Quick Pickled Red Onions

$- 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced - 1 cup apple cider vinegar - 1 cup water - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black peppercorns - 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice) - Fresh herbs (like dill or cilantro) for added flavor - Additional spices such as mustard seeds or coriander seeds - Medium saucepan - Heatproof jar or container - Spoon for pressing onions When you gather your ingredients, you set the stage for a tasty dish. The red onions provide a great crunch and color. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick. Water balances the flavors. Sugar brings sweetness, while salt enhances all the tastes. The spices like black peppercorns and cumin seeds give depth, and crushed red pepper flakes can add some heat. Feel free to switch things up! You can toss in fresh herbs or other spices to make your pickles unique. Just remember, the right tools will make your process smooth. A medium saucepan helps heat the liquid, and a heatproof jar keeps your pickled onions safe. A spoon helps press down the onions for full flavor absorption. For the full recipe, you can find step-by-step instructions. Enjoy the vibrant, tangy taste of quick pickled red onions! - Combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and spices in a saucepan. - Bring to a simmer and stir until sugar and salt dissolve. To start, I take a medium saucepan. I add one cup each of apple cider vinegar and water. Then, I mix in two tablespoons of granulated sugar, one teaspoon of salt, and spices like one teaspoon of black peppercorns and half a teaspoon of cumin seeds. If you like spice, add half a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. I turn the heat to medium. I watch closely as the mixture simmers. I stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. This step is key for a perfect flavor. - Thinly slice red onions and pack them into a heatproof jar. - Ensure onions are ready for the pickling process. Next, I grab two medium red onions. I slice them thinly, making sure each piece is even. The thinner, the better! I pack the slices into a clean, heatproof jar. If I have a few layers, I press them down gently. I want to make sure they fit well, so each onion slice absorbs that tasty liquid. - Pour cooled pickling liquid over onions. - Seal jar and refrigerate until ready to use. Once the pickling liquid cools for about 5-10 minutes, I carefully pour it over the onions. I ensure all slices are fully submerged. If some float, I press them down with a spoon. I seal the jar tightly and let it cool to room temperature. After that, I place the jar in the fridge. The pickled onions will be ready in just an hour. However, they taste even better if left overnight. Enjoy the burst of flavor! To get the best flavor from your pickled onions, let them marinate for a few hours or overnight. This time allows the onions to soak up all the tasty juices. If you want to kick it up a notch, consider adding fresh herbs or garlic. These ingredients add depth and aroma to your pickles. Pickled red onions are great on tacos, salads, or sandwiches. They add crunch and zing to any meal. You can also use them as a bright garnish for various dishes. Their vibrant color makes meals look more appealing and fun. If you need more or fewer pickles, adjust the ingredient amounts. For larger batches, keep the ratio of vinegar, sugar, and spices the same. This way, you maintain the right balance of flavors. For smaller batches, you can easily cut the recipe in half while still enjoying that zesty taste. {{image_2}} To make your pickled onions spicier, add more crushed red pepper flakes. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also try other spices. Mustard seeds or black peppercorns add a nice kick. Experiment with spices to find your perfect heat level. Citrus juices brighten up pickled onions. You can add the juice of lime or orange to the pickling liquid. Fresh citrus adds a zesty flavor and balances the vinegar. It also helps cut through the onion’s sharpness. Try this twist for a refreshing change in taste. Fresh herbs can take your pickled onions to the next level. Consider adding dill, cilantro, or parsley during the pickling process. Just toss in a few sprigs of your choice. This will add unique flavors that pair well with other dishes. Experiment with different herbs to create your own twist! To keep your quick pickled red onions fresh, use a clean glass jar. Glass helps maintain flavor and quality. Make sure the jar seals tightly. This helps prevent air from spoiling the onions. Store the jar in the refrigerator. Keep it away from light and heat for best results. When stored correctly, pickled onions last about two weeks. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or a change in color, toss the onions. A sour smell or off taste is another sign that they may be bad. Freezing pickled onions is possible, but it may change their texture. If you want to freeze them, use an airtight container. Label the container with the date. To thaw, just move the container to the fridge overnight. Use them in cooked dishes or as toppings after thawing. Pickled red onions last about two weeks in the fridge. To keep them fresh, store them in a clean, airtight jar. Make sure the onions stay submerged in the pickling liquid. If you notice any off smells, colors, or mold, it's best to discard them. Yes, you can use white or yellow onions. However, they taste different. White onions are sharper and crisper. Yellow onions are milder and sweeter. Pickled red onions add color and a sweet bite to dishes, making them a fun choice. You can use pickled red onions in many dishes. Try them on tacos, salads, or sandwiches. They add a zesty crunch to burgers and grain bowls. You can also use them as a garnish for roasted meats or fish. They brighten up any meal! Heating the vinegar helps dissolve sugar and salt quickly. It also combines the flavors of spices better. However, you can skip the heat if you're short on time. Just mix the ingredients well until dissolved. The flavor might be less intense but still tasty. In this blog post, we covered how to make quick pickled red onions. You learned about the ingredients, tools, and step-by-step process. We also discussed flavor tips and variations to enhance your pickled onions. Proper storage and answers to common questions were also highlighted. Pickled onions are easy to make and add great flavor to many dishes. Enjoy experimenting with spices and herbs to find your perfect blend!$

Add a burst of flavor to your meals with these Zesty Quick Pickled Red Onions! In just 30 minutes, you can create a tangy and vibrant topping that elevates tacos, salads, and sandwiches. This easy recipe features simple ingredients like red onions, apple cider vinegar, and spices, perfect for a delicious twist. Discover the step-by-step guide to making these pickled delights and explore more tasty ideas on our blog! Click through to get inspired!

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Ingredients

2 medium red onions, thinly sliced

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup water

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black peppercorns

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.

Once simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the pickling liquid cool for 5-10 minutes.

While the liquid is cooling, place the thinly sliced red onions in a clean, heatproof jar or container.

Pour the cooled pickling liquid over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. If needed, press the onions down gently with a spoon.

Seal the jar tightly and let it cool to room temperature.

Once cooled, place the jar in the refrigerator. The pickled onions will be ready to enjoy after about an hour, but they taste even better after a few hours or overnight.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve these quick pickled red onions atop tacos, salads, or sandwiches for a vibrant pop of color and flavor. You can also display them in a glass jar for a beautiful table centerpiece!