Zesty Spicy Pickled Onions
These vibrant Zesty Spicy Pickled Onions are a tantalizing addition to any meal, combining tangy lemon juice, seasoned rice vinegar, and a fiery kick of red pepper flakes. This adaptable pickle recipe is perfect for adding brightness and crunch to sandwiches, salads, tacos, or as a flavorful topping for barbecued meats. Let the onions soak up all the zesty flavors, transforming into beautiful, bright pink slices that bring both taste and a pop of color to your dishes. The spicy, tangy flavor profile can easily be adjusted to suit your heat preference, making it a versatile condiment you'll want on hand at all times.
N/A
Servings
7
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
red onion
1 large (thinly sliced)
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (juice from about 2 medium lemons)
seasoned rice vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
red pepper flakes
to taste (none)
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by using a very sharp knife to slice the red onion as thinly as possible for maximum pickling effect.
2
Place the thinly sliced onions into a mixing bowl and set aside to prepare the pickling liquid.
3
Juice the lemons to obtain 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, discarding any seeds that may fall in. Combine this fresh lemon juice with the seasoned rice vinegar in a separate small bowl.
4
Sprinkle the sliced onions with kosher salt and red pepper flakes to taste, adjusting the level of spiciness to suit your preference.
5
Pour the lemon and vinegar mixture over the seasoned onions. Gently toss the mixture using your fingers or a spoon, ensuring all the onion slices are evenly coated in the flavorful brine.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, allowing the onions to sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes. During this time, watch as the onions transform into a vibrant pink color and soften slightly.
7
After 45 minutes, taste an onion slice to ensure it has the perfect zinginess and crunch. Serve these delicious pickled onions as a zesty accompaniment to your favorite lunch or snack.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
0.2g
Protein
0.2g
Fiber
0.3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Spicy Pickled Onions?
Zesty Spicy Pickled Onions are a vibrant, tangy condiment made by pickling red onions in a mixture of lemon juice, seasoned rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
How do I slice the onions for this recipe?
You should use a very sharp knife to slice the red onion as thinly as possible to ensure the maximum pickling effect and a better texture.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, which is typically the amount of juice obtained from about 2 medium lemons.
What type of vinegar is best for these pickled onions?
This recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of seasoned rice vinegar to achieve its unique flavor profile.
How long do the onions need to pickle before serving?
The onions should sit in the pickling liquid at room temperature for approximately 45 minutes.
What makes the onions turn pink?
The natural pigments in red onions react with the acidity of the lemon juice and vinegar, transforming the slices into a vibrant, bright pink color.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the onions?
Yes, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes to taste, allowing you to easily adjust the heat level to suit your preference.
What can I serve with Zesty Spicy Pickled Onions?
They are a versatile topping perfect for sandwiches, salads, tacos, or as a flavorful accompaniment to barbecued meats.
How many calories are in a serving of these pickled onions?
There are approximately 7 calories per serving.
Are these pickled onions fat-free?
Yes, this recipe contains 0g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 1.5g of carbohydrates.
Is there any protein in the pickled onions?
There is a small amount of protein, approximately 0.2g per serving.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe contains a very low amount of sugar, approximately 0.3g per serving.
Do I need to cook the pickling brine?
No, this is a quick-pickle recipe that uses room temperature pickling without any boiling or cooking required.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt for the best seasoning.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
While the recipe calls for lemon juice, lime juice could be used as a substitute for a different citrusy profile.
Should the onions be refrigerated while they sit for 45 minutes?
The instructions recommend letting the onions sit at room temperature for the initial 45-minute pickling period.
How do I ensure the onions are properly coated in the brine?
Gently toss the onion mixture using your fingers or a spoon to ensure every slice is evenly coated in the lemon and vinegar mixture.
Can I use white onions instead of red onions?
You can use white onions, but they will not produce the signature bright pink color that red onions provide during the pickling process.
How do I know when the onions are ready?
After 45 minutes, taste a slice; it should have a perfect balance of zinginess and a slight crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: red onion, lemon juice, seasoned rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt.
What is the fiber content of these onions?
There is approximately 0.2g of fiber per serving.
Should I cover the bowl while the onions are pickling?
Yes, it is recommended to cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid while the onions sit.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled if you are preparing for a larger group or want to keep extra on hand.
How many lemons should I buy?
You should buy at least 2 medium-sized lemons to ensure you have enough for 1/4 cup of juice.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a sharp knife, a mixing bowl, a citrus juicer, and measuring spoons or cups.
Are these onions crunchy?
Yes, the recipe is designed to maintain a delicious crunch while the pickling liquid adds zing and softens them slightly.
Can I use regular rice vinegar instead of seasoned rice vinegar?
You can, but seasoned rice vinegar usually contains added sugar and salt, so you may need to adjust your seasonings if using the unseasoned version.