onions
Making pickled red onions is quick and easy. To start, thinly slice red onions using a mandoline for uniform slices, ensuring they are not too thick or too thin. This will provide the ideal texture and flavor when pickled.
Next, divide the sliced onions between jars, filling them about halfway to allow ample space for the brine.
Now, it’s time to prepare the brine. In a saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
Pour the hot brine over the sliced onions in the jars, making sure they are fully submerged. This will help to preserve and evenly pickle the onions.
Let the jars cool to room temperature before sealing them tightly and refrigerating. This will prevent any bacterial growth and allow the flavors to meld together.
The pickled onions will be ready to enjoy once they turn bright pink and become tender. This process can take anywhere from 1 hour to overnight, depending on your desired level of pickling.
For additional flavor variations, consider experimenting with the recipe. You can add garlic cloves, peppercorns, or even try different types of vinegar to personalize the taste of your pickled onions.
Now that you know how easy it is to make pickled onions, let’s explore some delicious ways to incorporate them into your meals.
Here’s a table comparing different pickled onion recipes:
| Recipe | Preparation Time | Pickling Time | Additional Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Pickled Red Onions | 10 minutes | 1 hour | Garlic cloves |
| Traditional Pickled Onions | 15 minutes | 24 hours | Whole cloves, peppercorns |
| Sweet and Tangy Pickled Onions | 5 minutes | 30 minutes | Cane sugar, apple cider vinegar |
What to Do with Pickled Red Onions
Pickled red onions are a versatile and flavorful addition to a wide range of dishes. Their tangy and crunchy texture can add a bright pop of flavor that enhances various culinary creations. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy homemade pickled onions:
- Burgers: Add pickled red onions to your favorite burgers for a burst of tangy flavor. The acidity of the onions cuts through the richness of the burger and adds a refreshing element.
- Salads: Sprinkle pickled red onions on top of salads to provide a zesty kick. They pair well with both leafy greens and hearty grains, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Avocado Toast: Elevate your avocado toast game by topping it with pickled red onions. The combination of creamy avocado, tangy onions, and crispy bread creates a delectable explosion of flavors.
- Mexican Dishes: Enhance your tacos, burritos, or quesadillas with pickled red onions. They provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of Mexican cuisine.
- Grain Bowls and Buddha Bowls: Add a zingy element to grain bowls or buddha bowls by incorporating pickled red onions. They bring acidity and crunch, balancing the flavors and textures of the other ingredients.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with pickled red onions in your favorite dishes. Their versatility makes them a fantastic ingredient that can elevate a variety of recipes and delight your taste buds.
How to Make Pickled Onions for Burgers
If you’re looking specifically to make pickled onions specifically for burgers, follow these steps:
Quick-Pickled Onions: A Fast and Easy Method
Looking for a quick and effortless way to enjoy the tangy and crisp flavor of pickled red onions? Look no further! Our quick-pickled onions recipe is the perfect solution. With just a few simple steps, you can have homemade pickled onions ready to add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes in no time.
To begin, thinly slice fresh red onions using a mandoline for consistent and uniform slices. This ensures that each onion slice will absorb the brine evenly, resulting in a perfectly pickled onion every time.
Once the onions are sliced, pack them tightly into a clean glass jar. This allows for maximum brine absorption and ensures that each slice is fully infused with the tangy and sweet flavors of the pickling liquid.
Now, it’s time to make the brine. In a small saucepan, combine equal parts white vinegar and water. Add a pinch of salt and sugar to taste, stirring until fully dissolved. This simple yet delicious brine is what gives the pickled onions their signature flavor and preserves them for extended shelf life.
Quick-Pickled Onions Brine Recipe:
| Ingredients | Measurement |
|---|---|
| White vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
Pour the brine over the onions in the jar, ensuring that they are fully submerged. The brine acts as a preservative and delivers the vibrant color and tangy flavor that we love in pickled onions.
Now, here comes the best part – there’s no need to heat the brine! Unlike traditional pickling methods that involve heating the liquid, quick-pickled onions rely on the natural process of brine absorption. This not only saves time but also preserves the raw crunchiness of the onions and the delicate balance of flavors.
Allow the jar to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. During this time, the onions will absorb the brine, turning bright pink and tender. This is the stage where the magic happens – the pickled onions take on their characteristic tangy flavor and become the perfect accompaniment to countless dishes.
Quick-Pickled Onions Serving Suggestions:
- Add them to your favorite sandwiches for a tangy kick.
- Toss them in salads for an extra burst of flavor.
- Top off grilled burgers or tacos for a zesty twist.
- Incorporate them into grain bowls or buddha bowls for added color and tang.
Once the quick-pickled onions have cooled and absorbed the brine, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. This makes them a convenient staple to have on hand whenever you need a flavorful garnish or quick enhancement for your meals.
So, why wait? Try our quick-pickled onions recipe today and elevate your dishes with the tangy, crisp, and homemade goodness of pickled red onions.
Tips for Making the Best Pickled Red Onions
When it comes to making delicious pickled red onions, there are a few key tips that can help you achieve the best results. First and foremost, it’s important to slice the onions thinly. This allows for maximum surface area and ensures that the onions absorb the brine evenly. Using a mandoline can be incredibly helpful in achieving uniformly thin slices.
To take your pickled red onions to the next level, consider adding additional ingredients to enhance the flavor profile. Garlic cloves or peppercorns can bring a delightful depth of flavor to your pickled onions. Experimentation is the key here, so don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different combinations.
Additionally, don’t shy away from exploring different types of vinegar. While white vinegar is commonly used, you can also try apple cider vinegar or even a mix of vinegars for added complexity. Each type of vinegar can bring its own unique flavor to the pickled onions, offering an opportunity to create a taste combination that suits your preferences.
Finally, it’s essential to let the pickled onions rest in the brine for at least 30 minutes before enjoying them. This allows the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in a truly delicious end product. So be patient and resist the temptation to dive in right away!