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    Home » Indian

    Pickled Onions

    Published: Sep 18, 2022 · Modified: Jan 12, 2023 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 2 Comments

    113 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Quick Pickled Onions are the ultimate topping, garnish, secret ingredient, and kitchen staple. They add a zesty finish to any dish the way a favorite accessory can instantly elevate an outfit. This is a 1-2-3 recipe you can make the week before, the night before or an hour ahead.

    pickled onions in a jar and small bowl

    Pickled Onions - Texture, Flavor, and Color

    Pickled red onion slices have an addicting texture—tender, with a fresh crunchy bite. They are juicy with brine, adding bright acidity, subtle sweetness, and a brilliant splash of color to any dish. Pickled onions will add a flavor burst to anything from burgers to biryanis, daals, tacos, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. That deep magenta pink looks so pretty on the plate! 

    Jump to:
    • Pickled Onions - Texture, Flavor, and Color
    • Why we love Quick Pickles
    • Pantry Friendly Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Pickled Onions
    • What to Serve With
    • So Easy
    • Storing Pickled Onions
    • Recipe
    pickled onions in a jar with a fork on top

    Why we love Quick Pickles

    ✔️ A healthy and delicious way to add more veggies to your diet
    ✔️ Simple and clean recipe. We like knowing what's in our food and what isn’t–there are no chemical preservatives, additives, or dyes
    ✔️ The added benefit of vinegar in the diet: vinegar is known to help regulate blood sugar and curb cravings
    ✔️ So quick and easy to make, unlike the traditional canning method which requires specific techniques and equipment
    ✔️ Brighten up any dish with a burst of flavor and stunning pink color
    ✔️ Take toppings to the next level
    ✔️ Guests are always impressed by homemade pickles and they look so fancy stocked in your fridge
    ✔️ They make a great snack

    Pantry Friendly Recipe

    Only a few pantry staples are needed for this recipe to make multiple batches and the ingredients themselves are inexpensive. Once you try these pickled onions, you’ll never want to go without them! While I wouldn’t recommend using leftover brine to make a new batch, you can use it where you would regular vinegar. Keep it refrigerated and try using it the next time you make a vinaigrette for salad!

    Ingredients

    • Red Onion - Red onion naturally adds a gorgeous magenta color to the pickles. In India, beets are also added for color but find the red onions available in US grocery stores to be just perfect for this recipe.
    • Vinegar - White vinegar brings out the beautiful magenta color of the onions but you can also use apple cider vinegar if you like
    • Spices - coriander seeds and black peppercorn add a hint of warm flavor to the pickles without overpowering the taste.
    • Salt and Sugar - I highly recommend using Kosher salt for pickling as does not contain iodine. It is pure salt without any chemicals or anti-caking ingredients. sugar is optional but I highly recommend it to balance and enhance the tangy flavors

    How to Make Pickled Onions

    • Start by making the quick brine. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and cook just until the sugar dissolves.
    vinegar brine with coriander seeds and black pepper
    • Next, thinly slice onions and place them in a glass jar
    • Pour the brine over the onions and allow it to come to room temperature before refrigerating
    mandolin sliced red onions added to a jar with spice brine
    • Once the pickles are at room temperature close the jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
    pickled onions in a jar and small bowl

    What to Serve With

    These crunchy-tangy pickled onions can be paired with SO many dishes. Here are some ideas:

    Indian Dishes: Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, Tandoori Chicken, Roasted Tandoori Cauliflower, Tandoori Salmon, Dal Makhani, or Biryani
    Tacos: Chicken Tinga Tacos, Roasted Cauliflower Tacos, or Blackened Fish Tacos
    Burgers: Masala Chickpea Burgers, Spicy Salmon Burgers, Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers, Chicken Masala Burgers
    Wraps and Sandwiches: Spicy Tofu Wraps, Tandoori Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Pulled Butter Chicken Sandwich, Paneer Kathi Rolls, Chicken Kathi Rolls, or Bombay Sandwich

    So Easy

    This is the most unfussy recipe with the biggest payoff. Simply make the brine, slice the onions, add to a jar, cool, close, and refrigerate. Using a mandoline to slice the onions makes this process even faster! There’s no need to pre-boil the onions and there is no canning involved. Quick pickles are ready to enjoy in an hour and can last for up to 3 weeks in the fridge. 

    Storing Pickled Onions

    Store the pickled onions refrigerated in an airtight glass jar for 2 to 3 weeks.

    Do I Have to Use A Mandolin?

    Using a mandolin helps ensure the onion slices are thin and consistent in size. I find it makes the slicing very fast and easy. Remember to always use the slicing guard that comes with the mandolin to protect your fingers. If you don't have a mandolin, simply cut the peeled red onion in half and proceed to slice lengthwise into thin half-moons. This is a very forgiving recipe so don't sweat it!

    Do I Have to Use a Glass Jar?

    Glass Jars are the way to go! They can handle the hot brine, do not stain, and do not permanently absorb the flavors or odors of the contents.

    Can You Reuse Leftover Brine?

    While I wouldn’t recommend using leftover brine to make a new batch as it will not have the same level of acidity, you can use it wherever you would use regular vinegar. Try it the next time you make a vinaigrette for salad!

    Why use Kosher Salt for Pickling?

    Picking salt is often used for canning and pickling recipes. I like to use Kosher salt, as I always have it in my kitchen. Just like pickling salt, kosher salt does not have additives or anticaking agents that help make the brine clear. You can also use sea salt or pickling salt if you have it. Since Kosher salt is less salty you need more of it, the good ratio is 1 teaspoon sea salt to 1.25 teaspoon kosher salt.

    Recipe

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    pickled onions in a glass jar
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    5 from 3 votes

    Pickled Onions

    EASY homemade pickled red onions add bright acidity, subtle sweetness, and a brilliant splash of color to any dish
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time5 mins
    Cooling Time30 mins
    Total Time45 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 25kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Equipment

    • Glass Jar
    • Small Sauce Pan

    Ingredients

    • 1 large red onion

    Brine

    • ½ cup white vinegar
    • ½ cup water
    • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
    • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon sugar optional

    Instructions

    • Add the brine ingredients to a small saucepan and cook just until the sugar dissolves
    • Thinly slice red onion using a mandolin
    • Add the onions to a glass jar
    • Pour the brine over sliced onions
    • Cool to room temperature. Then close and refrigerate the jar for an hour before serving. Store the pickled onions refrigerated in an airtight glass jar for 2 to 3 weeks.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 25kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    1. Maneesha says

      September 22, 2022 at 12:57 pm

      Made this and love it! You're right - this is great on top of ANYTHING! Thanks Archana!5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        September 23, 2022 at 6:46 pm

        Thank you! I agree these make a great topping on many dishes.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

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