Pickled red onions—oh, they’re like the pop of color in a monochrome world. I stumbled upon this recipe during a hectic week, and it was like finding a hidden gem in a sea of ordinary. Crisp, tangy, and just a little bit sweet, they transform any dish they touch, much like how Taylor Swift’s latest album has been transforming my playlists.
Steps
- Thinly slice the red onions, ideally using a mandoline for consistency, and distribute them evenly between two 16-ounce jars. Optionally, add a few peppercorns or garlic cloves for enhanced flavor.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt. Stir the mixture until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved, which should take about a minute.
- Allow the brine to cool slightly, then pour it over the sliced onions in the jars. Let the jars sit until they reach room temperature.
- Once cooled, cover the jars and transfer them to the refrigerator. The onions will be ready to consume when they turn bright pink and tender, which can take anywhere from 1 hour to overnight.
- Store the pickled onions in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to two weeks. Enjoy them as a flavorful addition to various dishes like salads, sandwiches, and tacos.
Ingredients
- 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- Optional: a few peppercorns
- Optional: 2 garlic cloves
FAQ
- How long do pickled red onions last in the refrigerator?
- Pickled red onions can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, making them a convenient option to prepare in advance and use as needed.
- What ingredients do I need to make pickled red onions?
- You will need red onions, white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt. Optional additions include peppercorns or garlic cloves for added flavor.
- How can I use pickled red onions in my meals?
- Pickled red onions can enhance a variety of dishes, such as avocado toast, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and Mexican cuisine like tacos and burritos.
- Can I customize the flavor of pickled red onions?
- Yes, you can experiment with different types of vinegar such as white wine, rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar to create unique flavor combinations. Adding spices like peppercorns or garlic can also add complexity to the taste.
- What is the best equipment for slicing onions for pickling?
- Using a mandoline slicer is recommended for quick and uniform slicing of onions, ensuring even pickling and a consistent texture.
Tips
- For consistent and thin slices, use a mandoline when cutting the red onions. This ensures even pickling and helps achieve the desired texture more quickly.
- Experiment with the brine by adding peppercorns or garlic cloves for an extra layer of flavor. You can also try different vinegar combinations, such as a mix of white wine and rice vinegar or apple cider and white vinegar, to customize the tanginess.
- Allow the brine to cool slightly before pouring it over the onions to avoid cooking them and to preserve their crispness.
- Store your pickled onions in BPA-free, dishwasher-safe jars like the 16-ounce Ball Mason jars, which are ideal for keeping them fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks without taking up too much space.
Equipment
- Mandoline Slicer – This is recommended for quick and uniform slicing of the onions.
- Ball Mason Jars (16-ounce) – These are used for storing the pickled onions and are highlighted as a preferred choice for pickling.
