Oh my goodness, let me tell you about quick pickled red onions! These little gems are a total game changer in the kitchen. I mean, who wouldn’t want a tangy, vibrant pop of flavor to elevate their meals? They’re super easy to whip up and can transform even the simplest dish into something special. Whether you’re throwing together a taco night or just sprucing up a salad, these pickled beauties add that delightful crunch and zing that makes everything taste amazing. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself adding them to everything! Plus, they only take about 35 minutes from start to finish, so you can have them ready in no time. Let’s dive into how to make these quick pickled red onions; you’re going to love them!
Ingredients List
- 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
How to Prepare Quick Pickled Red Onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these quick pickled red onions! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a deliciously tangy condiment ready in no time.
- First, grab those beautiful red onions and slice them thinly. I like to use a sharp knife or a mandoline for even, paper-thin slices. The thinner they are, the quicker they’ll pickle!
- Now, let’s bring our pickling liquid to life! In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This will only take a few minutes, so keep an eye on it. You want the sugar and salt to fully dissolve into the liquid—no gritty bits allowed!
- Once it’s boiling and smells heavenly, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. We don’t want to burn our fingers!
- Now, take your sliced onions and pack them into a clean jar. I like to use a mason jar because it seals perfectly.
- Carefully pour the warm pickling liquid over the onions. Make sure they’re fully submerged; if not, just give them a gentle stir to mix things up a bit.
- Seal the jar with a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. But, if you can wait a bit longer, they’ll get even tastier as they sit!
And that’s it! You’ve just created a bright and tangy topping that’s ready to elevate all your favorite dishes. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only about 35 minutes from start to finish, these quick pickled red onions are a breeze to make!
- Versatile: They’re perfect on tacos, salads, sandwiches, or even as a zesty snack—trust me, you’ll find endless ways to use them!
- Flavor Booster: Just a few slices add a tangy crunch that elevates any dish, making even the simplest meals feel gourmet.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge for up to two weeks, making meal prep a cinch.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with spices or herbs in the pickling liquid to create your own unique flavor profile!
Tips for Success
Okay, here are some of my top tips to ensure your quick pickled red onions turn out perfectly every time! First off, use the freshest onions you can find; they’ll have the best flavor and crunch. If you like a little extra zing, try adding a few peppercorns or a clove of garlic to the pickling liquid for an added kick!
Also, don’t skip the chilling time—while 30 minutes is enough to get started, letting them sit for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge allows the flavors to deepen beautifully. And remember, the thinner you slice the onions, the faster they’ll pickle and the more tender they’ll be. If you find the taste a bit too strong, just add a little more water to the pickling liquid to mellow it out. Happy pickling!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to quick pickled red onions, they’re not just a flavor powerhouse, but they’re also pretty light on the calories! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrition per serving (1 tablespoon):
- Calories: 15
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 230mg
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, you can enjoy these quick pickled red onions guilt-free, adding a zesty kick to your meals without packing on the calories!
FAQ Section
How long do quick pickled red onions last?
These beauties can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. Just make sure you keep an eye on them—if they start to look or smell off, it’s best to toss them!
Can I use other types of onions for pickling?
Absolutely! While red onions are my favorite for their vibrant color and flavor, you can certainly use white or yellow onions too. Each variety will give you a slightly different taste and color, so feel free to experiment!
Can I add spices to the pickling liquid?
Yes, yes, and yes! Adding spices like mustard seeds, coriander seeds, or even a bay leaf can elevate the flavor of your quick pickled red onions. Just toss them into the pot with the other ingredients when you’re making the pickling liquid.
Do I need to sterilize the jar before pickling?
It’s a good idea to sterilize your jar to keep everything fresh and safe. Just give it a good wash in hot, soapy water and rinse it well, or you can run it through a dishwasher cycle. This step helps to prevent any unwanted bacteria from messing with your pickled onions!
Why are my pickled onions mushy?
If your onions end up mushy, it might be because they were sliced too thick or left in the pickling liquid for too long. Next time, try slicing them thinner, and keep an eye on the pickling time. Remember, they should retain some crunch!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your quick pickled red onions ready to go, let’s talk about all the delicious ways you can use them! They’re incredibly versatile and can elevate just about any dish. For starters, try adding them to tacos—seriously, they’re a must! The tangy crunch pairs perfectly with spicy meats or roasted veggies.
If you’re feeling like a salad, toss some on top for a burst of flavor and color. They also make a fantastic addition to sandwiches or burgers, cutting through the richness of meats and creamy spreads. And don’t forget about grain bowls! A sprinkle of these pickled beauties can bring the whole dish to life. Honestly, you can even enjoy them as a zesty snack straight from the jar! Get creative and enjoy experimenting with these vibrant little onions in your meals!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your quick pickled red onions is super easy! Just make sure they’re kept in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy that tangy crunch whenever you want! Just remember to always use a clean utensil when scooping them out to keep them safe.
Now, as for reheating, there’s really no need! These pickled onions are meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge, which is part of their charm. You can toss them on any dish right out of the jar. But if you really want to warm them up, you can pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds—be careful not to overdo it, or you might lose that delightful crunch! Enjoy your pickled creations!
Imprimer
quick pickled red onions: 7 ways to elevate your meals
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 2 cups 1x
- Alimentation: Vegan
Description
Quick pickled red onions add a tangy crunch to your dishes.
Ingrédients
- 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions
- Slice the red onions thinly.
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Place the sliced onions in a jar.
- Pour the pickling liquid over the onions.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- These can be used on tacos, salads, or sandwiches.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 5 minutes
- Catégorie: Condiment
- Méthode: Pickling
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 15
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 230mg
- La graisse: 0g
- Graisses Saturées: 0g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 0g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 4g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 0g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: quick pickled red onions, pickling, red onions, condiment
