Do you love pickled onions as much as I do? Pickling transforms raw red onions from pungent and crunchy to irresistibly tangy and crisp. I add some red pepper flakes for extra spice and a splash of maple syrup or honey to round out the other strong flavors.
These quick-pickled onions are ready to serve after a brief 30-minute cooling period. Start your meal prep with these onions, and they’ll be ready to go by the time the rest of your dinner is ready.
These onions are incredibly easy to make, too. I like to keep them on hand for any meal that needs some extra oomph. Leftovers are so much more exciting with quick-pickled onions in the fridge!
Then you just have to wait long enough for the vinegar to do its job, rinsing away the harsh sulfurous compounds, softening the onion, and giving it a pleasantly tart pop of flavor. If you use red wine vinegar, my personal favorite, the onions also turn an amazing hot-pink color.
Uses for Quick-Pickled Onions
These onions are utterly delicious on:
- Tacos
- Burritos
- Nachos
- Burgers
- Sandwiches
- Salads
- Basically anything that needs a crisp, spicy-sweet finish!
Slice the onions thinly
The trick to making truly quick pickled onions is to slice the onions very thin (about 1/8-inch), so they soften up and absorb the vinegar quickly. You can do this with a sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline.
You could choose to slice the onions thicker (about 1/4-inch) for more of a crunch. Beware that your onions will need a few hours, or an overnight rest, to give the vinegar time to reach all the way through the onion.
Pickling Red Onions with Vinegar – Food Science
FAQ
Is it better to soak onions in water or vinegar?
Why are onions preserved in vinegar?
What are the benefits of eating onion with vinegar?
Can you clean onions with vinegar?
What is onion vinegar?
Onion vinegar is a type of vinegar made from onions. It is often used as a condiment or added to dishes to enhance the flavor. It can also be used as a home remedy for colds and coughs. To make onion vinegar, onions are soaked in vinegar for several weeks. The onions are then removed, and the vinegar is bottled.
How can one consume onions?
In the raw version, we consume a greater amount of potassium, calcium and phosphorus. We can think of creative ways to use onions, such as: salt seasoned with onions, pickled, in salads and as an ingredient in guacamole. Consumption of sautéed onions is common in sauces, as an accompaniment to meats, quiches and other dishes. An interesting way is to use it with rice at the time of cooking, to give a special flavor to the main dish. Fried, it can be part of the main course or an appetizer, like the famous onion rings. However, attention: the use of flour for breading and oil for dipping contribute to the increase of cholesterol.
Is onion vinegar good for You?
Onion vinegar can also help to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. It can also help to prevent cancer and other chronic diseases. In addition, onion vinegar can help to improve digestion and boost the immune system. It can also help to reduce the risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
How do you cook onions with vinegar?
In a small saucepan, combine the water, both vinegars, maple syrup, salt, and pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then carefully pour the mixture into the jar over the onions. Use a butter knife or spoon to press the onions down into the vinegar and pop any air bubbles in the jar.