When it comes to adding a tangy, sweet, and sour flavor to your dishes, few ingredients are as versatile or delicious as pickled onions. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish, a flavorful topping for tacos or burgers, or a bold addition to your favorite salad, these 18 tangy pickled onion recipes have got you covered.
From classic British-style pickles to spicy Mexican-inspired twists, and from sweet and sour combinations to savory Asian-fusion flavors, there’s something on this list for every palate and occasion. And the best part? Most of these recipes require just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment – so you can get started right away.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of pickled onions and explore 18 unique and delicious recipes that will elevate your cooking to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these tangy treats are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Quick Pickled Red Onions
Add a burst of flavor and color to your dishes with these quick-pickled red onions! They’re perfect for topping tacos, sandwiches, salads, or using as a garnish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white 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 help soften the onions.
2. Drain and rinse the onions with cold water.
3. In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and the onion mixture.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the onions are slightly pickled.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Pickled Onions with Jalapeños
A sweet and spicy twist on traditional pickled onions, this recipe adds a kick of heat from jalapeños. Perfect as a topping for tacos, sandwiches, or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups white vinegar
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup salt
– 2 jalapeños, sliced
– 1 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine onion slices and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the onions to release their juices.
2. Drain the onions and rinse them with water to remove excess salt.
3. In a large saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, mustard seeds (if using), and sliced jalapeños. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Pack the onions into clean glass jars, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (preparation) + 10 minutes (simmering) = 40 minutes
Sweet and Sour Pickled Onions
Add a tangy twist to your meals with these sweet and sour pickled onions. Perfect as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or salads, they’re also great as a condiment or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60g) water
– 1 tsp (5g) salt
– 1/4 tsp (1.25g) black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine onion slices and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the onions to release their natural juices.
2. Rinse the onions under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain well.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegars, sugar, water, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until the pickling liquid has thickened slightly.
5. 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.
6. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes + refrigeration time
Classic British Pickled Onions
Pickling onions is a traditional technique in British cuisine that adds a tangy, sweet flavor to many dishes. This simple recipe yields deliciously preserved onions perfect for topping sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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 juices.
2. Rinse the onions under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain well and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Pack the onion slices into clean glass jars or containers, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) headspace. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Mexican-Style Pickled Red Onions
Add a burst of flavor to your tacos, salads, and sandwiches with these tangy and sweet pickled red onions. This simple recipe is a great way to preserve the natural sweetness of red onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250 ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125 ml) water
– 1/4 cup (60 g) granulated sugar
– 1 tsp (5 mL) salt
– 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) black pepper
– 1/4 tsp (1.25 mL) red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced onions and salt. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the onions to release their liquid.
2. Drain the onions and rinse them with cold water to remove excess salt.
3. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Pack the pickled onions into a clean glass jar or container. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pickled Onions with Apple Cider Vinegar
Add a tangy twist to your favorite dishes with this easy recipe for pickled onions using apple cider vinegar. Perfect as a topping or side, these sweet and sour onions are sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider 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 onions into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus refrigeration time)
Garlic and Herb Pickled Onions
Add a tangy twist to your favorite dishes with these flavorful pickled onions. This simple recipe combines the sweetness of onions with the pungency of garlic and herbs, perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or using as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine onion slices, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, olive oil, and thyme. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are completely covered.
4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
5. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
– Cooking time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
– Total time: 10 minutes
Pickled Pearl Onions with Mustard Seeds
Elevate your dishes with the tangy sweetness of pickled pearl onions and the spicy kick of mustard seeds. This simple recipe is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to salads, sandwiches, or as a condiment.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl onions
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add mustard seeds and pearl onions to the pickling liquid. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until onions are tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Asian-Inspired Pickled Onions with Soy and Ginger
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional pickling, these Asian-inspired onions are infused with the bold flavors of soy sauce and ginger. Perfect as a topping for tacos, burgers, or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced onions and soy sauce. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the onions to pickle.
2. In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, grated ginger, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add the pickling liquid to the onions and stir to combine. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours or refrigerate overnight.
4. Just before serving, add water to the onions and stir to combine.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes + 2-12 hours (depending on desired level of pickling)
Balsamic Pickled Onions
Add a burst of flavor to your meals with these tangy and sweet pickled onions. Perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) white wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced onions and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the onions to release their natural juices.
2. Rinse the onions under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain well.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pack the onions into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: None (refrigeration required)
Pickled Onions with Turmeric and Black Pepper
Add a pop of color and flavor to your dishes with these tangy pickled onions infused with the warmth of turmeric and black pepper. Perfect for topping tacos, salads, or using as a condiment.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced onion, apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, turmeric, and black pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the onions are tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Store pickled onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pickled Onion and Beetroot Salad
A tangy and flavorful salad that combines the sweetness of pickled onions with the earthiness of beetroot, perfect for a quick and easy side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 medium beetroot, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced onion and beetroot.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Pour the pickling liquid over the onion and beetroot mixture, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes (including pickling time)
Pickled Onion Relish
Add a tangy twist to your favorite dishes with this simple recipe for pickled onion relish. Perfect as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or as a side dish, this condiment is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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 juices.
2. Rinse the onions under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain well.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Pack the onion slices into a clean glass jar. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, leaving about 1/2 inch (1cm) headspace.
6. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Shelf Life: Up to 6 months refrigerated
Pickled Onions with Honey and Thyme
This recipe adds a twist to traditional pickled onions by incorporating honey and thyme, creating a sweet and tangy condiment perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or using as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced onions and salt. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the onions to release their moisture.
2. Drain the excess liquid from the onions and transfer them to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, honey, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Pickled Onions with Lime and Cilantro
Elevate your tacos, grilled meats, and sandwiches with these tangy and flavorful pickled onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) lime juice
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) white vinegar
– 1/4 cup (15 g) granulated sugar
– 1 tsp (5 mL) salt
– 1/4 cup (7 g) chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced onions and lime juice. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the onions to pickle.
2. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Add the cooled pickling liquid to the bowl with the pickled onions. Stir well to combine.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Just before serving, stir in chopped cilantro.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (pickling time) + at least 2 hours refrigeration
Pickled Onions with Red Wine Vinegar
Add a tangy twist to your meals with these sweet and sour pickled onions, infused with the rich flavor of red wine vinegar. Perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) red wine vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
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 under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain well and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine red wine vinegar, water, and sugar. 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 or container. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are fully covered.
6. Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate. Let it chill for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes (including preparation time)
Pickled Onions and Cucumber Quick Pickle
This refreshing pickle is a great addition to any meal or snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a tangy and flavorful condiment that’s perfect for topping tacos, burgers, or sandwiches.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced onions and cucumbers.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until dissolved.
3. Pour the pickling liquid over the onion-cucumber mixture and stir to combine.
4. Add the chopped fresh dill and stir again.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
Pickled Onions with Star Anise and Cloves
Pickled Onions with Star Anise and Cloves: A Sweet and Savory Twist on a Classic Recipe
These pickled onions are infused with the warm, aromatic flavors of star anise and cloves, adding depth and complexity to any dish. This recipe is perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or using as a condiment.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 whole star anise pods
– 4 whole cloves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced onions, vinegar, sugar, water, star anise, and cloves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the onions are tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the pickling liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the solids.
5. Store the pickled onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to add a tangy twist to your meals with these 18 pickled onion recipes! From classic British-style pickling to spicy Mexican-inspired flavors, there’s something for every occasion. Try quick pickling red onions for a snack or using them as a topping for tacos and burgers. Or, go sweet and sour with a recipe featuring apple cider vinegar. With options ranging from simple garlic and herb to complex Asian-inspired combinations, you’ll find the perfect flavor to elevate your dishes. Whether it’s a side dish, relish, or salad, these pickled onions are sure to impress!
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