Take One Extra Step To Make Quick Pickled Red Onions In A Flash

Making quick pickled red onions is a simple yet transformative step that adds a burst of flavor to various dishes. Begin by thinly slicing a red onion, ensuring uniform slices for even pickling. In a small saucepan, combine equal parts water and vinegar—white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work well—along with sugar and salt. Heat the mixture until the sugar and salt dissolve entirely, then remove from heat. For added flavor, consider incorporating spices such as peppercorns, garlic cloves, or bay leaves. Place the sliced onions in a jar or bowl and pour the heated vinegar mixture over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow the onions to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to an hour; the longer they sit, the more intense the flavor becomes. Once pickled to your liking, transfer them to a jar, seal tightly, and refrigerate. These quick pickled red onions are perfect for adding a tangy, crunchy element to tacos, salads, sandwiches, or burgers. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making them a convenient condiment to have on hand for elevating everyday meals.
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Tips for quick pickled onions

One great advantage of this additional step is that it doesn't require much time at all — in fact, you only need to keep your salty onions on the stove for about five minutes before they're ready to cool, jar, and serve. However, this is just one aspect that can influence the success of your pickled red onions, so it's crucial to prepare properly before you even consider brining your zesty future pickles.

To start, it's advisable to slice your onions as thinly as possible, as this will facilitate the even absorption of vinegar and spices into each slice. Fortunately, there are easy methods to achieve ultra-thin onion slices — and while you're slicing, don't discard those onion skins; they have several useful applications. Moreover, it's best to take a few moments to macerate your onions with sugar and salt before placing them in the hot brine. This process helps soften the onions and allows them to soak up the brine more effectively, enhancing the pickling process. The best part is that all these steps are incredibly straightforward and quick, so you shouldn't have any difficulty whipping up some tasty pickled onions in no time. Just be prepared for them to disappear just as fast!

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