Pickled Red Onions are an absolute favorite in my kitchen.
What kind of onions to pickle
For pickling, it is best to use sweet and semi-sweet varieties of onions such as red onion (e.g. Red Baron and Black Prince varieties). There are not as many essential oils in them as in yellow ones, so they are used for making salads and marinating. And it is better to refrain from pickling green onions, as this type of onion is completely unsuitable for long-term storage.
The method and recipe
For pickling onions depend on which dish it will be served with. For salads, sandwiches, and burgers, it is better to use mild to medium-spicy taste pickled onions. A sweet and sour taste is suitable for pilaf, and onions with a bright taste are best for barbecue.
For quick pickling, cut the onions into thin rings or half rings. If you cut the onions into thick rings, they will be more crunchy. I do not recommend cutting onions into feathers – the marinade will be absorbed much longer and less effective.
FAQ
What kind of vinegar to use?
You can use grape, berry, apple, and rice vinegar. Mixing several varieties of vinegar gives a more interesting taste and aroma. You can replace vinegar with lemon juice.
Can Pickled Red Onions be made without sugar?
Sweet taste is a must for any pickling. Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup. Or any sweetener of your choice.
How to give a special taste to pickled red onions?
Add star anise, hot capsicum, and rice vinegar – and you will have a marinade with a touch of Asian cuisine.
If pickling onions for summer vegetable salads, you can add allspice, a few sprigs of thyme, a clove of garlic, a bay leaf, fennel seeds, peppercorns, and mustard seeds to the basic marinade recipe (vinegar, sugar, salt). Be very careful with additional spices. Pickled onions should not clog the taste of the main salad ingredients.
Pickled Red Onions Storage Tips
I store pickled red onions in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure the container is tightly closed, and the onion is all immersed in the marinade. Drain the liquid through a strainer before use.
I hope this delicious and fresh appetizer will add zest to your favorite dishes!
Try Pickled Red Onions in my Salad Recipes:
Rice Salad with Roasted Carrot
Quinoa Salad with Spinach & Feta
Pickled Red Onions in 2 Easy Steps
Equipment
- 1 small glass jar
Ingredients
- 1 big red onion 1 1/2 cups sliced or about 150 g
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp raw cane sugar
Instructions
- Cut the onion into wafer-thin half rings.
- Mix vinegar and sugar and pour over the onion rings.
- Leave covered with a plate in the fridge until 15 minutes before use.
Notes
- Use red wine vinegar instead of apple cider.
- Use any sugar of your choice.