Spicy Pickled Onions are a fabulous condiment for those who love a twist on their regular meals. These pickled onions taste so great, and YES, you can happily eat them straight from the jar. They are infused with a spicy vinegar mixture and have a satisfying, crunchy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Pickled Onions Recipe
Easy to Make: Want to make your meal quicker? This spicy pickled onions recipe is just for you. You can whip up a flavorful condiment in just a few simple ingredients in just a few minutes.
Bold and Spicy Flavor: The red pepper flakes soaked in the vinegar give this pickled onion a rich flavor. I always make them in large batches and toss them in salad and sandwiches.
The best topping: Toss them into your go-to meals and get ready to witness the flavors and textures they add to tacos, burgers, salads, or anything you crave.
How to make Spicy Pickled Onions
The Ingredients
Red onion: Red onion adds a hue and a mild, sweet flavor to these spicy pickled onions. However, you can also use white onion for a mild smack or yellow onion for a sweeter taste.
White vinegar: I've used white vinegar. However, you can replace it with different types of vinegar. Like apple cider vinegar for a hint of fruitiness or white wine vinegar for mild flavors.
Sugar: Sugar balances out the acidity and adds depth to the pickling liquid.
Red pepper flakes: These spicy pickled onions' sizzling heat and pleasing pink color are enhanced by the addition of red pepper flakes.
The directions
Prepare the Onions: Slice the large red onion thinly and stuff the slices in a clean glass jar or container, leaving one inch of space at the top.
Make the Pickling Liquid: Place a small saucepan over medium heat. Add one cup of white vinegar, ¼ cup of sugar, one tablespoon of salt, and one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
Pour Over the Onions: Bring the vinegar mixture to a gentle boil. Then, remove it from the heat and carefully pour the hot liquid into the glass container(with the onion). Use a spoon to push the onions down into the liquid gently.
Allow to Cool: Let the onions cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, seal the glass container with a lid or plastic wrap.
Refrigerate: Transfer spicy pickled onions to the refrigerator and chill them for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving(this pickling process helps to enhance the overall flavor and texture).
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftover spicy pickled onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Ensure the onions are completely covered in the pickling liquid for the best results.
Freezing: This recipe does not freeze well, and the onion loses its texture when thawed. But you can freeze the pickling liquid in ice cube trays for later use in marinades or dressings.
To Thaw: If you've frozen the pickling liquid, place it in the refrigerator overnight or until it returns to room temperature.
Reheating Methods: Spicy pickled onions do not need to be reheated. Remove them from the refrigerator and use them directly in your dishes.
What to serve with Spicy Pickled Onions?
Mexican Dishes: Pair these Spicy Pickled Onions with tacos(like this Cajun shrimp tacos or this blackened Mahi Mahi tacos, burritos, or enchiladas for an extra kick of flavor.
Sandwiches: Sprinkle as a top layer over sandwiches(check this grilled veggie sandwich) or hot dogs for extra flavor.
Salads: Great additions to the regular salads(think of this cucumber jalapeno salad or this Cajun shrimp salad) for a burst of flavor and texture.
Grilled Meats: For a perfect accompaniment, serve these pickled onions alongside grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork. Their tangy flavor cuts through the meat's richness, adding freshness to every bite.
Recipe Variations
Cucumber Pickled Onions: Toss thinly sliced cucumber and red onion for a refreshing twist.
Spicy twist with hot peppers: Add sliced serrano or jalapeno pepper into the pickling liquid.
With Spices: Add bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, or garlic cloves.
Sweet and Spicy: Stir in maple syrup or honey to the pickling liquid. This is a great way to complement the tangy flavor of the onions.
Asian-inspired Pickled Onions: To give the recipe an Asian twist, substitute rice vinegar for white vinegar and add ginger.
Recommended tools to make this recipe
Mason Jars: These versatile glass jars are perfect for storing and marinating spicy pickled onions, keeping them fresh and flavorful.
Small Saucepan: Opt for a non-reactive saucepan with a sturdy handle.
Sharp Knife: Look for a high-quality knife with a comfortable grip to make slicing effortless and precise.
Printable recipe card
Spicy Pickled Onions
Ingredients
- 1 cup red onion sliced/1 large onion
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Slice the red onion thinly and place the slices in a glass jar or container.
- Combine the white vinegar, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes, in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt.
- Once the mixture boils, remove it from the heat and carefully pour it over the sliced onions in the jar/container.
- Allow the onions to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, cover the container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- The spicy pickled onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Enjoy as a condiment or topping for various dishes.
Leave a Reply