Pickling is a great way to add flavor and texture to your food; pickled red onions are a perfect example. These tangy and slightly sweet onions are versatile condiments in various dishes. They add color and flavor to sandwiches, tacos, salads, burgers, and more. The best part is they’re easy and quick to make at home. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a simple and quick pickled red onion that you can use in all your favorite dishes. Take a look at this beautiful red pickled onions!

How to pick best red onion for pickling?

When picking red onions for pickling, also consider their thickness. Onions with a consistent thickness will pickle more evenly than onions thicker on one end and thinner on the other.
It’s also a good idea to choose organic onions, as they will not have been treated with chemicals that could affect the flavor or safety of the pickled onions.
Proper handling of pickled onions is essential to ensuring the highest quality. Once you’ve selected the onions, clean them thoroughly and handle them gently to avoid bruising.

 

When selecting red onions for pickling, look for the following qualities:

1. Firmness: Choose firm onions free of soft spots or bruises, as these can affect the texture and quality of the pickled onions.
2. Color: Opt for deep red onions with a vibrant color. This will give your pickled onions a nice appearance and a good flavor.
3. Size: Small—to medium-sized onions are ideal for pickling, as they are easy to handle and pack well into jars.
4. Skin quality: Look for onions with smooth, unblemished skin, as this is an indicator of a good, fresh onion.
5. Season: Red onions are typically in season from late spring to early autumn. During this time, they have the best flavor and texture for pickling.

By selecting high-quality red onions, you can ensure that your pickled onions have a delicious flavor and a crunchy texture.

 

Look at these amazing onions that I purchased in my local Aldi store.

 

The ingredients needed for this recipe are straightforward. You just need water (cold is fine), white vinegar (We purchase ours in a local Polish store. It’s 10% concentrate.), salt, sugar, bay leaves, and mustard seeds.

 

 

How to cut red onion for pickling?

To cut a red onion for pickling, you can slice it thinly or cut it into rings. Here’s one way to do it:

1. Cut off the top and bottom of the onion and peel away the outer layer.
2. Cut the onion in half from top to bottom.
3. Lay each half flat side down and make several cuts lengthwise, careful not to cut to the root end.
4. Hold the onion together and cut crosswise to create thin slices or rings.

This method will create evenly sized pieces that pickle well and provide a consistent flavor and texture in your pickled products.

 

After you cut the onions, pour boiling water over them and soak for 3 minutes. Pouring boiling water over sliced onions and soaking them for 3 minutes helps to soften their texture and reduce the sharpness of their flavor. This step ensures the onions maintain a crisp, tender bite once pickled while also mowing their pungency. It also helps to slightly cook the onions, making them more receptive to absorbing the pickling brine, leading to a better overall flavor and texture in the final product.

 

Add bay leaves, black peppercorns, and mustard seeds first, and pack the onions in the jar.

 

Pour the water/vinegar mixture into the jar. Close the jar and you are all set!

 

Quick Pickled Red Onions – FAQ

 

Where to buy pickled red onions?

 

Pickled red onions can be purchased at many grocery stores, supermarkets, and specialty and natural food stores. Some popular chain stores that carry pickled red onions include:

1. Whole Foods Market
2. Trader Joe’s
3. Kroger
4. Safeway
5. Wal-Mart
6. Target

You can also buy pickled red onions online from retailers like Amazon and specialty food websites. If you’re looking for a specific brand, check with smaller specialty stores or search online.

 

To sum up, when picking red onions for pickling, look for:

-Firm, tight, unbroken skin

-Deep, rich color

-Small to medium size

-Consistent thickness

-Organic, if possible

-Handle them gently

 

 

Are red onions healthy in general?

Red onions are a healthy choice as they are a good source of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in calories and fat-free but packed with beneficial compounds such as quercetin, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants. These compounds are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Red onions are also a good source of vitamin C and chromium, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. They also contain Vitamin B6, folate, and manganese. The flavonoids in red onions benefit heart health and may lower the risk of heart disease. The high fiber content in red onions also promotes a healthy gut.
Eating red onions raw or cooked can be beneficial to your health. They can be added to salads, sandwiches, soups, or topping on pizzas, burgers, and other dishes.
Red onions are a healthy addition to your diet; eating them in moderation can provide many health benefits. However, it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about including red onions in your diet.

Following these guidelines, you can pick the best red onions for pickling and enjoy the delicious, tangy flavor of homemade pickled onions.
Pickling is a preserving method that has been used for centuries to extend the shelf life of food. It’s a process that involves immersing food in vinegar or brine, which helps to prevent the growth of bacteria. The acid in the vinegar or brine creates an environment not conducive to bacterial growth, thus preserving the food. Pickling is a great way to maintain the flavors and textures of fruits and vegetables, and it’s a great way to use up the excess produce from your garden.

The beauty of pickling red onions is that they can be used in various dishes. They add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to sandwiches, tacos, and salads. They’re also great in burgers, hotdogs and as a topping for pizza. They add a nice crunch to sandwiches and are a great addition to a cheese board. They can also be used as a topping for grilled fish or chicken. The possibilities are endless.

It’s important to note that pickling is a preserving method, so the pickled onions will last several weeks in the refrigerator. They’re perfect to have on hand when you need a quick and easy condiment to add to your dishes.

 

 

How long do pickled red onions last?

 

If stored properly, pickled red onions will last several months to a year or more. The shelf life of pickled onions depends on various factors, such as the type of vinegar used, the addition of preservatives, and storage conditions.
Store pickled red onions in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or refrigerator, to maximize their shelf life. Once opened, keep the jar tightly sealed and consume the onions within 2-3 months for the best flavor and quality. Discard the onions if you notice any spoilage, such as off-odors or mold.
It is also essential to always use a clean utensil when serving the onions to minimize contamination, which can cause them to spoil more quickly.

 

 

Summary

In conclusion, pickling red onions is a simple and quick process that will add flavor and texture to your food. They’re versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. The next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a red onion and try this recipe. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make your own pickled red onions at home, and you’ll love the flavor they add to your cuisine.

End result is fantastic! We top our burgers with pickled red onions. Kids also love it on hot-dogs and sandwiches.

With Football season starting be sure to check out a recipe for Buffalo Chicken Dip. Great app for a the game time!

 

 

If you make this recipe, please snap a picture and hashtag it #FoodFlavorz – We would love to see your food photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!