Quick & Easy Pickled Red Onions: Small Batch, Big Flavor 🧅🌟
1. Introduction
Are you searching for a way to add a punch of flavor and color to your dishes? Quick pickled red onions are the perfect solution. These vibrant, tangy onions are incredibly versatile, elevating salads, tacos, burgers, and more. This recipe for small batch pickled onions is designed to be fast, simple, and packed with flavor, making it an essential addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these easy pickled onions can be whipped up in just minutes and stored effortlessly for later use.
2. Ingredients needed for this recipe
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional spices: peppercorns, garlic cloves, chili flakes
For an extra twist, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves. These ingredients come together quickly, making this a perfect easy pickled onions recipe that fits into busy schedules.
3. Step-by-step instructions for making quick pickled red onions
Step 1: Prepare the onions
Start by peeling and thinly slicing the red onion into rings or half-moons. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline for uniform slices to ensure even pickling.
Step 2: Prepare the pickling brine
In a small saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Add optional spices if desired for extra flavor.
Step 3: Pour the brine over the onions
Place the sliced onions in a clean jar or container. Carefully pour the hot brine over the onions, making sure they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly with a lid.
Step 4: Let it sit and marinate
Allow the onions to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. For best flavor, let them marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
4. Storage tips for your pickled red onions
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your small batch pickled onions can last up to 2 weeks. Always use a clean utensil when retrieving, to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. These easy pickled onions are perfect for making ahead and adding to dishes throughout the week.
5. Serving suggestions for your pickled onions
Use these vibrant onions to top off salads, tacos, wraps, or even as a tangy accompaniment to grilled meats. They add a burst of flavor and color to any plate. For inspiration, check out some refreshing recipes like our summer salsa bowls or delicious desserts like peach cake.
6. Frequently asked questions about quick pickled red onions
Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
Yes, both work well. White vinegar will give a sharper flavor, while apple cider vinegar provides a milder, fruity tang.
How long do these pickled onions last?
Stored properly in the fridge, they stay good for about 2 weeks. Make sure the onions are fully submerged in the brine to retain freshness.
Can I make a larger batch?
Definitely. Just multiply the ingredients proportionally. For larger batches, it’s best to store in a larger jar or container for even pickling.
Do I need to boil the brine?
Boiling ensures that the sugar and salt dissolve fully and helps sterilize the brine. It’s recommended for best results.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Perfect for slicing onions uniformly, making your prep faster and safer.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Quickly cools your brine and keeps ingredients fresh during preparation.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Essential for boiling the brine smoothly and ensuring even heating.
Using these high-quality tools enhances your cooking experience and ensures perfect results every time.
8. Conclusion
With this easy recipe for quick pickled red onions, you can add a flavorful, colorful touch to your meals in no time. Whether you’re preparing a quick snack or looking to elevate your dishes, these small batch pickled onions are incredibly versatile and satisfying. Experiment with different spices and enjoy the tangy crunch that this simple condiment offers. Happy pickling!
9. Final thoughts
Don’t forget, pickling your own red onions is a simple, rewarding process that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Try different vinegar types and seasoning blends to customize your easy pickled onions to your taste. For more delicious ideas and kitchen hacks, explore our other recipes and kitchen tools. Happy cooking!
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Quick & Easy Pickled Red Onions: Small Batch, Big Flavor
Quick & Easy Pickled Red Onions are a vibrant, tangy condiment that adds a burst of flavor and color to salads, tacos, burgers, and more. Perfect for small batches, this simple recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it an essential addition to your culinary repertoire.
- Total Time: 15 minutes + marination
- Yield: 1 cup of pickled onions
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional spices: peppercorns, garlic cloves, chili flakes
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-moons using a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform slices.
- In a small saucepan, combine water, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until sugar and salt are dissolved. Add optional spices if desired.
- Place sliced onions in a clean jar or container. Pour the hot brine over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly with a lid.
- Allow the onions to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, let marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Always use a clean utensil when retrieving to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Add herbs like thyme or bay leaves for extra flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 10 Kcal
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg