Introduction
Pickled red onions add a vibrant pop of color and a tangy flavor that can elevate a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking to enhance tacos, salads, or sandwiches, this quick pickling technique provides a delightful crunch and a zesty kick. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform ordinary red onions into a tasty condiment in no time.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 red onion, thinly sliced
¾ cup apple cider vinegar
¾ cup water
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
Optional Seasonings:
1 clove garlic, smashed
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
½ teaspoon coriander seeds
2-3 sprigs fresh herbs (such as thyme or dill)
1-2 strips citrus zest (such as lemon or orange)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
Yield: 1 jar of pickled red onions
Enjoy your homemade pickled red onions, which not only brighten up your meals but are also a great way to add a touch of gourmet flair to everyday dishes!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Onions
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the thinly sliced red onions and blanch for approximately 30 seconds. Once done, drain the onions and transfer them to a heatproof jar.
Make the Pickling Liquid
In a saucepan, combine ¾ cup of apple cider vinegar, ¾ cup of water, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt. If you’re using any optional seasonings, add them now. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring to ensure that the sugar and salt fully dissolve.
Combine and Store
Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions in the jar, making sure that the onions are completely submerged in the liquid.
Cool and Refrigerate
Allow the onions to cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jar and place it in the refrigerator. The pickled onions can be used after 30 minutes but will develop more flavor if left to pickle for a longer period.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using optional seasonings such as smashed garlic, whole black peppercorns, coriander seeds, fresh herbs (like thyme or dill), or citrus zest from lemon or orange. Adjust the quantity of optional seasonings based on your taste preferences.
Cook techniques
Blanching Onions
Blanching involves briefly boiling the sliced onions for about 30 seconds before transferring them to a heatproof jar. This technique softens the onions and helps retain their color while enhancing their flavor when pickled.
Making Pickling Liquid
The pickling liquid is created by combining apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Bringing this mixture to a boil ensures that the sugar and salt dissolve completely, creating a balanced acidity for the pickles.
Submerging Ingredients
Pouring the hot vinegar mixture over the onions in the jar is crucial. It ensures that the onions are fully submerged, which allows for even pickling and flavor absorption.
Cooling and Storing
After pouring the pickling liquid over the onions, let the jar cool to room temperature. Once cooled, sealing the jar and refrigerating it allows the flavors to meld, with the onions becoming ready for use after just 30 minutes.
FAQ
How long do pickled onions last in the refrigerator?
Pickled onions can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks when stored properly in a sealed jar.
Can I customize the pickling spices?
Yes, you can customize the pickling spices by adding your favorite herbs and spices. Optional seasonings like garlic, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and citrus zest can enhance the flavor.
What dishes can I use pickled onions in?
Pickled onions are versatile and can be used in salads, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, or as a garnish for various dishes.
Can I pickle other vegetables using this method?
Yes, this pickling method can be adapted for other vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, or radishes. Just adjust the blanching time as needed based on the vegetable.
Is it necessary to blanch the onions before pickling?
Blanching is not strictly necessary, but it helps soften the onions and improves their color and flavor retention during the pickling process.
Conclusion
The pickled red onions are a versatile and flavorful addition to a variety of dishes. With their tangy taste and vibrant color, they can elevate simple meals, offering a delightful contrast to rich textures and flavors. Whether used as a garnish or a key ingredient, these onions are sure to impress.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Salads
Add pickled red onions to mixed greens, avocado, and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing salad.
Tacos
Top your favorite tacos with pickled red onions for an extra zing and crunch.
Sandwiches and Wraps
Incorporate pickled red onions into sandwiches or wraps to add a burst of flavor, especially with roasted meats or grilled vegetables.
Charcuterie Boards
Use pickled red onions as a bright and tangy component on charcuterie boards, pairing them with cheeses, meats, and olives.
Grain Bowls
Add them to grain bowls, featuring quinoa or brown rice with roasted vegetables and a protein of your choice for a balanced meal.
Pizza Topping
Sprinkle pickled red onions on pizza just before serving for a surprising twist on classic flavors.
Soups
Use as a garnish for creamy soups or chowders to provide a contrasting texture and acidity.
