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Why are pickled red onions so good?

Pickled red onions are a flavorful condiment that can elevate so many dishes. Their unique tart and tangy taste makes them an extremely versatile ingredient. But what is it specifically that makes pickled red onions so delicious? Here is an in-depth look at why these quick-pickled onions are so popular and beloved.

They Add a Bright, Vibrant Flavor

The pickling process infuses red onions with a bright, vibrant, and refreshing flavor. While raw red onions have a sharp bite, pickling mellows out that edge. It gives them a pronounced tanginess and acidity from the vinegar used. This makes them the perfect way to add a pop of flavor and acid to balance out rich or fatty foods. A sprinkle of pickled red onions can instantly wake up heavy dishes like burgers, tacos, sandwiches, rich meats, and fried foods.

They Provide a Contrast of Flavors

In addition to their tangy tartness, pickled red onions also retain some of their inherent sweetness. This creates a delicious contrast of sour and sweet when they are eaten. The balance of flavors is what makes them so versatile and universally appealing. Their simultaneously pungent and sweet taste makes them pair well with almost any food.

They Add Texture and Crunch

Unlike cooked or caramelized onions which soften when heated, pickled red onions maintain their crunchy texture even when served warm or at room temperature. This gives them a pleasant, crispy bite that makes dishes more interesting. The soft crunch and juicy snap of pickled red onions is a satisfying sensory experience.

They Are Quick and Easy to Make

Unlike caramelized onions which can take 40 minutes to slowly cook down, pickled red onions are ready in just 5-10 minutes. Their simple preparation makes them an ideal condiment to keep on hand. All you need is red onions, vinegar, salt, and sugar. The vinegar works quickly to turn the raw onion slices translucent and infuse them with tangy flavor. With just a few minutes of hands-off time, you can have a batch of pickled red onions ready to add flair to upcoming meals all week long.

Ingredients for Pickled Red Onions

Ingredient Amount
Red onion 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup
Water 1/2 cup
Salt 1/2 tsp
Sugar 1 tsp

Quick Pickling Process

To make pickled red onions, all you have to do is:

  1. Thinly slice 1 medium red onion
  2. In a bowl, whisk together vinegar, water, salt, and sugar until combined
  3. Add onion slices and toss to coat
  4. Let onions marinate for 5-10 minutes
  5. Drain any excess liquid before serving

That’s all it takes to make these flavor-packed pickled onions that are sure to become a new staple! Their quick prep time means you can easily whip up a batch on a whim.

They Have Many Versatile Uses

One reason pickled red onions are so popular is that they are extremely versatile. Their uniquely great taste means they complement nearly any style of food or cuisine. Here are just some of the many ways to enjoy pickled red onions:

On Tacos and Nachos

A spoonful of pickled red onions perfectly cuts through the rich flavors of tacos, nachos, and tex-mex dishes. They add a tangy crunch to balance out fillings like beef, chicken, cheese, beans, etc.

On Burgers

Burgers can often err on the side of heavy and indulgent. A few crisp pickled red onions sliced on top lightens them up with the ideal amount of acidity to cut through the fat and juiciness.

On Salads

Salads benefit from add-ins that provide contrasting textures and flavors. Pickled red onions give a satisfying crunch along with a bright burst of tangy sweetness in each bite.

On Sandwiches

Whether it’s a classic BLT, ham sandwich, Mediterranean veggie sandwich, or pulled pork, pickled red onions add welcome acid and texture. They are the perfect sandwich topping.

In Grain Bowls

Grain bowls and veggie bowls with ingredients like quinoa, rice, chickpeas, and roasted veggies taste even better with a sprinkle of pickled red onions. They pull the entire bowl together.

On Charcuterie Boards

Alongside cured meats, cheeses, nuts, and spreads, pickled red onions make a delicious addition to charcuterie and antipasto platters.

As a Garnish

Use pickled red onions as a vibrant garnish on everything from pizza and flatbreads to bruschetta, crostini, and tarts. They’ll make any appetizer or small plate look even more appealing.

They Keep Well in the Fridge

One of the major perks of pickled red onions is that they keep very well stored in the refrigerator. The pickling liquid helps them stay fresh and crisp for up to 2 weeks when sealed in an airtight container. This makes them an awesome make-ahead ingredient to have on hand whenever you need a flavor boost.

Knowing you have a jar of pickled red onions ready to go makes it easy to incorporate them into meals throughout the week. A few forkfuls can instantly elevate a simple weeknight dinner into something more exciting. You’ll never have to worry about plain or boring food again.

Tips for Storing Pickled Red Onions

  • Store pickled onions in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge
  • Ensure onions are fully submerged in the pickling liquid
  • If liquid reduces, top it off with a splash of vinegar
  • Onions will keep for up to 2 weeks refrigerated
  • Use a clean fork each time you take onions from the jar to avoid contaminating them

Conclusion

With their irresistible burst of tangy sweetness, pleasant crunch, and vibrant color, it’s easy to see why pickled red onions have become a versatile staple. They can instantly enhance everything from sandwiches and burgers to grain bowls and tacos with their bright, acidic flavor. Thanks to their quick prep time and long shelf life, pickled red onions are easy to make and keep on hand. Their many uses and flavors that complement all types of cuisines make them a wonderful addition to any meal.