Basics, Mexican Cuisine
5-Minute Quick Pickled Onions Recipe
This easy and quick pickled onions recipe is a great condiment to have in your kitchen. They add a zesty and tangy flavor to dishes, making them a perfect addition to sandwiches, salads, and wraps. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make at home! In this article, we will show you how to make homemade pickled onions that are vegan and delicious
What are Pickled Onions?
Pickled onions are onions that we preserve in a solution of vinegar, water, and salt. The process of pickling involves immersing the onions in this solution and allowing them to marinate for a period of time, usually a few hours to a few days. This results in onions that are tangy, slightly sweet, and crispy.
Ingredients & Substitutions For This Quick Pickled Onions Recipe
The ingredients needed for this quick pickled onions recipe are simple and easily accessible. You will need onions, vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and hot or warm water. It’s important to use fresh onions and thinly slice them to ensure even pickling.
For the vinegar, any type will do, but apple cider vinegar is a popular choice. I use granulated sugar to balance the tanginess of the vinegar, and salt adds flavor while aiding in the preservation of the onions. Finally, we use hot or warm water to help dissolve the sugar and salt and fully immerse the onions in the pickling solution. Additionally, you can use Himalayan pink salt to add a unique touch of flavor and color to the pickled onions.
You can replace white vinegar with apple cider vinegar, but I’ve tried both, and I prefer the flavor with plain white vinegar.
Helpful Tools
Making pickled onions requires minimal equipment, but a few tools can make the process easier. A mason jar makes an excellent container for storing because it seals airtight and lets you see the contents. A sharp knife and cutting board will help you slice the onions thinly and evenly. Finally, a pot for boiling water and a measuring cup for the pickling solution can be helpful.
Pickling Jar Size Matters
You’ll want to use a jar that is at least 24 ounces (3 cups) to ensure that there is enough room for the onion slices and pickling liquid. A larger jar, such as 32 ounces, is even better. As it will allow for more onions and liquid, resulting in a bigger batch.
It’s also important to note that the jar should be sterilized before using to ensure that the pickled onions will stay fresh for as long as possible. You can do this by washing the jar and its lid with hot, soapy water and then rinsing them well. Then, place the jar and lid in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes to sterilize them.
How to Make This Quick Pickled Onions Recipe
- Making these pickled onions is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few simple steps. First, begin by slicing the onions as thinly as possible into little strips. Next, rinse them quickly with boiling water and drain. This will help to remove the strong and pungent raw onion flavor.
- Once the onions are prepared, it’s time to make the pickling solution. In a mason jar, combine the vinegar, salt, sugar, and warm water. Stir thoroughly to ensure that the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This will help to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the pickling solution.
- Now, add the sliced onions to the pickling mixture, making sure they are fully immersed in the liquid. Allow the onions to soak in the pickling solution for at least an hour, giving them enough time to absorb the flavors of the pickling solution.
- After an hour has passed, cover the mason jar and store it in the fridge for up to three weeks. This will give the onions enough time to fully pickle and develop their unique tangy flavor. Remember to keep the onions submerged in the pickling solution to ensure even pickling.
- Once you have prepared your pickled onions, you can enjoy them in a variety of dishes or simply as a tasty snack. Try adding them to salads, sandwiches, tacos, or burgers for an extra burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh onions and slice them as thinly as possible using a sharp chef’s knife for accuracy.
- Rinse the onions with boiling water to remove the strong onion flavor.
- Consider adding a small piece of ginger or garlic to the pickling solution for added flavor.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as rice vinegar or balsamic vinegar, to create a unique flavor profile.
FAQ: Quick Pickled Onions Recipe
They can last up to three weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They are at their crispest within the first week, but the flavor will continue to develop and intensify over time.
Yes, you can reuse the pickling solution for another batch of pickled onions. However, the flavor may be less intense with each reuse.
Yes, you can use any type of onion for pickling. Red onions are a popular choice due to their mild flavor and vibrant color.
Absolutely! Experiment with adding spices such as peppercorns, mustard seeds, or bay leaves to the pickling solution for additional flavor.
Quick Pickled Onions
Ingredients
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup vinegar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt I used himalayan pink salt
- 1 cup hot or warm water
Instructions
- Slice the red onions as thin as possible into little strips. Rinse them quickly with boiling water and drain. This just helps to remove that super strong and pungent raw onion flavour.
- In a mason jar, combine the vinegar, salt, sugar, and warm water. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar and salt.
- Add your sliced onions into the pickling mixture, making sure they are immersed in the liquid. let them set for an hour. After an hour, cover and store in the fridge for up to three weeks.
Video
Notes
Conclusion
Quick homemade pickled onions are an easy way to add a burst of flavor to your meals. Whether you use them in tacos, salads, sandwiches, or as a meat topping, they are sure to delight your taste buds. So, don’t wait any longer – try making your own quick pickled onions today and elevate your dishes to a new level of deliciousness.
Loved this so quick and easy! These tasted so good on my salad and also added them to my wrap today! Game changing!!
Hi Joanna, thank you for the review and feedback, I love how easily these pickled onions come together as well 😊
This was great! I didn’t know I could pickle onions 🧅 so easily thank you for the great idea
You’re very welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed the idea of pickling onions. If you have any more questions or need recipe inspiration, feel free to ask. Happy pickling! 🌱😊