Crisp and Tangy Quick Pickled Red Onions
Elevate your culinary creations with these Crisp and Tangy Quick Pickled Red Onions, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to salads, sandwiches, and tacos. This easy-to-make recipe combines the sweetness of granulated sugar and the boldness of apple cider vinegar, paired with fragrant herbs and spices. In less than an hour, you can prepare a vibrant, zesty topping that not only enhances your dishes but also provides a delightful crunch. Perfect for meal prep, these pickled onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making them a staple addition to your pantry.
N/A
Servings
36
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
apple cider vinegar
2 cups (none)
granulated sugar
1/3 cup (none)
water
1/2 cup (none)
dried oregano or thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
red onions
2 medium (about 1 1/4 pounds) (peeled and sliced)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, water, dried oregano or thyme, salt, and ground cumin.
2
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to help the sugar dissolve.
3
While the brine heats up, peel the red onions, cut them in half, and slice them as thinly as possible into half-moon shapes.
4
Once the brine reaches a boil, carefully add the sliced onions to the pan and give them a gentle stir to ensure they are fully immersed in the liquid.
5
Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it, and let it sit for about 25 minutes. This allows the onions to wilt and absorb the brine flavors.
6
After 25 minutes, transfer the onions and brine to a large bowl to cool completely at room temperature.
7
Once cooled, pour the onions and brine into jars with tight-fitting lids, making sure the onions are submerged in liquid.
8
Store the jars in the refrigerator. The pickled onions can be enjoyed as soon as they are fully cold and will keep for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
9g
Carbs
0g
Protein
1g
Fiber
6g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Crisp and Tangy Quick Pickled Red Onions?
To make these onions, combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, water, and spices in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then add thinly sliced red onions. Let them sit for 25 minutes before cooling and storing in jars.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The preparation involves a brief boiling period followed by 25 minutes of sitting off the heat to allow the onions to wilt and absorb the brine.
What type of vinegar is used for pickling?
This recipe specifically uses 2 cups of apple cider vinegar for its bold and tangy flavor profile.
Can I substitute the granulated sugar?
While the recipe calls for 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, you can experiment with other sweeteners, though it may slightly alter the flavor and preservation.
What herbs are recommended for these pickled onions?
The recipe suggests using one teaspoon of either dried oregano or dried thyme to add fragrance to the brine.
Is cumin necessary in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin to add a subtle earthiness that complements the tangy vinegar.
What is the best way to slice the red onions?
For the best texture, peel the red onions, cut them in half, and then slice them as thinly as possible into half-moon shapes.
Do I need to cook the onions?
No, you do not cook the onions on active heat; you simply add them to the boiling brine and let them sit off the heat for 25 minutes.
How should I store the pickled onions?
Store the onions and brine in jars with tight-fitting lids in the refrigerator, ensuring the onions stay submerged in the liquid.
How long do quick pickled red onions last?
When kept in the refrigerator in a sealed jar, these pickled onions will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Can I use white or yellow onions instead?
Yes, but red onions are preferred for their vibrant pink color and specific mild flavor once pickled.
What dishes pair well with pickled red onions?
They are a perfect topping for salads, sandwiches, tacos, and various grilled meats.
Are these pickled onions suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because they last for two weeks and improve in flavor over the first few days, they are an excellent staple for meal prep.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 36 calories.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving in this recipe.
Do these onions contain any fat?
No, this recipe contains 0 grams of fat.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There are 6 grams of sugar per serving.
Is there protein in pickled red onions?
This recipe contains 0 grams of protein.
Are these onions a good source of fiber?
Each serving provides about 1 gram of dietary fiber.
What is the total weight of onions needed?
You will need approximately 2 medium red onions, which is about 1 1/4 pounds.
Can I freeze pickled red onions?
Freezing is not recommended as it will destroy the crisp texture of the onions; refrigeration is the best storage method.
Is the salt important for this recipe?
Yes, the teaspoon of salt acts as a flavor enhancer and helps in the quick pickling process.
Why do the onions turn pink?
The acidity of the vinegar reacts with the natural pigments in the red onions, turning them a vibrant pink or bright red color.
Do I need to wait before eating them?
They are best enjoyed once they are fully cold, usually after a few hours of refrigeration.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the brine if you prefer a spicy kick.
How much water is added to the brine?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of water to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
What should I do with the leftover brine?
The brine can sometimes be reused for another quick batch or used as a base for salad dressings.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all ingredients listed, including vinegar, sugar, and spices, are plant-based.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Does the recipe require any special canning equipment?
No, this is a quick pickle recipe that only requires a saucepan, a bowl, and standard glass jars for refrigerator storage.