Spicy pickled onions are the perfect condiment that adds a punch of heat and tanginess to your meals. Packed with bold flavors, these zesty onions are simple and easy to make. Perfect for serving with your tacos, burgers, or sandwiches, or want to enjoy them straight out of the jar as a mouthwatering snack.
Adding some zest into your life 💃🏻 🌶️
hot and spicy pickled onions
Not only do they add a punch of heat, but they also provide numerous health benefits due to their high content of antioxidants and vitamins.
Whether you enjoy them as a topping on Char-grilled Corn, with SushiWraps, or as a standalone snack, spicy pickled onions will satisfy your cravings for both spice and tanginess.
You might like to try these served with Healthy Avocado and Toast, Homemade Mini Pizzetta, Quick Chickpea and Avocado Salad, Easy Pasta Al Pesto (without pinenuts or Asparagus Tarts.
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❤️ why we love this recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This Spicy Pickled Onions recipe requires minimal effort and time. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple simmering process, you can whip up a flavorful condiment that adds excitement to your meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
- A Versatile Recipe: These Spicy Pickled Onions are incredibly versatile, making them a kitchen essential. Whether you're topping tacos, salads, or sandwiches or incorporating them into your favorite dishes, their zesty kick turns ordinary meals into something more interesting.
What to eat pickeld red onions with
- Charcuterie and Cheese Boards
- Grilled veggies
- Topping for Avocado Toast
- Tacos and Burritos
- Burgers and Sandwiches
- Grain Bowls
- Salads
- Soup Garnish
- Let your culinary imagination run wild!
Ingredients needed and substitutions
Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar, for unique flavor variations.
RED ONIONS
RED OR GREEN CHILLI: Fresh
WATER
SUGAR: white, brown or coconut sugar
SALT AND PEPPER
how to make spicy pickled red onions
- Prepare the Onions and Chili: Begin by thinly slicing 2 cups of red onions and ½ medium red chilli.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, tablespoons of sugar, sea salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar and salt completely dissolve.
- Bring to a Simmer: Once the mixture reaches a simmer, let it cook for a few minutes. This helps meld the flavors together and ensures the pickling solution is well-infused.
- Layer the Onions and Chili: Layer the thinly sliced red onions and chili in a clean, sterilized jar.
- Pour the Pickling Liquid: Carefully pour the simmered pickling liquid over the onions and chili, ensuring they are completely submerged. The heat of the liquid will start to soften the vegetables.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before sealing the jar and transferring it to the refrigerator. The longer the pickled onions sit, the more pronounced the flavors become. Aim for at least a few hours, if not overnight, for optimal taste.
- Enjoy with Everything: These Spicy Pickled Onions are incredibly versatile. Add them to tacos, sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards for a burst of flavor. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats or a topping for your favorite bowl of chili.
Tips and tricks
- Thin Slicing: Ensure the red onions and chili are thinly sliced.
- Swap ground pepper with 2 teaspoons of whole black peppercorns into the liquid. The peppercorns will impart a warm, earthy flavor that complements the onions' sharpness and the chili's heat.
- Experiment with Chili Heat: Tailor the level of spiciness to your preference by adjusting the amount of red chili. For milder pickled onions, use less chili or remove the seeds. If you love the heat, keep the seeds and membrane for an extra kick.
- Sterilize Your Jar: Before assembling your pickled onions, sterilize the jar to prevent unwanted bacteria. You can do this by washing it thoroughly and then placing it in a 250°F (120°C) oven for about 10 minutes or by running it through a hot dishwasher cycle.
- Adjust Sugar to Taste: The sugar and salt quantities can be adjusted based on personal preference. If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the sugar slightly.
- Let Them Rest for Optimal Flavor: While it's tempting to dig into your pickled onions right away, allowing them to rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or, even better, overnight, enhances the flavors. This patience allows the pickling solution to penetrate the onions, resulting in a more robust taste.
- Get Creative with Serving: Beyond traditional uses, get creative with how you serve these Spicy Pickled Onions. They make fantastic additions to cheese platters, grilled meats, or even as a topping for avocado toast. Let your culinary imagination run wild!
❓faqs
Are these pickled onions keto?
No, because they contain sugar. Remove the sugar to make these pickles keto friendly.
Why does the liquid look less than the onions?
This vinegar mixture is meant to cover the onions (not soak them)
Are these onions gluten-free?
Yes, they are.
Can I reuse the pickling liquid?
Don't discard the pickling liquid once you've finished the onions. Use it as a flavorful addition to salad dressings or marinades for an extra burst of tangy goodness.
Is it good to eat pickled onions?
Yes, pickled onions can be a tasty and healthy addition to your diet. While pickling involves preserving food in a solution of vinegar, salt, and sugar, the onions retain many of their nutrients. Onions are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants; pickling can help preserve these benefits.
Pickled onions are generally low in calories. They can add flavor to your meals without significantly increasing your caloric intake, making them a great option for those looking to enhance their dishes without excess calories.
make-ahead and storage
MAKE-AHEAD CONVENIENCE: The beauty of this recipe lies in its make-ahead convenience. Once prepared, the pickled onions can be stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to intensify over time. This makes them a perfect condiment to have on hand, ready to enhance your meals with a burst of spiciness whenever you need it.
STORAGE: Always store your pickled onions in the refrigerator. This preserves their crispness and ensures they stay safe to eat. Keep the jar tightly sealed to prevent the absorption of other odors from the fridge.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
Printspicy pickled onions
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 jar 1x
Description
Spicy pickled onions are the perfect condiment that adds a punch of heat and tanginess to your meals. Packed with bold flavors, these zesty onions are simple and easy to make. Perfect to serve with your tacos, burgers, or sandwiches, or simply want to enjoy them straight out of the jar as a mouthwatering snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups red onion thinly sliced
- ½ chilli thinly sliced
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar (You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar.)
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions and Chili: Begin by thinly slicing 2 cups of red onions and ½ medium red chilli.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, tablespoons of sugar, sea salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar, and salt completely dissolve.
- Bring to a Simmer: Once the mixture reaches a simmer, let it cook for a couple of minutes. This helps meld the flavors together and ensures the pickling solution is well-infused.
- Layer the Onions and Chili: In a clean, sterilized jar, layer the thinly sliced red onions and chili.
- Pour the Pickling Liquid: Carefully pour the simmered pickling liquid over the onions and chili, ensuring they are completely submerged. The heat of the liquid will start to soften the vegetables.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before sealing the jar and transferring it to the refrigerator. The longer the pickled onions sit, the more pronounced the flavors become. Aim for at least a few hours, if not overnight, for optimal taste.
- Enjoy with Everything: These Spicy Pickled Onions are incredibly versatile. Add them to tacos, sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards for a burst of flavor. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats or as a topping for your favorite bowl of chili.
Notes
-
- Thin Slicing: Ensure the red onions and chili are thinly sliced.
-
- Swap ground pepper with 2 teaspoons of whole black peppercorns into the liquid. The peppercorns will impart a warm, earthy flavor that complements the onions' sharpness and the chili's heat.
-
- Experiment with Chili Heat: Tailor the level of spiciness to your preference by adjusting the amount of red chili. For milder pickled onions, use less chili or remove the seeds. If you love the heat, keep the seeds and membrane for an extra kick.
-
- Sterilize Your Jar: Before assembling your pickled onions, sterilize the jar to prevent unwanted bacteria. You can do this by washing it thoroughly and then placing it in a 250°F (120°C) oven for about 10 minutes or by running it through a hot dishwasher cycle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
Nikki says
Let me know if you have any questions. Nikki x