Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love affair with quick pickled red onions! I stumbled upon this little gem while trying to jazz up my taco night, and it was a total game changer. The moment those tangy, vibrant onions hit my taste buds, I was hooked! They add a burst of flavor to everything from salads to sandwiches, and honestly, they’re just so pretty sitting in their jar in the fridge. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you’ll have a zesty condiment that transforms any dish into something special. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be adding these quick pickled beauties to everything!
Ingredients for Quick Pickled Red Onions
- 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup vinegar (apple cider or white)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
How to Prepare Quick Pickled Red Onions
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these quick pickled red onions! Trust me, it’s super easy, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip them up. I promise you’ll be snacking on these tangy delights in no time!
Step 1: Make the Pickling Brine
First things first, grab a saucepan and combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Oh, the magic of mixing these ingredients together! Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. This brine is what gives your onions that delicious tang, so don’t rush this step! Just let it bubble gently until everything is well combined and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Onions
Now, let’s get those onions in the mix! Place your thinly sliced red onions into a clean jar. I like to use a mason jar, but anything with a tight lid will work. Once your brine is ready, carefully pour it over the onions. Make sure they’re all submerged in that lovely brine; it’s what will infuse them with flavor. You might even want to give it a little shake to ensure every onion gets coated!
Step 3: Cool and Refrigerate
Next up, let the jar sit and cool to room temperature for a bit. This is important because you don’t want to put hot brine in the fridge—it can mess with the temperature! Once it’s cooled, pop that jar in the refrigerator. Now here’s the hard part: you’ll want to let them chill for at least one hour before digging in. Trust me, the wait is worth it! The longer they sit, the better they get.
Why You’ll Love Quick Pickled Red Onions
- Quick Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a jar of these tangy delights, making them perfect for last-minute meals.
- Versatile Condiment: Use them on tacos, salads, sandwiches, or even as a garnish for grilled meats. They elevate any dish!
- Flavor Enhancer: Their zesty kick adds a punch of flavor that balances richness and brings brightness to your meals.
- Healthy Option: Low in calories and packed with flavor, they’re a guilt-free way to add excitement to your plate.
- Make Ahead: They keep well in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you can prepare them in advance and have a tasty condiment ready to go!
Tips for Success with Quick Pickled Red Onions
Alright, my fellow pickling enthusiasts, here are some pro tips to ensure your quick pickled red onions turn out perfectly every time! First, don’t be shy about adjusting the sugar and salt to suit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar; if you prefer it saltier, just sprinkle in a touch more salt! Also, always use the freshest red onions you can find—their crispness makes a huge difference in texture. And remember, let those onions sit in the brine for a while; the longer they soak, the more flavorful they become. Happy pickling!
Variations on Quick Pickled Red Onions
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your quick pickled red onions! For a spicy kick, try adding a few slices of jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brine. Want to make them a bit more aromatic? Toss in some fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, or thyme before pouring the brine over the onions. You can even experiment with different types of vinegar—rice vinegar adds a nice subtle sweetness, while red wine vinegar gives a deeper flavor. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Storage Instructions for Quick Pickled Red Onions
Storing your quick pickled red onions is super simple! Just make sure you keep them in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their crispness and vibrant flavor. They’ll last for up to two weeks, which is perfect for having a tasty condiment on hand whenever you need it. I love to keep them visible in the fridge so I remember to add them to my meals! Just remember, the longer they sit, the tangier they become, so feel free to enjoy them throughout the week!
Nutritional Information for Quick Pickled Red Onions
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional info for these quick pickled red onions! Per serving (about 1 tablespoon), you’re looking at approximately 10 calories. They contain 1g of sugar and 120mg of sodium, with no fat or cholesterol. It’s a guilt-free way to add a zesty pop to your dishes without worrying about the calories! Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of how light and refreshing this condiment is!
Frequently Asked Questions About Quick Pickled Red Onions
Got questions about quick pickled red onions? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get:
How long do quick pickled red onions need to sit before they’re ready? You’ll want to let them chill in the fridge for at least one hour. But if you can wait longer, even better! The flavors really develop as they sit, so a day is perfect for maximum tanginess.
Can I use other types of onions? Absolutely! While I love red onions for their vibrant color and sweetness, you can use white or yellow onions too. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be a bit sharper.
What dishes are they best on? Oh, the possibilities are endless! They’re fantastic on tacos, salads, sandwiches, or even as a topping for grilled meats. They add a zesty pop to almost anything!
Can I reuse the pickling brine? You can, but I recommend using it only once. After pickling, the brine loses some of its potency. If you want to make another batch, it’s best to whip up a fresh brine!
Do I need to sterilize the jar? It’s a good practice to use a clean jar, but for quick pickling, you don’t have to go overboard with sterilization. Just give it a good wash, and you’re all set!
For more information on the health benefits of pickled vegetables, you can check out this article.
If you’re interested in other quick and easy recipes, be sure to visit this quick chicken stir fry recipe or this creamy garlic pasta recipe.
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Quick Pickled Red Onions: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 jar (about 2 cups) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick pickled red onions are a tangy and flavorful condiment that enhances various dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup vinegar (apple cider or white)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat until sugar and salt dissolve.
- Place the sliced onions in a jar.
- Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions.
- Let it cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- Adjust sugar and salt to taste.
- Great on tacos, salads, and sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 10
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quick pickled red onions, pickled onions, condiment
