Tangy Pickled Red Onions with Beet Juice
These vibrant and tangy pickled red onions are a quintessential Mexican condiment that adds color and flavor to a variety of dishes. Perfect as a zesty topping for tacos, sandwiches, or grilled meats, they also make a delightful accompaniment to salads and appetizers. The process involves steeping the onions in a fragrant blend of beet juice, lime juice, and grapefruit juice, which not only infuses them with a deliciously sour taste but also gives them a stunning deep pink hue. The pickled onions can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop over time. Enjoy them right away or let them sit for a few days for an even more intense flavor. This recipe yields about 1-2 cups, ideal for sharing with family and friends!
N/A
Servings
37
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
beet
1 (trimmed, peeled and coarsely grated)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled and crushed)
bay leaves
2
white wine vinegar
1/2 cup
red onion
1 lb (peeled and thinly sliced)
lime juice
1/3 cup
lime zest
1 tablespoon
grapefruit juice
2/3 cup
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Grate the beet and set aside the garlic and bay leaves.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the grated beet, crushed garlic, bay leaves, white wine vinegar, and 4 cups of water.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to extract the flavors from the beet.
4
While the beet mixture simmers, place the thinly sliced red onions in a medium bowl.
5
Once the beet cooking liquid is ready, strain it directly over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow the onions to rest in the hot liquid for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.
6
After 5 minutes, drain the onions well and return them to the bowl.
7
In a separate smaller bowl, mix together the lime juice, lime zest, grapefruit juice, and salt to taste.
8
Pour the sour orange juice mixture over the drained onions and toss gently to ensure the onions are evenly coated.
9
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
10
Serve chilled as a zesty topping or side dish, and enjoy the brilliant color and flavor!
Nutrition Information
0.08
Fat
8.33
Carbs
0.83
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tangy Pickled Red Onions with Beet Juice?
They are a vibrant Mexican condiment made by steeping red onions in a mixture of beet, lime, and grapefruit juices, perfect for topping tacos or grilled meats.
How many calories are in a serving of these pickled onions?
Each serving contains approximately 37 calories.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegan.
How long should I refrigerate the onions before serving?
You should refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
How do the onions get their deep pink color?
The color is achieved by steeping the onions in a liquid infused with coarsely grated beets.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of white wine vinegar.
How much red onion do I need?
You will need 1 lb of red onion, peeled and thinly sliced.
What is the yield of this recipe?
This recipe yields approximately 1 to 2 cups of pickled onions.
What are the key juices used for the pickling liquid?
The recipe uses a combination of lime juice and grapefruit juice.
How long do I need to simmer the beet mixture?
The beet mixture should simmer for about 10 minutes to extract the flavors and color.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed.
Can I make these onions in advance?
Yes, they can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, where the flavors will continue to develop.
What dishes pair well with these pickled onions?
They are ideal for tacos, sandwiches, grilled meats, salads, and appetizers.
How much grapefruit juice is required?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of grapefruit juice.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are approximately 8.33 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much lime juice and zest are used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of lime juice and 1 tablespoon of lime zest.
How do I prepare the beet?
The beet should be trimmed, peeled, and coarsely grated.
How much water is used to simmer the beets?
Four cups of water are used for the beet mixture.
Are there any herbs used in the pickling process?
Yes, 2 bay leaves are added to the simmering beet mixture.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The fat content is very low, at approximately 0.08 grams.
How long should the onions sit in the hot beet liquid?
The onions should rest in the hot liquid for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, salt is added to taste in the final juice mixture.
Is this a quick pickle or a fermented recipe?
This is a quick pickle, also referred to as a refrigerator pickle.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is about 0.83 grams of protein per serving.
Can I serve the onions immediately after preparation?
While you can enjoy them right away, it is recommended to let them sit for at least an hour or up to a few days for more intense flavor.
Should the onions be served hot or cold?
These pickled onions should be served chilled.
What cuisine style does this recipe represent?
It is a quintessential Mexican cuisine condiment.
Do I need to peel the garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the 2 garlic cloves should be peeled and crushed.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients listed in the recipe.
What is the 'sour orange' mixture mentioned?
The 'sour orange' effect is created by mixing lime juice, lime zest, and grapefruit juice together.