Nutrition Facts
Servings 15
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 20kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Sugars 2g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
As someone who loves to play in the kitchen, I can tell you that quick pickled red onions are a game-changer. They can brighten up any dish, adding a tangy crunch that elevates flavors. Picture this: you’re sitting down for tacos with friends or digging into a fresh salad. Suddenly, you remember these bright, vinegary onions tucked away in your fridge. You sprinkle them on top, and just like that, your meal goes from good to extraordinary.
Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore what you can enjoy these beauties with. The versatility of quick pickled red onions means they slide into countless dishes.
Tacos: Think about the classic combination of flavors. Spicy meats, crisp veggies, and that sharp bite from the onions create a delightful harmony.
Salads: Deliciously crisp salads benefit immensely from a sprinkle of these onions. They add not just flavor but also a stunning pop of color.
Sandwiches: Need a new sandwich twist? These pickled onions bring a refreshing crunch to any sandwich, cutting through fats or rich meats.
Have you ever tasted something so simple yet so incredibly flavorful that it made your taste buds dance? Quick pickled red onions fall into that category. They’re easy to whip up and can be ready to use in just a few hours. This recipe captures the essence of tangy, sweet, and savory in every bite. With just five basic ingredients, you can have a jar full of zesty goodness. What’s the catch? There isn’t one! When you make your own pickles, the satisfaction multiplies, knowing you crafted something delicious with your own two hands.
At its core, this is a recipe that involves soaking thinly sliced red onions in a mixture of vinegar, water, salt, and a touch of sweetness. This simple process transforms ordinary onions into a vibrant, tangy condiment that can enhance an array of dishes.
1. Speed and Convenience: You can have these pickled onions ready in as little as one hour. In today's busy lifestyles, speed is essential.
2. Versatility: These pickled red onions can top almost anything—tacos, salads, burgers, and even roasted vegetables. They fit into any meal.
3. Health Benefits: Onions are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. The pickling process maintains many of these benefits while adding probiotics if you allow them to ferment longer.
4. Customization: You can easily tweak this recipe. Want it spicier? Add some chili flakes. Prefer a sweeter touch? Use more maple syrup. This flexibility makes it easy to cater to personal tastes.
2 cups lukewarm water
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 medium-sized red onions, thinly sliced
1 small garlic clove, smashed (optional, for subtle depth)
Start by peeling the red onions. Thinly slice them using a sharp knife or mandoline for even cuts. You want the slices to be no thicker than a quarter of an inch. This ensures they soak up all that tangy goodness.
In a mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and sea salt. Stir until the salt dissolves. This brine is what makes the onions zing!
Place the sliced onions in a jar or container. Pour the prepared brine over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. If you’re using garlic, toss in the smashed clove at this stage for an added layer of flavor.
Cover the jar and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. If you want a stronger flavor, refrigerate them for a few hours or even overnight. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.
Once they reach your desired level of pickling, transfer the onions and brine to the refrigerator. They’ll last up to three weeks, but let’s be honest: they might disappear much sooner!
Use Fresh Onions: Select firm, fresh red onions. Their quality directly affects the as the flavor and crunch.
Try Different Vinesgar: Mix it up! Experiment using white wine vinegar or rice vinegar for a twist.
Adjust Sweetness: If you're looking for a sweeter result, feel free to add another tablespoon of maple syrup. Sweetness balances the tang, creating a more rounded flavor.
Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to your brine if you're feeling adventurous. Spicy pickled onions add pizzazz.
Use a Glass Jar: Glass is ideal for storage since it's non-reactive. This means you won’t end up with funky flavors seeping into your onions.
Per serving (about ¼ cup):
Calories: 20
Carbohydrates: 4g
Sugars: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 0g
Not bad for a condiment that packs such a flavor punch!
Quick pickled red onions store beautifully in your fridge. Use an airtight glass jar ideally. As long as they are covered with their brine, they can last for up to three weeks. Just be sure to keep them chilled. If you notice them losing their crunch, don’t worry; they’re still tasty!
1. Grilled Chicken Tacos: Freshly grilled chicken tacos drizzled with lime juice will pair nicely. The onions add a punch that complements the smoky flavors.
2. Roasted Veggie Bowls: Create a bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, greens, and a tahini dressing, topping it off with those pickled onions. The contrast between flavors is a delight.
3. Bean Salads: Use these onions as a topping for a hearty bean salad mixed with herbs, lemon, and olive oil. They cut through the richness, bringing everything together.
Vinegar: If apple cider vinegar is unavailable, feel free to substitute with white wine vinegar or even balsamic vinegar, though that will alter the flavor slightly.
Maple Syrup: Honey can replace maple syrup if you’re looking for a similar sweetness. Just keep in mind that honey is not vegan.
Garlic: For a different flavor, consider using shallots. They offer a milder taste similar to red onions.
Salt: Sea salt can be swapped out for kosher salt. However, be cautious with table salt, as it’s more concentrated.
With quick pickled red onions, you’re not just making a condiment—you’re transforming your meals! This simple, easy-to-follow recipe provides an explosion of flavor that elevates any dish you put it on. They bring freshness, zing, and vibrancy to your table, not to mention they're packed with flavor and just plain fun to make. So, what are you waiting for? Give these a try and watch your culinary creations come alive!
Have you ever tasted something so simple yet so incredibly flavorful that it made your taste buds dance? Quick pickled red onions fall into that category. They’re easy to whip up and can be ready to use in just a few hours. This recipe captures the essence of tangy, sweet, and savory in every bite. With just five basic ingredients, you can have a jar full of zesty goodness. What’s the catch? There isn’t one! When you make your own pickles, the satisfaction multiplies, knowing you crafted something delicious with your own two hands.
Servings 15
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I'm Rachel Ortiz, a registered dietitian and the creator of Treat Indulgently. I combine my love for nutrition and indulgent, satisfying recipes to show you how to enjoy rich, flavorful meals while still making mindful choices. Join me as we celebrate the joy of cooking and treating yourself!