How to Prepare Homemade Pickled Red Onions: A Simple Guide
Pickled red onions are one of those magic ingredients that can instantly brighten up a meal. Whether you’re adding them to tacos, sandwiches, salads, or even grilled meats, their tangy-sweet flavor and vibrant color have the power to transform plain dishes into something exciting. The good news is, making these delicious pickled onions at home is incredibly easy, requires just a handful of ingredients, and doesn’t take much time.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make pickled red onions at home, this blog article will walk you through the process step by step. Let’s get started!
What Are Pickled Red Onions?
Pickled red onions are thin slices of red onion that are soaked in a simple mixture of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. The vinegar preserves the onions, while the sugar adds a slight sweetness and the salt enhances their natural flavor. Over time, the onions become tender and soak up the tangy brine, balancing acidity with sweetness.
They’re a great addition to your pantry since they last for weeks in the fridge and can quickly elevate almost any dish. Plus, they’re healthy! Red onions are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, and pickling them in vinegar adds digestive benefits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get started, gather the following simple ingredients:
- 1 large red onion (or 2 small red onions)
- 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a softer flavor)
- ½ cup water
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
– Peppercorns for a little spice
– Garlic cloves for added depth
– Bay leaves or coriander seeds for a subtle herbal note
All of the optional ingredients are entirely up to you and your taste preferences. Keep it simple or get creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pickled Red Onions
Step 1: Prep Your Onion
Start by peeling the red onion and slicing it into thin rings or half-moons. The thinner you slice the onion, the faster it will absorb the brine and pickle. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can slice the onion a bit thicker.
Once sliced, separate the onion rings with your fingers and set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Brine
In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. If you’re using optional add-ins (such as garlic, peppercorns, or bay leaves), toss them into the mixture too. Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt have dissolved completely. There’s no need to boil the mixture; just warm it enough to dissolve the ingredients.
Once the brine is ready, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Combine the Onion and Brine
Grab a clean glass jar or container that has a lid. Place the sliced onions inside, packing them loosely so the brine can flow around each piece. If you’re using add-ins like whole peppercorns or garlic, you can tuck them into the jar with the onions for extra flavor.
Carefully pour the warm brine over the onions, ensuring that all the slices are fully submerged. If the brine doesn’t completely cover the onions, gently press them down with a spoon or add a little extra vinegar and water to the jar.
Step 4: Let Them Pickle
Seal the jar or container with a lid and give it a gentle shake to ensure the brine is evenly distributed. Leave it to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. After that, place it in the fridge.
The pickled onions will start to develop flavor in as little as 1 hour, but for best results, let them pickle overnight. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become. (If you’re in a rush, they’ll still taste great after just an hour!)
How to Store Pickled Red Onions
Once the onions are fully pickled, store the jar in the refrigerator. They’ll last for 2-3 weeks, but chances are they’ll disappear much faster because you’ll want to use them on everything!
Ways to Use Pickled Red Onions
Now that you’ve made your homemade pickled red onions, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas:
- Tacos: Add a pop of tangy flavor to fish, beef, chicken, or veggie tacos.
- Burgers and Sandwiches: Swap out plain raw onions for pickled ones to add a twist of sweetness and acidity.
- Salads: Toss them into green salads, grain bowls, or pasta salads for extra crunch and flavor.
- Avocado Toast: Layer them on top of avocado toast with a sprinkle of flaky salt.
- Grilled Meats: Serve them as a side for barbecue, steak, or roasted vegetables.
Why Choose Homemade?
While store-bought pickled red onions are available, making them at home is more affordable, customizable, and fresher. You can adjust the sweetness, acidity, or spice to suit your taste and try out different optional ingredients to create your personal favorite version.
So, there you have it—a simple guide to preparing homemade pickled red onions. With just a few basic ingredients and steps, you’ll have a jar of stunning, flavorful onions ready to take your cooking to the next level. Give it a try, and enjoy the magic of homemade pickled goodness!
