Pickled red onions add a tangy, vibrant burst of flavor and color to any dish, making them a versatile and essential condiment in your kitchen. With their quick preparation and long shelf life, they are an easy way to elevate meals from tacos to salads with minimal effort.
Show Stopping!
1. Enhanced Flavor: Pickling red onions enhances their natural sweetness while adding a tangy and slightly spicy kick. This flavor profile complements a wide variety of dishes, from tacos and burgers to salads and sandwiches.
2. Versatility: Pickled red onions are incredibly versatile. They can be used as a topping for grilled meats, added to charcuterie boards, or even enjoyed on their own as a tangy snack.
3. Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can make a batch of pickled red onions that will keep in the fridge for weeks. This makes them a convenient addition to your meal prep routine.
4. Nutritional Benefits: Red onions are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Pickling them does not diminish these benefits, making pickled red onions a healthy choice for adding flavor to your meals.
5. Pop of Color: The vibrant pink hue of pickled red onions adds a visually appealing pop of color to any dish, making your meals not only tastier but also more attractive.
Ingredients!
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/8 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon (or more) peppercorns
- 3 star anise
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions :
- Prepare the Brine: Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Be careful not to let the mixture boil.
- Cool the Brine: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.
- Add Spices: Once the brine has cooled, add the peppercorns, star anise, and bay leaf.
- Jar the Onions: Place the thinly sliced red onions in a mason jar. Pour the cooled brine over the onions, making sure they are fully submerged.
- Seal and Wait: Close the lid tightly and let the jar sit at room temperature for at least three hours, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
- Refrigerate: After the initial sitting period, transfer the jar to the refrigerator. The pickled onions will be ready to enjoy the next day and will keep for several weeks!
Mouth watering!
Tips for Using Pickled Red Onions
- Tacos and Burritos: Add a zesty crunch to your favorite Mexican dishes.
- Burgers and Sandwiches: Use them as a topping for an extra layer of flavor.
- Salads: Sprinkle them over your salads to add a tangy punch.
- Charcuterie Boards: Pair them with cheeses and meats for a gourmet touch.
- Brine: Use a spoonful of the brine on top of your food for an extra amazing flavor!
Pickled red onions are a simple yet transformative ingredient that can enhance your everyday meals. With their vibrant color and tangy flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the many ways pickled red onions can brighten up your dishes!
The Tastiest Pickled Red Onions
Equipment
- 1 small sauce pan
- 1 medium/large airtight glass jar
Ingredients
- 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/8 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon or more peppercorns
- 3 star anise
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Prepare the Brine: Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Be careful not to let the mixture boil.
- Cool the Brine: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.
- Add Spices: Once the brine has cooled, add the peppercorns, star anise, and bay leaf.
- Jar the Onions: Place the thinly sliced red onions in a mason jar. Pour the cooled brine over the onions, making sure they are fully submerged.
- Seal and Wait: Close the lid tightly and let the jar sit at room temperature for at least three hours, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
- Refrigerate: After the initial sitting period, transfer the jar to the refrigerator. The pickled onions will be ready to enjoy the next day and will keep for several weeks!