Pickled onions are a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes. Their tangy, slightly sweet taste and crunchy texture can elevate a variety of meals, from tacos to salads and everything in between. In this recipe, we will guide you through the simple process of making pickled onions at home and explore ten delicious ways to use them. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is easy to follow and will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients for Easy Pickled Onions:
- 1 large red onion
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
How to Make Easy Pickled Onions:
- Prepare the Onions:
- Begin by peeling the red onion. Cut the onion in half, then slice it into thin, even slices. You can use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices or a sharp knife.
- Make the Pickling Brine:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the mixture is well combined, add the black peppercorns, mustard seeds, garlic cloves, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Allow the brine to come to a gentle simmer, then remove it from the heat.
- Combine the Onions and Brine:
- Place the sliced onions into a clean, heatproof jar or container. Pour the hot pickling brine over the onions, making sure they are fully submerged. If necessary, use a spoon to press the onions down.
- Let the jar cool to room temperature, then cover it with a lid and refrigerate. The pickled onions will be ready to eat in about an hour, but for the best flavor, let them sit for at least 24 hours. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Enjoy Your Pickled Onions:
- Now that you have a jar of delicious pickled onions, it’s time to explore the many ways you can use them. Here are ten ideas to get you started:
10 Delicious Ways to Use Pickled Onions:
- Tacos:
- Add a tangy crunch to your tacos by topping them with pickled onions. They pair perfectly with carnitas, fish tacos, and even vegetarian options like roasted vegetables or beans.
- Salads:
- Toss pickled onions into your favorite salads for an extra burst of flavor. They work particularly well in grain salads, green salads, and even pasta salads.
- Avocado Toast:
- Elevate your avocado toast by adding a few slices of pickled onions. The acidity of the onions complements the creamy avocado beautifully.
- Burgers and Sandwiches:
- Add pickled onions to your burgers and sandwiches for a zesty twist. They add a nice crunch and tangy flavor that can transform a simple sandwich into something special.
- Cocktails:
- Use pickled onions as a garnish for cocktails. They are a classic addition to a Gibson martini and can add a unique twist to other drinks as well.
- Charcuterie Boards:
- Include pickled onions on your charcuterie board. They provide a nice contrast to rich cheeses and cured meats.
- Grain Bowls:
- Top your grain bowls with pickled onions for added flavor and texture. They pair well with quinoa, rice, and farro bowls.
- Pizza:
- Add pickled onions to your pizza for a pop of flavor. They work well with a variety of toppings, from traditional pepperoni to creative combinations like goat cheese and arugula.
- Nachos:
- Sprinkle pickled onions over your nachos for a zesty kick. They complement the melted cheese and other toppings perfectly.
- Egg Dishes:
- Add pickled onions to your egg dishes, such as omelets, frittatas, or scrambled eggs. They provide a nice contrast to the richness of the eggs.
About the Main Ingredients:
Red Onions:
Red onions are the star of this recipe. Their vibrant color and mild flavor make them ideal for pickling. When pickled, red onions take on a beautiful pink hue and a slightly sweet taste, which adds visual and flavor appeal to many dishes. They are also packed with nutrients, including vitamins C and B6, antioxidants, and fiber.
White Vinegar:
White vinegar is a common ingredient in pickling brines due to its clean, sharp flavor. It helps preserve the onions and gives them their characteristic tangy taste. You can also use apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor.
Sugar and Salt:
Sugar and salt are essential for balancing the acidity of the vinegar and enhancing the overall flavor of the pickled onions. The sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while the salt brings out the natural flavors of the onions.
Spices:
The combination of black peppercorns, mustard seeds, garlic, and bay leaf adds depth and complexity to the pickling brine. These spices infuse the onions with subtle layers of flavor, making them more interesting and versatile. The optional red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat if you prefer a spicier pickle.
Pickling is a fantastic way to preserve vegetables and add a burst of flavor to your meals. With this easy pickled onions recipe, you can enjoy the tangy, crunchy goodness of pickled onions in a variety of dishes. Experiment with different spices and vinegars to create your own unique pickled onion recipe, and explore the endless culinary possibilities they offer. Whether you’re a fan of tacos, salads, sandwiches, or cocktails, pickled onions are sure to become a favorite addition to your kitchen.
