Pickled Red Onions

Quick Pickled Red Onions is a great recipe to have in your repertoire. They keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks and are a wonderful topper for salads, sandwiches, and more. It’s a versatile, healthy topping which adds a big punch of flavor.

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In culinary arts school, during garde manger class (cold food preparation), we learned that pickling has long been a means of food preservation. It actually dates back to over 4000 years ago.

Many different fruits, vegetables and other types of foods can be pickled. Other than pickles themselves, one of the most common pickled foods that’s now seen pretty regularly on menus everywhere is pickled onions.

Even if you’re not a fan of red onion (as I am not), you may really enjoy pickled red onions. The flavor changes during the pickling process to a sweeter, tangier taste due to the addition of a small amount of sugar and vinegar.

Why This Recipe Works

Pickled Red Onions are a quick and easy preparation. They are ready to eat in one hour and only require 3 additional ingredients.

This recipe is healthy and low in calories, however pickled onions add a lot of flavor to any dish you decide to add them to.  

These are a very versatile topping! Use them on fish tacos, burgers, salad, pizza and flatbread, sandwiches, pitas, wraps, and kofta. 

How To Make Pickled Red Onions

Ingredients

• Red Onion
• Distilled White Vinegar
• Pickling Salt: pickling salt will give you the best results but kosher salt without additives can be used, as can table salt.
• Sugar

The full recipe and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Prep!

Cut the onion into 1/4-inch thick slices.

Create!

Combine the vinegar, salt and sugar in a 16 ounce canning jar or glass jar with a lid. Stir until dissolved.

Place the onions in a colander.

Bring the water to a boil in a pot over high heat. Pour over the onions.

Transfer the hot onions to the jar and stir. 

Cover and refrigerate at least an hour before using. The flavor will develop more with time. You will also see the color gradually change from a more purplish-red to a brighter pink.

Present!

Serve, as desired.

Tips and Techniques

• You can add pickling spices, other spices, garlic, and/or herbs to enhance the flavor, if desired.
• Store tightly covered in the refrigerator up for 2-3 weeks.

FAQ’s

How Long Do Pickled Onions Last?

Pickled onions will last 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. They are at their best quality the first week.

Are Pickled Onions Good For You?

Pickled onions are a low calorie condiment that can add a lot of flavor to your meals. They are often confused with fermented onions, but do not contain the same amounts of probiotics and enzymes as fermented onions. The nutritional benefits are similar to plain red onions but with the addition of a small amount of salt, sugar and vinegar.

Are Pickled Onions Fermented?

Pickled onions are not quite the same as fermented onions. Please reference this guide on how to make fermented onions, if interested.

Recipes To Try With Pickled Red Onions

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