Quick Pickled Red Onions

Pickled red onions add a burst of colour and flavour to meals, from sandwiches to salads, and can even be a lovely garnish on tacos.

The slight acidity and crunch of these onions make them an ideal topping for all sorts of dishes, enhancing each bite with a sharp, tangy note.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these onions in no time and customise them to suit your taste preferences.

Let’s dive into this easy yet flavourful recipe for pickled red onions!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this Quick Pickled Red Onions recipe:

• 1 large red onion
• 3 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp caster sugar
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• Optional: mustard seeds, black peppercorns, coriander seeds

Experimenting with Vinegars

White vinegar is classic in pickling, but other vinegars, like apple cider or red wine vinegar, can provide a different character to the onions.

Apple cider vinegar adds a mild sweetness that balances out the sharpness, while red wine vinegar gives a fruity depth.

Each variety creates a unique twist, so feel free to experiment.

Using Pickled Onions Beyond Tacos

While pickled onions are famous as a taco topping, they are incredibly versatile.

Add them to burgers, or scatter them over a fresh salad for a pop of colour and acidity.

They also pair well with grilled vegetables, cheese boards, and roasted meats, providing an extra layer of flavour that makes each bite memorable.

Creative Add-Ins for Custom Flavour

Beyond traditional spices, consider adding bay leaves, cloves, or even star anise to the pickling liquid.

These spices lend subtle undertones that add intrigue to the onions, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your preferences or complement specific dishes.

A pinch of turmeric also creates a golden hue that makes for a beautiful presentation.

Avoiding the Boil

This quick pickle recipe does not require boiling, making it a time-saving alternative to traditional pickling.

The acidity from the vinegar is sufficient for preservation, and the fridge keeps them fresh for multiple meals.

This method results in a crisper onion texture, which works particularly well in sandwiches and salads.

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

Start by removing the outer ‘papery’ layers of the red onion.

For best results, use a mandoline to slice the onion thinly—this ensures each piece quickly absorbs the pickling liquid, delivering a more balanced taste and a delicate crunch.

When using a mandoline, always use the safety guard to protect your fingers. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife will work just fine; just aim for the thinnest slices possible.

Place the sliced onions into a bowl or jar to prepare them for pickling.

Step 2: Prepare the Pickling Liquid

In a separate jug, mix together 3 tbsp of white vinegar, 1 tbsp of water, 1 tsp of caster sugar, and 1/2 tsp of sea salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.

This blend of flavours is what gives the onions their refreshing tang and mild sweetness.

Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of your pickling liquid to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar. For extra tang, increase the vinegar slightly.

Step 3: Combine and Customize

Pour the pickling liquid over the sliced onions, ensuring they’re fully covered to maximise flavour absorption.

At this stage, you can get creative with optional spices and herbs. Add a few mustard seeds, black peppercorns, or coriander seeds to infuse extra flavor into your pickled onions.

Try adding a clove of garlic or a slice of jalapeño for an added kick. The optional spices and herbs can be tailored to match the flavor profile of the dish you’re planning to serve the onions with.

Mix well to ensure the onions are fully coated with the pickling liquid.

Step 4: Let It Marinate

Leave the onions to marinate in the pickling liquid for a minimum of 15 minutes, but ideally longer if you can wait.

The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become. If you have the time, let them marinate for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge to develop a deeper tang and a vibrant pink hue.

Give the onions a quick stir or shake every now and then to ensure they marinate evenly. This will help all the slices absorb the flavors uniformly.

Step 5: Serve and Store

Once the onions have marinated to your liking, they’re ready to serve!

These pickled red onions are incredibly versatile and can be kept in the fridge, in the pickling liquid, for up to a week.

The longer they sit, the more intense the flavour becomes, making them even more delicious as the days go by.

Store your pickled onions in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness. They make a great addition to your meal prep routine, as you can use them to quickly enhance various dishes throughout the week.

Why not try pairing them with this gorgeous Vegan Whipped Feta dish?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar to add unique layers of flavour.

Each vinegar type contributes its own distinct notes, so feel free to experiment until you find your favourite.

What dishes pair well with pickled red onions?

Pickled onions are fantastic with tacos, sandwiches, salads, and burgers.

They bring a vibrant tang to cheese boards and make a delicious contrast to rich, roasted meat substitutes.

You can also add them to grain bowls for an extra burst of flavour.

Can I pickle other vegetables using this recipe?

Absolutely! This pickling liquid works well with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, radishes, and cucumbers.

For a colourful mix, consider combining different vegetables in the same jar.

Do I need to boil the pickling liquid?

No, this is a quick pickle recipe, so there’s no need to boil the liquid.

The vinegar and salt preserve the onions effectively, allowing you to enjoy them as a quick pickle without the need for additional heat.

How can I adjust the flavour of the pickling liquid?

If you prefer a sweeter pickled onion, add an extra dash of sugar.

For a more intense tang, increase the vinegar slightly.

You can also adjust the salt to your taste, making it as mild or bold as you prefer.

And that’s it for this Quick Pickled Red Onions recipe. You can find the whole thing on a handy recipe card just below, so be sure to Pin it for later!

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