How to Pickle Onions: A Step-by-Step Guide and Flavorful Variations

I. Introduction

If you love onions, you’ll love them even more when they’re pickled! With a tangy and sweet flavor, pickled onions are a great addition to any meal. They are versatile, delicious, and easy to make. In this article, we will go through everything you need to know about pickling onions. From the basic recipe to the different flavors and quick pickled onions, we’ve got you covered.

II. Basic Pickled Onion Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before we jump into flavor variations, let’s start with a basic pickled onion recipe. Gather these ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized red onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Now, let’s begin the pickling process:

1. Place the sliced onions in a clean jar.
2. In a medium-sized pot, combine the white vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve.
3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the onions, making sure they are fully submerged.
4. Cover the jar with a lid and refrigerate overnight. The pickled onions will last up to two weeks in the fridge.

Helpful tips:

• For a less pungent flavor, soak the onions in cold water for a few hours before pickling.
• Add peppercorns, garlic, or herbs to the jar for extra flavor.
• Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to slice the onions thinly and evenly.

III. 5 Flavorful Variations of Pickled Onions

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s time to have some fun with different flavor combinations. Here are five tasty variations!

1. Balsamic Pickled Onions

This variation has a sweet and tangy flavor that’s perfect for salads or sandwiches. Gather these ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized red onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions:

1. Combine vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a pot and heat over medium heat until the salt and sugar dissolve.
2. Add sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a clean jar.
4. Cover with a lid and refrigerate overnight.

Usage idea: Top burgers or pizza with these flavorful onions.

2. Mexican Style Pickled Onions

This variation is inspired by Mexican cuisine and adds a spicy kick to the onions. Gather these ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized red onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix vinegar, lime juice, salt, sugar, and sliced jalapeno in a bowl.
2. Add sliced onions and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge before transferring to a clean jar.
3. Cover with a lid and refrigerate overnight for best results.

Usage idea: Top tacos, nachos, or add them to a burrito bowl.

3. Ginger and Garlic Pickled Onions

This variation has an Asian-inspired flavor with notes of ginger and garlic. Gather these ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized red onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized pot, whisk together vinegar, water, salt, and sugar until the salt and sugar dissolve.
2. Add ginger and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and add sliced onions.
4. Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a clean jar.
5. Cover with a lid and refrigerate overnight for best results.

Usage idea: Top stir-fries, bowls, or salads with these flavorful onions.

4. Red Wine Pickled Onions

This variation is perfect for adding depth of flavor to sandwiches and grilled meats. Gather these ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized red onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 4 whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and cloves in a pot and heat over medium heat until the salt and sugar dissolve.
2. Add sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a clean jar.
4. Cover with a lid and refrigerate overnight for best results.

Usage idea: Add these onions to cheese boards or sandwiches for a rich and tangy flavor.

5. Curry Pickled Onions

This variation is inspired by Indian cuisine and adds a warm and spicy flavor to the onions. Gather these ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized red onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons curry powder

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized pot, whisk together vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and curry powder until the salt and sugar dissolve.
2. Add sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a clean jar.
4. Cover with a lid and refrigerate overnight for best results.

Usage idea: Add these onions to curries, soups, or rice bowls for a burst of flavor.

IV. Adding Pickled Onions to Your Meals: Ideas and Inspiration

Now that you have made flavorful pickled onions, it’s time to add them to your meals. Here are some usage ideas:

• Add them to avocado toast, omelets, or scrambled eggs.
• Top grilled meats or vegetables with them.
• Add them to sandwiches, burgers, or hot dogs.
• Use them as a condiment for tacos, nachos, or burrito bowls.
• Add them to salads for a tangy crunch.
• Use them as a topping for pizzas or flatbreads.

Pairing suggestions:

• Pair Mexican-style pickled onions with spicy foods and margaritas.
• Pair ginger and garlic pickled onions with stir-fries and Asian-inspired cocktails.
• Pair balsamic pickled onions with salads and white wine.
• Pair red wine pickled onions with cheese boards and red wine.
• Pair curry pickled onions with Indian dishes and beer.

V. Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Pickled Onions Every Time

Follow these tips and tricks for successful pickling every time:

• Use fresh onions and make sure to thinly slice them.
• Adjust the salt and sugar levels to your liking.
• Let the onions marinate overnight for best results.
• Add extra flavorings like garlic, herbs, or peppercorns for more complex flavor.
• Don’t like vinegar? Try using citrus juice instead.
• Use a clean jar and make sure the onions are fully submerged in the pickling liquid.
• Store pickled onions in the fridge for up to two weeks.

VI. Quick Pickled Onions: How to Make Them in Under 30 minutes

Don’t have time to wait overnight for pickled onions? Try this quick method.

Gather these ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized red onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions:

1. Add sliced onions to a colander and pour boiling water over them. Drain well.
2. In a bowl, whisk together vinegar, salt, and sugar until the salt and sugar dissolve.
3. Add the onions to the vinegar mixture and let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
4. You can use quick pickled onions immediately or store them in the fridge for up to a week.

Usage idea: Use quick pickled onions as a condiment for hot dogs or burgers.

VII. Pickled Onion Recipes for Every Occasion: From Salads to Sandwiches and More

Here are some pickled onion recipe suggestions:

1. Pickled Onion and Avocado Toast:

Toast a slice of bread and top with mashed avocado, sliced pickled onions, and a pinch of sea salt.

2. Pickled Onion and Beef Salad:

Combine sliced pickled onions, grilled flank steak, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens. Dress with a balsamic vinaigrette.

3. Pickled Onion and Grilled Cheese Sandwich:

Make a grilled cheese sandwich and add sliced pickled onions and crispy bacon for extra flavor and crunch.

4. Pickled Onion and Tuna Salad:

Mix sliced pickled onions, canned tuna, chopped celery, and mayonnaise. Serve on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich.

5. Pickled Onion and Pulled Pork Tacos:

Top pulled pork tacos with sliced pickled onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

VIII. Conclusion

Pickled onions are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. From the basic recipe to the different flavor variations, quick pickling, and recipe suggestions, we hope this guide has inspired you to experiment with pickled onions.