Easy Spicy Pickled Onion Recipe
Finding ways to make fresh, healthy food at home is one of my passions, and pickled onions are a staple we keep on hand at all times. My husband is a big onion fan and I’m a big pickle fan—so a batch of these spicy pickled onions goes quickly in our home. It only takes 5 minutes to make a batch of these colorful sweet/tart/spicy treats, so there’s no excuse not to try them—unless of course, you don’t like onions. If you are reading this, my guess is you do!
Spicy pickled onions make everything taste amazing. They add that extra bit of love to every meal. I use them on sandwiches, salads, tacos, and serve them alongside hamburgers and wraps. I’ve even put them in cocktails! It’s one of those homemade specialties that impresses every time, so don’t get caught without a jar in your fridge (how embarrassing!).
Pickled onions are probably the easiest of pickles to make. If you haven’t pickled before, this is the place to get started. I tend to make them as I’m cutting onions for other recipes, one jar at a time.
We love all things spicy, so if you like something with a little kick, these are for you. They are sharp and sweet with a refreshing kick from the peppers. They taste a little like another favorite of mine, the spicy bread and butter pickle.
I have to admit, I purchased a set of Weck pickling jars JUST for pickled onions and Kimchee—another staple I make on a regular basis.
My old screw-top Mason jars, while effective, were becoming unpleasant to work with. The aluminum caps were difficult to pop off and the screw-on lids were starting to show a little rust. The Weck jars were the perfect solution. They are wide on top, making it easy to fish out whatever treat is inside, plus they look pretty in my refrigerator.
Use any old jar with a lid, or make these in a glass container or bowl with some plastic wrap on top. There’s no need to fuss because these are easy, remember? I don’t want a silly little jar keeping you from making these spicy pickled onions.
Use can use any type of onion too. Sweet Vidalia onions work very well, or you can use plain white onions. Red onions are my preference because they look so nice. The red turns to a bright pink after sitting in the brine for a day or two. These keep for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Easy Spicy Pickled Onion Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 sliced jalapeno pepper or whole red chilies
- 2 whole garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole mustard seeds
- 1 large red onion, sliced thinly
Method
Combine vinegar, water, sugar and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
Place onion slices, cinnamon stick, cloves, pepper (or chili), garlic cloves and mustard seeds in glass jar or container. Pour vinegar mixture over the top and cover.
Refrigerate. They can be used after 1 hour. Store in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
I have actually never heard of anything like this before? What would you eat them with? A burger topping or something?
Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…Patriotic Cupcakes
They are great on sandwiches, Robin! You can add them to tacos or salads too.
Hmmm, I’m intrigued for sure. I’ll definitely have to try these. The flavor sounds good!
Liz Mays recently posted…Summer Sips for Girls’ Night In
My brother in law likes to eat this kind of homemade pickles. Will pass the recipe. Thanks!
I have never heard of picked onions before, or of Weck Jars. I am excited to try them both. Thank you for sharing this recipe with me. Now, off to get some of those jars.
Kim @ The Cookie Puzzle recently posted…Party in Your PJs # 4
My son loves pickled onions. He would eat them every day if he could! Thanks for the recipe!
Pam recently posted…Gluten Free Applesauce & Almond Crumble Recipe
I grew up eating pickled onions with almost every meal. These look so good too!
I’m definitely interested in trying these. I’ve never had pickled onions before.
I would love to try this, I love onion anything. My boys however would probably not even give it a try – that just means more of rme.
Jennifer Williams recently posted…Tomato Cucumber Basil Salad
Very interesting I don’t think I have ever heard of or tasted a pickled onion. I may have to add this to my things to try list.
Danielle recently posted…Trendy Floral Fashion and for less than $100!
I have never heard of pickled onions! How interesting. How would you use it? 🙂
Annie recently posted…YEE: Flight Club at V. Sattui
I like that the onions turn pretty pink after sitting. And how cool that you make your own Kimchee too!
These would be a great salad topping! Or maybe on pizza!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication recently posted…Patio Dreamin’
I saw this at a wedding just this weekend and I had never seen it before. I didn’t try it though, as really avoid vinegar
Veronica recently posted…Dining Table Center Pieces For Everyday
I just went to a party on Saturday and someone brought pickled onions and I could not stop eating them! Perfect timing for this recipe! I love all things pickled 🙂
Isadora @ she likes food recently posted…Grilled Asparagus & Corn Potato Salad with a Creamy Lemon Dill Dijon Dressing {gf+vegan option}
I love onions and eat them with everything. I will have to give these a try
Natasha Mairs recently posted…Serenity Saturday : 137
I LOVE pickled onions but have never made them at home. They are great on veggie burgers! I wish more restaurants would serve them. I think I may try to make my own at home now. Thanks for the recipe!
Anna-Marie @BeautyandtheBeets recently posted…Broccoli Pesto Fettuccine
They are so good–and super easy too! Once you make them once, you’ll make them all the time.
Marni Mutrux recently posted…The Best Fatherâs Day Food Lover Gift Ideas
Looks and sound good. I love onion and will have to try these!