Are you tired of the same old boring condiments on your burgers, sandwiches, and salads? Look no further! Pickled onions are a flavorful and versatile addition to any meal. Not only do they add a burst of tanginess and sweetness, but they also bring a pop of color and texture to any dish.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 different pickled onion recipes that are perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a classic dill flavor or something more adventurous like spicy Mexican-inspired, we’ve got you covered. From sweet and sour to smoky chipotle, each recipe is carefully crafted to bring out the best in this humble ingredient.
So why wait? Get ready to elevate your meal game with these tangy pickled onion recipes that are sure to become a new favorite!
Quick Pickled Red Onions with Apple Cider Vinegar
A sweet and tangy condiment that’s perfect for topping tacos, burgers, or using as a garnish. This recipe uses apple cider vinegar to add depth and complexity to the pickling process.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced onions and salt. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the onions to release their juices.
2. Rinse the onions under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and the onion slices.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the onions are pickled to your liking.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes (including cooling time)
Spicy Mexican Pickled Onions with Jalapeños
Add a burst of flavor to your tacos and grilled meats with these spicy pickled onions. This recipe is a game-changer for any meal that needs a tangy, slightly sweet, and oh-so-spicy kick.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) white vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) lime juice
– 1/4 cup (30 g) granulated sugar
– 2 jalapeños, sliced
– 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
– 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced onions and salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to help draw out the excess moisture.
2. Rinse the onions with cold water, then drain well.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, lime juice, sugar, jalapeños, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Pack the onion slices into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Pickled Pearl Onions
Sweet and Sour Pickled Pearl Onions
A sweet and tangy condiment perfect for adding a pop of flavor to sandwiches, salads, and snacks. This simple recipe yields a deliciously pickled treat that’s easy to make and store.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl onions
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated onion (optional)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Rinse the pearl onions and trim any stems.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, water, granulated onion (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pack the pearl onions into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Pour the pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they’re completely covered.
6. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (including prep time)
Classic Dill Pickled Onions with Garlic
This recipe yields a tangy and aromatic condiment perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or using as a side dish. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying the sweet and sour flavors of homemade pickled onions in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) white vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar
– 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
– 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh dill weed
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced onions and enough cold water to cover them. Let soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess sulfur.
2. Drain the onions and pack them into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
3. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, garlic, sugar, salt, and dill weed. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, leaving about 1/2 inch (1 cm) headspace. Seal jar tightly and store in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including soaking time)
Balsamic Pickled Onions with Thyme
Add a tangy twist to your dishes with these sweet and sour pickled onions infused with the warmth of thyme. Perfect as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, water, and honey. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add sliced onions and thyme sprigs to the pan. Cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until onions are tender and caramelized.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Strain pickling liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding thyme sprigs. Pack onions into a clean glass jar, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
6. Pour cooled pickling liquid over onions and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Asian-Inspired Pickled Onions with Rice Vinegar
Elevate your dishes with these sweet and tangy pickled onions, infused with the flavors of Asia. Perfect for topping sushi, noodle bowls, or grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, water, and grated ginger. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add sliced onions to the pickling liquid and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of pickliness.
4. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil and salt to taste.
5. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pickled Red Onions with Lime and Cilantro
Add a burst of flavor to your tacos, salads, or sandwiches with these pickled red onions. This simple recipe combines the sweetness of red onions with the brightness of lime juice and the freshness of cilantro.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) lime juice
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) white vinegar
– 1/4 cup (30 g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced red onions, lime juice, white vinegar, and sugar.
2. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Stir in chopped cilantro.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Store pickled onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus refrigeration time)
Honey Mustard Pickled Onions
Add a tangy twist to your favorite dishes with these sweet and savory honey mustard pickled onions! This simple recipe is perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or using as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) white vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons mustard (Dijon or whole-grain)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced onions and salt. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to help release the onion’s natural juices.
2. Drain excess liquid from the onions and transfer them to a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
3. In a small saucepan, whisk together vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None (pickling time is 24 hours to 2 weeks)
Pickled Shallots with Black Peppercorns
Add a tangy and aromatic twist to your dishes with these pickled shallots, infused with the warmth of black peppercorns. Perfect for topping burgers, salads, or using as a condiment.
Ingredients:
– 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white wine vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/4 cup black peppercorns
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Pack the sliced shallots into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the shallots, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Add black peppercorns on top of the shallots.
6. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature.
7. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus pickling time)
Beet-Stained Pickled Onions for Vibrant Salads
Add a pop of color and tangy flavor to your salads with these easy-to-make Beet-Stained Pickled Onions. The natural sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the pungency of the onions, creating a harmonious balance that will elevate any dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 medium beets, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the onion and beet slices.
2. In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onion and beet mixture. Let it cool to room temperature.
4. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 2 weeks before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Pickled Onions with Turmeric and Ginger
Elevate your dishes with these flavorful pickled onions that add a tangy, spicy kick to any meal. This simple recipe combines the pungency of turmeric and ginger with the sweetness of onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250 ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125 ml) water
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced onions and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the onions to release their moisture.
2. Rinse the onions under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain well.
3. In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, ginger, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Pack the onions into a clean glass jar, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) at the top. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes + chilling time
Smoky Chipotle Pickled Onions
Elevate your meals with these tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy pickled onions, perfect for topping burgers, tacos, or using as a condiment.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup (125 ml) white vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
– 2 tbsp (30 g) granulated sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, smoked paprika, and chipotle peppers.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Pack the onion slices into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top.
5. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep, 24 hours refrigeration
Quick-Pickled Spring Onions for Sandwiches
Add a tangy twist to your sandwiches with these easy-to-make pickled spring onions. Perfect for topping burgers, wraps, or subs, this recipe is quick and requires minimal ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch of spring onions (about 6-8), thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pack the sliced spring onions into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
7. Store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pickled Onion and Cucumber Relish
This relish is a perfect condiment for sandwiches, burgers, or as a topping for grilled meats and vegetables. Its sweet and tangy flavor profile will elevate any dish to the next level.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced onion and cucumbers.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the liquid mixture over the onion and cucumber mixture.
4. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Indian-Style Pickled Onions with Mustard Seeds
This flavorful condiment is a staple in many Indian cuisines, adding a burst of spicy and tangy flavor to various dishes. These pickled onions are perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or using as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced onions and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the onions to release their liquid.
2. Rinse the onions with water, then drain well.
3. In a clean glass jar, combine the mustard seeds, vinegar, water, and cayenne pepper (if using).
4. Add the drained onions to the jar, making sure they are completely submerged in the liquid.
5. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: None
These pickled onions will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks. Enjoy!
Pickled Onions with Star Anise and Cinnamon
Add a new dimension of flavor to your dishes with this unique pickling recipe, where the warm spices of star anise and cinnamon complement the tangy sweetness of onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp whole star anise pods
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced onions and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the onions to release their liquid.
2. Rinse the onions with water, then drain well.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, cinnamon, star anise pods, and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pack the onion slices into a clean glass jar, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) headspace. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are fully covered.
5. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes + chilling time
Lemon Zest Pickled Onions for Seafood
Elevate your seafood dishes with the tangy sweetness of these pickled onions, infused with bright citrus flavor. This simple recipe is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to grilled fish, shrimp, or scallops.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced onions and lemon zest.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper until dissolved.
3. Pour the liquid mixture over the onions and toss to coat.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, give the onions a good stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Pickled Onion and Radish Slaw
Pickled Onion and Radish Slaw Recipe
A tangy and crunchy slaw that adds a pop of flavor to any dish! This recipe combines sweet pickled onions with spicy radishes, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or using as a side.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups pickling liquid (see note)
– 2 large radishes, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced onions and pickling liquid. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the sliced radishes, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Stir until the radishes are coated.
3. Once the onions have pickled to your liking, add them to the radish mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None! This slaw is best served fresh.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your meals with these 18 tangy pickled onion recipes! From classic dill pickles to spicy Mexican twists and sweet and sour combinations, there’s a recipe for every occasion. Discover how to quick-pickle red onions with apple cider vinegar or try your hand at pickling pearl onions with thyme. Whether you’re looking for a condiment to top sandwiches or a flavor boost for salads and seafood dishes, these recipes are sure to impress. With ingredients ranging from jalapeños to black peppercorns, there’s something for every taste bud.
Leave a Reply