Description

Pickled red onions are a fantastic way to add a tangy, sweet, and slightly crunchy element to your dishes. Whether you’re using them to top tacos, salads, sandwiches, or burgers, they can elevate the flavor of any meal. The great thing about pickling red onions is that the process is easy, and you don’t need any special equipment. Here’s a guide to making the perfect batch of pickled red onions.
Ingredients Overview:
Each ingredient in this recipe serves a specific purpose to balance out the flavors, creating a delightful mixture of tanginess and sweetness.

Red Onions: Known for their mild, slightly sweet flavor, red onions are perfect for pickling. They maintain a vibrant color and retain a crunchy texture even after sitting in the pickling liquid.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This provides a tangy kick with a hint of sweetness, making it milder than white vinegar. Apple cider vinegar pairs beautifully with the onions and gives the brine a warm, rich flavor.
Water: Diluting the vinegar with water helps to mellow the sharpness of the vinegar and allows the onions to pickle without becoming overly acidic.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps balance the tartness of the vinegar and adds a subtle sweetness to the onions. You can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste.
Salt: Salt brings out the natural flavors in the onions and helps with the pickling process. Use kosher or sea salt for best results as they dissolve easily and have a pure taste.
Black Peppercorns: These add a mild spiciness and depth to the brine, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the onions.
Bay Leaves: Bay leaves lend an aromatic, earthy flavor to the pickling liquid, adding an extra layer of complexity to the onions.

Ingredients

• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 5-6 whole black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves

Preparation Method

Prepare the Onions:

Start by peeling and thinly slicing your red onion. You can slice them into rings or half-moons, depending on your preference. The thinner you slice them, the quicker they’ll absorb the pickling flavors. Set the onions aside while you prepare the pickling brine.
Create the Pickling Brine:

In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar and salt dissolve completely, which should take just a few minutes. Once dissolved, add the black peppercorns and bay leaves to the brine. Let the brine come to a simmer, then remove it from the heat.
Add the Onions to a Jar:

Place the sliced red onions into a clean, heatproof jar. A mason jar works great for this. Try to pack the onions in tightly without squashing them, leaving a little space at the top for the pickling liquid.
Pour the Brine Over the Onions:

Carefully pour the hot brine over the onions, making sure that all the slices are fully submerged. The hot liquid will start to soften the onions and help them absorb the flavors quickly. Let the jar sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Cool and Refrigerate:

Once the onions have cooled down, seal the jar with a lid and place it in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, let the onions pickle for at least 2-3 hours before using them. However, they will be even more flavorful if left overnight.
Serve:

Your pickled red onions are now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them as a topping on tacos, salads, burgers, sandwiches, or even grilled meats. They add a beautiful pop of color and tangy sweetness to any dish.

Tips and Conclusion

Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with the brine. You can add different spices such as mustard seeds, coriander seeds, or chili flakes for extra heat and flavor.
Longer Pickling Time: While the onions can be enjoyed after a few hours, the flavor will intensify the longer they sit in the brine. They can last for up to 2 weeks in the fridge, becoming more flavorful as time goes on.
Use Fresh or Canned Vinegar: While apple cider vinegar is recommended for its mild and sweet tang, you can substitute it with white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even rice vinegar depending on your taste preference.
Thicker or Thinner Onions: If you prefer a crunchier texture, slice the onions thicker. If you want them to absorb the brine faster and become softer, slice them thinly.
Pickling red onions is a simple yet rewarding process that can transform your meals. The combination of the tangy vinegar, sweet sugar, and aromatic spices brings out the best in the mild flavor of red onions. Whether you’re topping off your favorite tacos or adding them to a fresh salad, pickled red onions will add an irresistible punch of flavor and a vibrant color to your dishes. The best part? They’re easy to make and can last for up to two weeks in your refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy them any time!