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- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup apple cider vinegar - 1 cup water - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon sea salt - 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh herbs (such as dill or thyme, optional) To make quick pickled onions, gather your ingredients first. The red onion gives a sweet, tangy taste. Apple cider vinegar adds a nice zing. Water helps balance the flavors. Sugar adds sweetness, while salt enhances the taste. Black peppercorns bring warmth, and red pepper flakes can add spice if you want. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme provide a lovely aroma and taste, boosting the flavor even more. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. You can find red onions at any grocery store. Apple cider vinegar is a great choice for pickling because of its mild flavor. If you want to experiment, feel free to swap in other vinegars, but this recipe shines with apple cider vinegar. Remember, the quality of your ingredients matters. When fresh, your pickled onions will taste amazing and add zest to many dishes. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section for instructions on making these flavorful pickled onions! Slice the red onion thinly. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts. Place the slices into a clean, heatproof jar or a mixing bowl. Ensure your container is large enough to hold all the onion slices comfortably. This step is key for proper pickling. In a medium saucepan, combine: - 1 cup apple cider vinegar - 1 cup water - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon sea salt - 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Stir the mixture well to mix the ingredients. Set the saucepan on medium heat. Stir it occasionally to help the sugar and salt dissolve. Heat the mixture until it gently simmers, but do not let it boil. This keeps the flavors balanced. Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the hot brine over the sliced onions in your jar or bowl. Make sure all the onions are fully submerged in the brine. If you desire, add fresh herbs like dill or thyme for extra flavor. Let the mixture cool to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. After it cools, seal the jar or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. For the best taste, refrigerate the pickled onions for at least 15 minutes. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors will deepen over time. Find the full recipe for these quick and zesty pickled onions to enhance your dishes. To get the best taste from your quick pickled onions, adjust the sweetness and spice. If you like a sweeter bite, add more sugar. For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes. Start with small changes and taste as you go. Fresh herbs can elevate your pickled onions. I love adding dill or thyme. These herbs give a nice twist to the flavor. Just toss them in when you pour the brine over the onions. Want to speed up the brining process? After pouring the hot brine over the onions, cover the jar with a lid. This traps heat and helps them pickle faster. You can also place the jar in a cold water bath. This helps cool it down quickly. To keep your onions crisp, make sure not to overcook the brine. Heat just enough to dissolve the sugar and salt. This way, your onions stay crunchy and fresh. When serving pickled onions, make them pop! Use them as toppings for tacos or fresh salads. They add a bright color and a zesty flavor. Garnish with extra herbs for a nice touch. These onions pair well with many dishes. Try them on sandwiches, burgers, or grain bowls. Their sharp taste complements rich foods nicely. You can also use them to brighten up a simple dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can switch the vinegar for a new taste. White vinegar gives a sharper flavor. Rice vinegar offers a milder and sweeter option. Both work well, just remember to adjust the sugar if needed. Each vinegar brings its own charm, so feel free to experiment! Why not add more colors and flavors? Carrots, jalapeños, or radishes can join the onions. Slice the carrots thinly or cut the jalapeños into rings. These veggies add crunch and spice. Mixing different vegetables makes your pickles even more fun. It’s a great way to use what you have at home. Use seasonal fruits or herbs to change things up. In spring, try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint. In summer, fruit like peaches or mangoes can add a sweet twist. In fall, pumpkin or apples could be delightful. Adapting your pickles keeps them fresh and exciting. You can find new flavors all year round! For the full recipe, check out the Quick & Zesty Pickled Onions section. Pickled onions stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. After you make them, the flavor deepens over time. You can enjoy them for up to seven days, but they taste best within the first few days. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it's best to toss them. Use a clean glass jar with a tight lid for storage. This helps keep air out and maintains crispness. Avoid plastic containers, as they can absorb flavors. - Recommended Containers: - Glass jars with tight seals - Mason jars To prevent spoilage, always ensure the onions are fully submerged in the brine. If you see any air pockets, push the onions down gently. Don’t throw away that leftover brine! It’s packed with flavor and can be used in many ways. Here are some ideas: - Use it to pickle other vegetables like carrots or cucumbers. - Add it to salad dressings for an extra zing. - Mix it into marinades for meats or tofu. - Use it in soups or stews for added depth. This brine is a treasure trove of flavor that enhances many dishes! The whole process takes just 20 minutes. First, you slice the red onion. This step only takes about five minutes. Next, you make the brine by heating vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. This part takes about ten minutes. Finally, you pour the brine over the onions and let them cool for a few minutes. After 15 minutes in the fridge, they are ready to eat! Yes, you can make pickled onions ahead of time! They store well in the fridge for up to a week. Just keep the onions in a sealed jar or bowl. The flavors get better the longer they sit. If you want to save them for later, just make sure they stay in the fridge. Pickled onions can be healthy! They are low in calories and packed with nutrients. Onions contain vitamins C and B6, which help your body stay strong. The vinegar in the brine may aid digestion too. Just watch out for too much salt if you have health concerns. Overall, they make a tasty and nutritious addition to your meals. Enjoy them with tacos, salads, or sandwiches for a flavor boost! Pickling onions is simple and fun. We covered the essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions. You learned how to make tasty brine and perfect your flavors. We also discussed variations and storage tips. Pickled onions add zest to many dishes and store well. Try making them your way for extra flavor. Happy pickling!

20-Minute Quick Pickled Onions

Discover how to make Quick & Zesty Pickled Onions at home with this easy recipe! Transform your meals with the tangy crunch of pickled onions using just a few simple ingredients. Perfect as a topping for tacos, salads, or sandwiches, these quick pickles are ready in no time and can elevate any dish. Click through to explore the full recipe and learn tips for perfecting your pickling game!
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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 sea salt

1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (ignore if you prefer no spice)

Fresh herbs (such as dill or thyme, optional for a flavor boost)

Instructions
 

Start by slicing the red onion thinly; place the slices into a clean, heatproof jar or mixing bowl, ensuring it has enough capacity to hold all the onion slices.

    In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, granulated sugar, sea salt, whole black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if you're adding heat). Stir the mixture to combine the ingredients evenly.

      Set the saucepan on medium heat. Continue to stir the mixture while it warms, until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved. Bring it to a gentle simmer, but avoid boiling it.

        Once everything is dissolved and the mixture is simmering, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the hot liquid over the sliced onions in your jar or bowl, ensuring that the onions are fully submerged in the brine.

          If you like, add your choice of fresh herbs directly into the jar for an additional layer of flavor.

            Let the pickled onions cool to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. After cooling, seal the jar or cover the bowl with plastic wrap to lock in freshness.

              For optimal flavor, refrigerate the pickled onions for at least 15 minutes; however, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, with flavors intensifying as they sit.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 5 min | 20 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Elevate the presentation by serving the pickled onions as a bright and colorful topping for tacos, fresh salads, or sandwiches. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for a finishing touch that adds both flavor and visual allure.