Quick Pickled Red Onions with Warm Spices
Quick pickled red onions use red onions, vinegar, sugar and whole spices for a sharp, bright condiment. The hot brine softens the onion, fixes the pink colour and gives enough sweetness to balance salads, tacos, sandwiches and grilled food.
Servings
Ingredients
- 4 red onions thinly sliced
- 250 ml water
- 250 ml white vinegar
- 2 tbsp caster sugar
- 1 tsp mixed whole spices such as black peppercorns, allspice berries, cardamom or star anise
Instructions
- Peel the red onions and slice them very thinly, using a mandoline if available.4 red onions
- Pack the sliced red onions into a clean glass jar, leaving a little space at the top.
- Heat the water, white vinegar, caster sugar and whole spices in a small saucepan until boiling and the sugar has dissolved.250 ml water, 250 ml white vinegar, 2 tbsp caster sugar, 1 tsp mixed whole spices
- Pour the hot brine over the onions, making sure they are covered. Seal the jar and leave to cool completely.
- Use after about 1 hour for a quick pickle, or chill for a stronger flavour.
Chef's notes
- Store in the fridge once cool and use within 1 week.
- White vinegar gives the brightest pink colour. Apple cider vinegar gives a softer, fruitier flavour.
- For a milder onion flavour, rinse the sliced onions briefly under cold water before adding them to the jar.
- Serve with tacos, burgers, salads, grilled meat, falafel, eggs or cheese sandwiches.
- Use clean jars and utensils each time to keep the onions in good condition.
Drink pairing
Quick pickled red onions are sharp, sweet and lightly spiced, so the best drinks are crisp and fresh. Citrus, dry bubbles, light beer and bright white wines keep the vinegar balanced.
Alcoholic
- Dry Riesling or Grüner Veltliner for bright acidity and freshness
- Mexican lager with lime for tacos, burgers and grilled food
- Dry cider with crisp apple acidity for cheese boards and salads
Non alcoholic
- Sparkling water with lime and mint for a clean, sharp match
- Unsweetened iced tea with lemon for a dry, refreshing pairing
- Ginger cordial with soda water for gentle warmth against the vinegar
Nutrition per serving
Calories: 225kcal (11%) | Carbohydrates: 41g (14%) | Protein: 5g (10%) | Fat: 0.4g (1%) | Saturated Fat: 0.2g (1%) | Sodium: 35mg (2%) | Potassium: 648mg (19%) | Fiber: 7g (29%) | Sugar: 19g (21%) | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 33mg (40%) | Vitamin E: 0.1mg (1%) | Vitamin K: 2µg (2%) | Folate: 84µg (21%)
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