Pickled onions are a versatile and flavorful condiment that can add a tangy, sweet and slightly acidic kick to a variety of dishes. So whether you're topping a sandwich, salad, or taco, pickled onions can elevate the flavors and make your meal even more delicious. This simple recipe for pickled onions is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
With just some vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and thinly sliced red onions, you can create a jar of pickled onions that will last for weeks in the refrigerator. The process of pickling onions involves infusing them with vinegar and sugar mixture, which helps to soften and preserve them while imparting a delicious flavor.
Jump to:
- What are Pickled Onions?
- Why This Recipe Pickled Onions Works
- 5 Ways to use Pickled Onions
- Pickled Onions Ingredients
- Tools You'll Need
- How to Make Pickled Onions
- Substitutions
- Variations
- How to Store
- How to Make Ahead
- How to Freeze
- Tips for Making The Best Pickled Onions
- FAQ
- Watch How to Make It
- Related Recipes
- Recipe
The result is a condiment that is both tangy and sweet, with a crisp and slightly crunchy texture. So whether you're looking to add a pop of flavor to your favorite dish or experiment with pickling for the first time, this recipe for pickled onions is a great place to start. For more related recipes, check out Curtido, Peruvian Salsa Criolla, and Salsa Criolla Argentina.
What are Pickled Onions?
Pickled onions are a type of preserved food that involves soaking thinly sliced onions in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt. This process of pickling preserves the onions and gives them a tangy, slightly sweet, and slightly acidic flavor that is perfect for adding to a variety of dishes. The vinegar acts as a natural preservative, helping to keep the onions fresh for longer, while the sugar helps to balance out the acidity and provide a subtle sweetness.
Pickled onions can be used as a condiment or topping for sandwiches, salads, tacos, and more, adding a pop of flavor and texture to any dish. They are easy to make at home and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to several weeks.
Why This Recipe Pickled Onions Works
This easy pickled onions recipe works for several reasons. First, it uses distilled white vinegar, which is a mild and neutral-tasting vinegar that won't overpower the flavor of the onions. The addition of brown sugar helps to balance out the acidity of the vinegar and provides a subtle sweetness to the pickled onions. The small amount of salt helps to enhance the flavor and preserve the onions, giving them a longer shelf life.
In addition, the recipe calls for thinly sliced red onions, which are ideal for pickling because they are relatively mild and have a sweet flavor that complements the pickling liquid. The onions are simmered in the pickling liquid for just a few minutes, which is enough time to soften them slightly and infuse them with the flavors of the vinegar and sugar. Overall, this pickled onion recipe is a simple and effective way to create a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used to enhance the flavor of a variety of dishes.
5 Ways to use Pickled Onions
Here are five ways to use pickled onions:
- Topping for sandwiches: Pickled onions add a tangy and sweet flavor to sandwiches and can be used as a topping for burgers, grilled cheese, or cold-cut sandwiches.
- Salad topping: Pickled onions can be added to salads to provide a burst of flavor and texture. They pair well with leafy greens, tomatoes, and avocados.
- Taco or burrito filling: Pickled onions are a great topping for tacos or burritos and can also be added to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Charcuterie board: Pickled onions can be included on a charcuterie board as a complement to cured meats and cheeses.
- Side dish: Pickled onions can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or rice dishes.
Pickled Onions Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Distilled white vinegar: Provides a tangy and acidic flavor and acts as a natural preservative to keep the onions fresh.
- Light brown sugar: balances out the acidity of the vinegar and provides a subtle sweetness to the pickled onions.
- Kosher Salt: It enhances the flavor and helps to preserve the onions.
- Red onion: The main ingredient, thinly sliced and ideal for pickling due to its mild and sweet flavor that complements the pickling liquid.
Tools You'll Need
How to Make Pickled Onions
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking to dissolve the sugar. Add the thinly sliced red onion to the pickling liquid, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the onions have wilted slightly, stirring gently.
Once the onions have wilted, remove the saucepan from heat and let the onions and pickling liquid cool to room temperature. Transfer the pickled onions and the liquid to a heatproof bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Cover the bowl or jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Substitutions
- Vinegar: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used in place of distilled white vinegar.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar or honey can be used in place of light brown sugar.
- Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt can be used in place of table salt.
- Onion: White or yellow onions can be used instead of red onions, but they may have a slightly stronger flavor.
Variations
- Spicy pickled onions: Add sliced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the pickling liquid to give the onions a spicy kick.
- Sweet and sour pickled onions: Use equal parts white vinegar and rice vinegar, and add a bit more sugar to create a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Herb-infused pickled onions: add herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to the pickling liquid to infuse the onions with extra flavor.
- Citrus pickled onions: Substitute some of the vinegar for fresh lemon or lime juice to add a citrusy twist to the pickled onions.
- Balsamic pickled onions: Use balsamic vinegar instead of distilled white vinegar to create a richer, more complex flavor.
- Pickled red onions with beetroot: add some sliced cooked beetroot to the pickling liquid for a vibrant pink color and slightly earthy flavor.
How to Store
To store pickled onions, transfer them and the pickling liquid to a glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. The jar should be clean and dry to prevent any contamination that could spoil the onions. Close the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to several weeks.How to Make Ahead
Pickled onions can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to several weeks, making them a convenient condiment to have on hand. Here's how to make pickled onions ahead of time:- Follow the recipe for pickled onions as usual, allowing the onions to simmer in the pickling liquid for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly softened.
- Once the onions have cooled to room temperature, transfer them and the pickling liquid to a glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cover the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- The pickled onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to several weeks, but make sure they are completely covered by the pickling liquid to prevent spoilage.
How to Freeze
It is not recommended to freeze pickled onions as freezing can cause changes in texture and flavor. Pickled onions are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to several weeks.Tips for Making The Best Pickled Onions
- Use a clean and dry glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid to store the pickled onions. This will help to prevent contamination and keep the onions fresh.
- Thinly slice the onions for faster and more even pickling. A mandoline or sharp knife can help to create uniform slices.
- Use distilled white vinegar for a neutral-tasting pickling liquid that won't overpower the flavor of the onions.
- Make sure the onions are completely covered by the pickling liquid to prevent spoilage.
- Let the pickled onions sit for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Experiment with different flavorings, such as herbs, spices, or citrus, to create your own unique pickled onion recipe.
- Store the pickled onions in the refrigerator for up to several weeks, and make sure they are completely covered by the pickling liquid to prevent spoilage.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of onion for pickling?
Yes, you can use other types of onions, such as white or yellow onions, but keep in mind that they may have a slightly stronger flavor.How long do pickled onions last?
Pickled onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to several weeks, but make sure they are completely covered by the pickling liquid to prevent spoilage.How can I use pickled onions?
Pickled onions are a versatile condiment that can be used as a topping for sandwiches, salads, tacos, burgers, and more. They add a tangy and sweet flavor to dishes and can also be used as a garnish or side dish.Do pickled onions need to be refrigerated?
Yes, pickled onions should be stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent spoilage.Can I make pickled onions without vinegar?
Vinegar is an essential ingredient for pickling onions, as it provides the acidity that helps to preserve the onions and give them their tangy flavor. However, you can experiment with different types of vinegar or citrus juices to create a unique flavor.How long does it take to pickle onions?
The process of pickling onions can take as little as 1 hour, but it's best to let them sit in the pickling liquid for at least 1 hour, or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop.Can I adjust the amount of sugar in the pickling liquid?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences. However, keep in mind that sugar helps to balance out the acidity of the vinegar and provides a subtle sweetness to the pickled onions.Are pickled onions healthy?
Pickled onions can be a healthy addition to your diet in moderation. Onions are a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, while vinegar has been shown to have potential health benefits such as reducing blood sugar levels and improving digestion. However, pickled onions can be high in sodium, so it's important to consume them in moderation.What do pickled onions do to your body?
Pickled onions can have some health benefits due to their high content of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds such as quercetin and anthocyanins, which are found in red onions.Recipe
Easy Pickled Onions
Tools
- Jar with a tight-fitting lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 medium red onion , thinly sliced into half moons
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking to dissolve the sugar. Add the thinly sliced red onion to the pickling liquid, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the onions have wilted slightly, stirring gently.
- Once the onions have wilted, remove the saucepan from heat and let the onions and pickling liquid cool to room temperature. Transfer the pickled onions and the liquid to a heatproof bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Cover the bowl or jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.