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To make delicious pickled red onions, you need a few simple ingredients: - 2 large red onions - 1 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/2 cup water - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - Optional spices and herbs These ingredients create a zesty and fresh flavor that enhances any dish. Red onions are sweet and crunchy, making them perfect for pickling. Apple cider vinegar adds tang, while sugar balances the flavor. You can also add some optional ingredients for a twist: - 1 tablespoon mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - Fresh herbs like dill or thyme These extra spices bring depth to your pickles. Mustard seeds add a nice crunch, while red pepper flakes give a hint of heat. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can brighten the flavor and make your pickles unique. For the full recipe, check out Zesty Pink Pickled Onions. Start by peeling your red onions. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice them thinly. Thin slices help the onions absorb the pickling solution better. If you want uniform pieces, a mandoline is your best friend. A knife works too, but it may not give you the same evenness. In a medium saucepan, combine these ingredients: - 1 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/2 cup water - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This step creates a balanced flavor and ensures your onions will taste great. Next, pack the sliced onions into a clean glass jar. Leave some space at the top for the solution. Carefully pour the pickling solution over the onions. Make sure they are fully submerged. If you want to add extra flavor, toss in some fresh herbs like dill or thyme. Afterward, let the jar cool to room temperature. Seal it with a lid and place it in the fridge. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. For the best taste, wait a full 24 hours. These pickled onions can last in the fridge for up to two weeks. Enjoy them as a vibrant topping for tacos, salads, or sandwiches. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make great pickled red onions, I have a few tips for you. First, always let the vinegar mixture cool before pouring it over the onions. This step helps keep the onions crunchy and bright. If you pour the hot mixture directly onto the onions, they might become too soft. Next, for the best flavor, let the pickled onions sit for at least 24 hours in the fridge. This time allows the onions to soak up all the tangy goodness. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become. You can even try adding fresh herbs like dill or thyme for a unique twist. Storing your pickled red onions is simple. Use a clean glass jar with a tight lid. This keeps the onions fresh longer. I recommend placing them in the refrigerator right after making them. For the best taste, chill your pickled onions for at least one hour before serving. However, they taste even better after a full day. You can enjoy them for up to two weeks if stored properly. These onions make a fun topping for tacos, salads, or sandwiches. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your pickled red onions easily. Adding garlic gives them a bold kick. Just crush a few cloves and add them to the jar. Garlic blends nicely with the vinegar and spices. You can also try citrus zest. Adding lemon or lime zest brightens the taste. It adds a fresh, zesty note that wakes up the onions. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme work too. Just sprinkle some into the jar before pouring the pickling solution. This will give a lovely herbal flavor. You can use different types of vinegar to alter the taste. Apple cider vinegar is common, but you might try white vinegar. It has a sharper taste and can make the onions more tangy. Rice vinegar is another option. It is milder and adds a touch of sweetness. Each vinegar changes the flavor profile. Experimenting with these options lets you find your perfect taste. When you use different vinegars, note how the flavors shift. This way, you can create a batch that suits your palate. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To keep your pickled red onions fresh, glass jars work best. Glass is non-reactive and won’t change the flavor. Plastic can absorb flavors and odors. Always use a clean jar to avoid spoilage. Store your pickled onions in the fridge. The cold temperature helps keep them crisp. Make sure the onions stay submerged in the vinegar mixture. This ensures they stay flavorful and fresh. Pickled red onions can last up to two weeks in the fridge. After this time, they may lose flavor and crunch. If you see any mold or a strange smell, it’s best to throw them out. Always check your jar before using. For the best taste, wait a day after pickling. This allows the flavors to meld together. Use them as toppings on tacos, salads, or sandwiches to add a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your homemade pickled red onions! For the full recipe, check the section above. How long do pickled red onions last? Pickled red onions last about two weeks in the fridge. After that, they may lose crunch and flavor. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using. Can I use other types of onions for pickling? Yes, you can use yellow or white onions. Each onion gives a different taste. Red onions are sweeter and brighter, while yellow onions are more savory. What dishes pair well with pickled red onions? Pickled red onions are great on tacos, salads, and sandwiches. They add a nice tang and color. You can also use them in grain bowls or as a topping for burgers. Why are my pickled onions too salty or too sweet? If your pickled onions taste too salty, reduce the salt next time. For sweetness, cut back on the sugar. Adjusting these amounts can help you find the perfect balance. What to do if the onions lose their color? If the onions turn pale, they may have been in the pickling solution too long. Store them in the fridge and use them within two weeks to keep their bright color. Making homemade pickled red onions is easy and fun. We covered essential ingredients, like red onions and apple cider vinegar, along with optional spices to enhance flavor. The step-by-step instructions guide you through slicing, pickling, and storing. For best results, remember to cool the mixture before combining and store them properly. These onions can last long in your fridge and add zest to many dishes. Enjoy your pickling journey and experiment with flavors to make it uniquely yours!

Homemade Pickled Red Onions

Add a burst of flavor to your meals with these Zesty Pink Pickled Onions! This quick and easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a tangy, colorful condiment perfect for tacos, salads, and more. With just a few steps, you can enjoy homemade pickled onions that brighten up any dish.
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Ingredients
  

2 large red onions, thinly sliced

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon mustard seeds

1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh herbs (like dill or thyme) for extra flavor (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by peeling and thinly slicing the red onions using a sharp knife or a mandoline for uniform slices.

    In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.

      Once the mixture is simmering, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

        Place the sliced onions in a clean glass jar, leaving some space at the top.

          Carefully pour the vinegar mixture over the onions in the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged. If desired, add fresh herbs for additional flavor.

            Allow the jar to cool to room temperature, then seal it with a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. The pickled onions will taste best after 24 hours and can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 1 hr (plus chilling time) | Serves 4-6 as a condiment

                - Presentation Tips: Serve these pickled onions as a vibrant topping for tacos, salads, or sandwiches. They also make a lovely addition when served in small jars as gifts.