Pickled Red Onions
Introduction
Pickled Red Onions are the secret weapon in elevating almost any savory dish. Their vibrant color and tangy-sweet crunch provide the perfect contrast to everything from tacos and burgers to salads and grain bowls. Quick and easy to make, these onions transform humble meals into memorable experiences—making them a must-have condiment in your fridge.
Deliciously Unique Pickled Red Onions
What makes this recipe a must-try is its balance of flavors. The onions are brined in a tasty mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt, infusing them with punchy tartness and a subtle sweetness. The process amplifies their natural color, turning them a stunning shade of pink that instantly brightens any plate.
Preparing the Perfect Pickling Brine
A classic pickling brine is the key to maximum flavor. For a well-rounded taste, use equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, with just enough sugar and salt to enhance but not overpower. Optional add-ins like peppercorns, garlic, or bay leaf lend extra nuance—customize your brine to match your meal preferences.
Assembling Your Pickled Red Onions
Thinly slice your red onions and pack them into a clean, heat-proof jar. Bring your brine to a simmer and pour it directly over the onions. Let them cool before sealing. The onions develop their signature color and flavor in as little as 30 minutes, but for the best intensity, let them chill in the fridge for a couple of hours.
Serving Suggestions for Show Stopping Pickled Red Onions
Pickled Red Onions shine as toppings on tacos, burgers, avocado toast, or grilled meats. Stir them into grain bowls or salads for extra zing, or serve alongside cheese and charcuterie platters. A spoonful can turn even simple scrambled eggs into a gourmet breakfast.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 2 cups of pickled red onions. Each tablespoon serving contains approximately 5-7 calories, making it a flavor-packed, low-calorie way to jazz up your meals.
Deliciously Unique Pickled Red Onions (Recap)
Pickled Red Onions are quick, versatile, and visually dramatic—offering bold flavors with minimal effort. They’re the perfect finishing touch for dishes that need just a hint of acidity and color.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a shopping list with all ingredients organized by store section, so you never miss anything during your grocery run.
Instructions
- Peel the red onion and slice it as thinly as possible (use a mandoline for uniform slices, if available).
- Pack the sliced onions tightly into a clean 2-cup (pint-size) glass jar. Add the optional peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaf, if using.
- In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt.
- When the brine is hot and clear, carefully pour it over the onions until they are fully submerged.
- Let the jar cool to room temperature, then seal with a lid and refrigerate. The onions are ready in 30 minutes, but their flavor deepens with a few hours of chilling.
- Keep refrigerated and use within 2-3 weeks for optimal freshness and crunch.
Weekly Meal Planning
Pickled Red Onions are a powerhouse addition to any weekly meal prep lineup. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your meals and generate a smart shopping list that combines ingredients from all your saved recipes—saving you both time and money.
Planning Benefits:
– Automatically totals ingredient amounts needed for all your meals
– Organizes your grocery list by aisle for faster shopping
– Helps avoid buying duplicates or forgetting key ingredients
– Makes weekly meal prep stress-free and more enjoyable
Pro tip: When planning multiple recipes such as these pickled onions and other main dishes, schedule your recipes to see overlapping ingredients, helping you shop efficiently and cut down on food waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
