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- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup apple cider vinegar - 1 cup water - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon salt - 1 teaspoon black peppercorns - 1 teaspoon mustard seeds - 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced - Optional: fresh herbs (such as dill or thyme) - Sharp knife or mandoline slicer - Medium saucepan - Clean airtight glass jar or container - Spoon for pressing down onions Quick-pickled red onions are a great snack. They are easy to make and add flavor to many meals. To start, gather your ingredients. A sharp knife or mandoline will help you slice the onion thinly. You want even slices to pickle properly. Next, grab a medium saucepan to make the pickling liquid. Combine the apple cider vinegar, water, granulated sugar, salt, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and thinly sliced garlic in the saucepan. Heat this mixture on medium. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. While the liquid heats, prepare your clean glass jar. Pack the sliced onions into the jar. You can press them down gently as you go. This helps the liquid cover them better. Once the pickling liquid is ready, pour it over the onions. Ensure all the onions are fully submerged. If needed, use a spoon to press them down further. If you want to boost the flavor, add fresh herbs like dill or thyme. Just tuck them in among the onions. Let the jar cool to room temperature after sealing it tightly. Then, put it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes. If you can wait, letting them sit overnight makes them even tastier. These zesty quick-pickled red onions are a fun and versatile addition to any meal. You can use them as a topping for sandwiches or add them to salads. Enjoy this delightful snack! For the full recipe, refer to the full recipe section. - Peel and slice the red onion. - Pack slices into a glass jar. Start by peeling the outer layer of the red onion. Make sure to use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Slice the onion thinly so that it pickles evenly. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick slices. Once sliced, gently pack the onion into a clean glass jar. Leave some space for the pickling liquid to flow around the slices. - Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices in a saucepan. - Heat and dissolve sugar and salt. In a medium saucepan, mix together the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and garlic. This mixture creates a tangy and flavorful pickling liquid. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it often until it comes to a gentle boil. Watch for the sugar and salt to fully dissolve. - Pour pickling liquid over the onions. - Ensure onions are fully submerged. Once the pickling liquid is ready, carefully pour it over the sliced onions in the jar. Make sure the liquid covers all the onion slices completely. If some slices float, gently press them down with a spoon. This helps ensure they all soak up the flavor. - Incorporate fresh herbs if desired. - Tuck them into the jar. If you want to add extra flavor, consider using fresh herbs. Dill or thyme work great! Just tuck them in among the onion slices. This adds a nice touch and enhances the taste of your pickled onions. - Let the jar cool to room temperature. - Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. After you have added the herbs, let the jar cool down to room temperature. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Once cooled, seal the jar tightly with a lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before enjoying. For even better flavor, leave them overnight. Enjoy your zesty quick-pickled red onions as a delicious snack! To make the best quick-pickled red onions, you can adjust sweetness and acidity to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. For a tangy kick, increase the vinegar. You can use homemade or store-bought vinegar. Apple cider vinegar gives a fruity flavor, while white vinegar is sharper. You can add spices to boost the flavor. Try chili flakes for heat or ginger for a warm taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of onions. Yellow or white onions can give a milder flavor. Each type adds its own twist to your pickles. Quick-pickled red onions are very versatile. Use them to brighten up salads, tacos, or sandwiches. They add a zesty crunch that pairs well with many dishes. Try them as a topping on grilled meats or fish for an extra flavor kick. For more ideas, check out the full recipe. {{image_4}} You can use many types of vinegar for quick-pickled red onions. Apple cider vinegar is great, but you might like white wine vinegar or even rice vinegar. Each type adds its own twist. White wine vinegar gives a light flavor. Rice vinegar is sweeter and milder. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite taste. Want to make your pickled onions special? You can add fruit juices or zests. A splash of orange juice brings a sweet zing. Lemon zest gives a bright kick. You can also use different herbs and spices. Try adding thyme for an earthy touch or chili flakes for heat. Each addition creates a new flavor profile. Be bold and mix what makes you happy! When making quick-pickled red onions, adjust the recipe to fit your needs. If you want more, double the ingredients. Use a larger jar to hold everything. If you have extra pickling liquid, store it in a separate jar. It keeps well in the fridge for a week. You can reuse it for future pickling adventures. Just remember to make sure the liquid covers the onions completely! Quick-pickled onions will last about 2 weeks in the fridge. Store them in a clean, airtight jar. Glass jars work best as they do not react with the vinegar. Always ensure the lid is tightly sealed to keep your onions fresh. You can freeze quick-pickled onions, but it may change their texture. To freeze, place the onions in a freezer-friendly container. When you want to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, use them in dishes where texture is less important. If your pickled onions smell off or have mold, it’s time to toss them out. Also, if they become mushy or slimy, discard them. Proper storage helps keep them fresh longer. Always check for these signs before use. You should let quick-pickled onions sit for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the onions to soak in the tangy flavors. For a stronger taste, I suggest waiting overnight. The longer they sit, the better they taste! Yes, you can use other onions like yellow or white onions. Each type gives a different taste. Red onions are sweeter and milder, while yellow onions add more depth. Feel free to experiment with your favorite onions! Pickled onions offer various health perks. They are low in calories and high in vitamin C. The vinegar may help with digestion and blood sugar control. Plus, the probiotics in fermented foods benefit gut health. Enjoy them as a tasty and healthy snack! Quick-pickled onions are not safe for canning. They lack the necessary acidity for long-term storage. However, they are perfect for short-term use in the fridge. Always keep them sealed and chilled for the best flavor. You learned how to make quick-pickled onions with simple ingredients and tools. We covered the steps for preparing onions, making pickling liquid, and sealing the jar. The tips will help you tweak flavors to your liking. Use pickled onions to add zest to many dishes. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and storage ideas. Quick-pickled onions are easy, fun, and can elevate any meal. Enjoy your tasty creations and the joy of pickling!

How To Make Quick-Pickled Red Onions

Elevate your meals with these zesty quick-pickled red onions! This easy recipe combines simple ingredients like red onions, apple cider vinegar, and aromatic herbs to create a vibrant and tangy topping perfect for tacos, sandwiches, and salads. In just 10 minutes of prep, you can enjoy a burst of flavor in your dishes. Click through for the full recipe and discover how to make these delicious quick-pickled onions at home!
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Ingredients
  

1 large red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup water

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon black peppercorns

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 clove garlic, thinly sliced

Optional: fresh herbs (such as dill or thyme) for an aromatic touch

Instructions
 

Prepare the Onions: Begin by peeling the red onion. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to cut the onion into thin, even slices. Place these slices into a clean, airtight glass jar or container, ensuring they are packed loosely to allow the pickling liquid to circulate.

    Make the Pickling Liquid: In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, granulated sugar, salt, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and thinly sliced garlic. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to come to a gentle boil, ensuring that the sugar and salt are completely dissolved in the liquid.

      Combine and Cool: Once the pickling liquid is prepared, carefully pour it over the sliced onions in the jar. Make sure the onions are fully submerged in the liquid; you can use a spoon to press them down gently if needed.

        Add Herbs: If you wish to enhance the flavor profile, consider adding fresh herbs such as dill or thyme to the jar. Simply tuck them in among the onions and pickling liquid.

          Seal and Chill: Let the jar cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, seal it tightly with a lid and transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow the quick-pickled onions to chill for at least 30 minutes before using. For deeper flavor, leave them in the refrigerator overnight.

            Serve and Enjoy: These zesty quick-pickled red onions are incredibly versatile! Use them as a tangy topping on sandwiches, deliciously enhance tacos, brighten up salads, or serve as a vibrant garnish to elevate your dishes.

              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins (plus cooling time) | Servings: Approximately 2 cups