Quick Pickled Red Onions

Quick Pickled Red Onions are a delightful addition to various dishes, bringing a burst of tangy flavor and vibrant color. Their versatility makes them perfect for tacos, salads, sandwiches, or as a zesty topping for your favorite proteins. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to elevate your everyday meals, these pickled onions stand out for their quick preparation and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can whip up these pickled onions in just a few minutes, making them an easy addition to any meal.
• Bright Flavor: The combination of vinegar and sugar creates a sweet-tangy taste that enhances many dishes.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for tacos, salads, or as a side dish, they pair well with a variety of cuisines.
• Long Shelf Life: Once pickled, these onions can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, ready whenever you need them.
• Health Benefits: Onions provide antioxidants and nutrients while being low in calories.

Tools and Preparation

To create Quick Pickled Red Onions, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right tools will streamline your process and enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Pint jar
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl

Why These Tools Matter

• Pint jar: Ideal for storing your pickled onions and allows easy access when you need them.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean and even slicing of the onions for better brining.
• Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl: Useful for heating the brine mixture efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Pickling Mixture

• 1 large red onion, sliced (about 2 cups)
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup vinegar of choice (I used white distilled vinegar)
• 1 ½ TBS sugar or other sweetener
• 1 tsp salt

For Packing

• 1 pint jar

How to Make Quick Pickled Red Onions

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

Pack the sliced onion tightly into a pint-sized jar. Ensure that it is very compact; otherwise, you may not have enough brine to cover all the slices.

Step 2: Make the Brine

1. Combine ½ cup water, ½ cup vinegar, 1 ½ TBS sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.
2. Heat the mixture on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot but not boiling. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.

Step 3: Pour Over Onions

Carefully pour the hot brine over the packed onions in the jar. Make sure all onion slices are submerged in the liquid.

Step 4: Rest and Refrigerate

Let the jar sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes if you’ve sliced them thinly; longer if they are thicker slices. After this time, place the jar in the refrigerator. The pickled onions will be ready after chilling and can last up to 3 weeks!

How to Serve Quick Pickled Red Onions

Quick pickled red onions are a versatile condiment that can elevate many dishes. Their tangy flavor and vibrant color make them an excellent addition to salads, tacos, sandwiches, and more.

Tacos

• Beef barbacoa Tacos: Add quick pickled red onions to your favorite beef barbacoa for a refreshing crunch.
• Vegetarian Tacos: Top black bean or grilled vegetable tacos with these pickled onions for extra zest.

Salads

• Mixed Green Salad: Toss quick pickled red onions into mixed greens for a pop of flavor.
• Coleslaw: Mix into coleslaw for a delightful twist on this classic side dish.

Sandwiches

• Turkey Sandwich: Layer on quick pickled red onions to enhance the taste of turkey and cheese.
• Lamb Burger: Add them to a lamb burger for a tangy contrast to the rich flavor of the meat.

Grain Bowls

• Quinoa Bowl: Sprinkle over a quinoa bowl filled with roasted vegetables for added acidity.
• Rice Bowl: Pair with seasoned rice and grilled chicken for a bright flavor boost.

How to Perfect Quick Pickled Red Onions

Creating the perfect quick pickled red onions is easy with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

• Use fresh onions: Selecting fresh red onions ensures optimal crunch and flavor in your pickles.
• Slice evenly: Cutting the onions into uniform slices helps them pickle evenly and look more appealing in jars.
• Experiment with vinegar: Different vinegars, such as apple cider or white wine vinegar, can change the flavor profile; feel free to try various options.
• Adjust sweetness: You can modify the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences; less sugar will yield a more tart result.
• Let them rest longer: While 30 minutes is sufficient, allowing the onions to sit longer enhances their flavor even more.
• Store properly: Keep your pickled onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to three weeks.

Best Side Dishes for Quick Pickled Red Onions

Quick pickled red onions pair wonderfully with numerous side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement their tangy flavor.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A flavorful mix of corn, cheese, and spices that balances well with the acidity of pickled onions.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice: This zesty rice dish brings out the brightness of quick pickled red onions beautifully.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the tangy bite from the pickles.
4. Grilled Asparagus: Serve alongside grilled asparagus tossed with olive oil and lemon juice for a vibrant plate.
5. Hummus Platter: Pair quick pickled red onions with hummus and pita bread, adding a crunchy element to your snack.
6. Classic Potato Salad: Incorporate them into potato salad for an extra layer of flavor that cuts through creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Quick Pickled Red Onions, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not packing tightly: If you don’t pack the sliced onion tightly in the jar, you might not have enough brine to cover them. Make sure they are snugly packed for optimal pickling.
• Incorrect brine ratio: Using too much or too little vinegar can ruin your pickles. Stick to the recommended measurements for a perfect balance of flavor.
• Skipping the rest time: Allowing the onions to sit in the brine is crucial. Don’t rush this step; letting them rest enhances their flavor.
• Ignoring refrigeration: After pickling, it’s important to refrigerate the onions. This keeps them fresh and crunchy for longer.
• Using old ingredients: Ensure that your vinegar and other ingredients are fresh. Old ingredients can affect the taste and safety of your pickles.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Quick Pickled Red Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will last up to 3 weeks when properly stored.

Freezing Quick Pickled Red Onions

• It’s not recommended to freeze Quick Pickled Red Onions, as freezing can change their texture and flavor.

Reheating Quick Pickled Red Onions

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place onions in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place onions in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 30 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat onions in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Quick Pickled Red Onions?

Quick Pickled Red Onions are thinly sliced red onions that are marinated in a simple vinegar solution, creating a tangy and flavorful condiment.

How long do Quick Pickled Red Onions last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, Quick Pickled Red Onions can last up to 3 weeks.

Can I customize Quick Pickled Red Onions?

Absolutely! You can add spices like peppercorns, garlic, or herbs to create unique flavors tailored to your taste.

Are Quick Pickled Red Onions healthy?

Yes! They are low in calories and made from fresh vegetables. They add flavor without excessive calories or fat.

How do I use Quick Pickled Red Onions?

Quick Pickled Red Onions are versatile! Use them as toppings for tacos, salads, burgers, or sandwiches for an extra zing.

Conclusion

Quick Pickled Red Onions offer a delightful crunch and tangy flavor that elevate many dishes. Their versatility allows for customization based on personal taste preferences. Try this simple recipe today and enjoy adding these vibrant onions to your meals!

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