Zesty Pickled Onions Recipe: A Tangy Flavor Boost for Any Meal

Crafting delectable pickled onions brings unexpected zest to your culinary adventures.

Crisp red or white onions transform into tangy, vibrant companions for countless dishes.

Preserving these gems requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor impact.

Simple ingredients like vinegar, salt, and optional spices create magic in your kitchen.

Home cooks adore this versatile condiment that adds brightness to sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie boards.

Storing these pickled beauties in clean jars ensures weeks of delicious crunch and sharp, memorable taste.

You’ll want to slice, brine, and savor these incredible pickled onions that elevate every meal.

Why Mary Berry Pickled Onions Are Packed With Tang

• Boost Flavor Profile: Add a tangy, zesty punch to sandwiches, salads, and tacos with these quick-pickled onions that transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
• Master Simple Preservation: Learn an easy pickling technique that requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks wanting to expand their preserving repertoire.
• Customize Your Kick: Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice levels, making these pickled onions adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Healthy Condiment Hack: Create a low-calorie, probiotic-rich topping that adds nutrition and vibrant color to your dishes without complicated preparation steps.

What Goes Into Mary Berry Pickled Onions

• Red Onion: A vibrant, crisp vegetable that creates a beautiful color and tangy pickled result.

• Water: The liquid base that helps dissolve and distribute other brine components.
• White Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar: Sharp, acidic liquids that provide the classic pickled flavor and help preserve the onions.

• Honey, Maple Syrup: Sweet ingredients that balance the sharp vinegar and add depth to the pickle's flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps in the preservation process.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle heat and subtle spiciness to the pickled onions.

How To Prepare Mary Berry Pickled Onions At Home

Step 1: Prepare Onion

Grab a sharp knife and slice the onion into super thin, delicate rings. Choose a clean, sterilized glass jar and carefully transfer these translucent onion slices inside, ensuring they’re packed nicely but not overly compressed.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Liquid

In a medium saucepan, combine water, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, maple syrup, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to help ingredients blend seamlessly.

Step 3: Infuse Onions

Carefully pour the hot, aromatic liquid over the sliced onions in the jar. Use a clean spoon or chopstick to gently press down the onions, making sure they’re completely submerged and any trapped air bubbles are released.

Step 4: Cool and Seal

Allow the jar to rest at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. Once the liquid has cooled slightly, securely seal the jar with its lid.

Step 5: Develop Flavor

Transfer the jar to the refrigerator and let the onions marinate and develop their tangy, spicy character for 24-48 hours before serving. The longer they sit, the more intense the flavor becomes.

Tips For Crunchy Mary Berry Pickled Onions

• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create uniform, paper-thin onion rings for even pickling and a professional look.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat – less for mild, more for a fiery kick that adds excitement to your pickles.
• Choose Quality Vinegars: Mix white and apple cider vinegars for a balanced, complex tangy flavor that elevates the entire pickle profile.
• Seal and Store Strategically: Ensure jar is completely airtight to prevent contamination and maximize pickle preservation in the refrigerator.
• Patience Pays Off: Allow full 24-48 hours of refrigeration to develop deep, rich pickling flavors and achieve perfect texture.

Different Styles Of Mary Berry Pickled Onions

• Spicy Jalapeño Pickled Onions: Replace red pepper flakes with finely chopped fresh jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Pickled Onions: Add dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary to the brine for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Pickled Onions: Use a reduced-salt brine or substitute with a salt alternative like potassium chloride for those watching sodium intake.
• Apple Cider Variation: Swap white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter, fruitier taste that complements the onions' natural flavor.

Best Matches For Mary Berry Pickled Onions

• Elevate Sandwich Sidekick: Pair these tangy pickled onions with hearty roast beef or turkey sandwiches for a zesty flavor boost that cuts through rich meats.
• Charcuterie Champion: Sprinkle these pickled onions across a charcuterie board to add bright, acidic notes that complement cured meats and creamy cheeses.
• Wine and Dine Delight: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, which will harmonize with the onions' sharp and sweet profile.
• Burger Buddy: Top gourmet burgers with these pickled onions to introduce a tangy crunch that elevates the entire burger experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

How To Store Mary Berry Pickled Onions Properly

• Keep pickled onions in a sealed jar for up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator, ensuring they remain fully submerged in the brine to maintain crispness and flavor.
• Transfer pickled onions to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months, though texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Gently warm pickled onions at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance their tangy flavor and restore their crisp texture.
• Let refrigerated pickled onions sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to help the flavors bloom and become more vibrant.

FAQ Help For Mary Berry Pickled Onions

• What vinegars work best for pickled onions?

White and apple cider vinegars are perfect. They provide a balanced tangy flavor and help preserve the onions effectively.

• Can I adjust the spiciness level?

Yes, control the heat by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and add more to suit your taste preference.

• How long do pickled onions last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored pickled onions can stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. Always use clean utensils when removing onions to prevent contamination.

• Are pickled onions healthy?

Absolutely! They’re low in calories, rich in probiotics, and contain antioxidants. Fermented foods like pickled onions support gut health and provide beneficial nutrients.

Pickled Onions Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 2448 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Tangy Mexican Pickled Onions bring zesty flavor to countless dishes, elevating simple meals with their bright purple crunch. Crisp and versatile, these quick-pickled onions add a bold punch of acidity that makes you crave more with each bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 1 medium red onion, very thinly sliced

Vinegars:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or additional white vinegar

Seasonings and Sweeteners:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice red onions into translucent, uniform rings using a sharp knife.
2. Sterilize a glass jar by washing thoroughly with hot, soapy water and drying completely.
3. Tightly pack the sliced onions into the prepared jar, ensuring minimal air pockets.
4. In a saucepan, combine water, vinegars, sweetener, salt, and red pepper flakes, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Carefully pour the hot brine over the onions, ensuring complete coverage and leaving minimal headspace.
6. Use a clean utensil to press down the onions, releasing any trapped air bubbles and guaranteeing full immersion.
7. Allow the jar to cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, letting the flavors begin to meld.
8. Securely seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the refrigerator.
9. Let the pickled onions rest and develop flavor for 24-48 hours before consuming, allowing the brine to thoroughly infuse the onions with tangy, spicy notes.

Notes

• Choose red or white onions for vibrant color and crisp texture in your pickled onions.
• Slice onions uniformly thin using a sharp knife or mandoline for consistent pickling and better absorption of flavors.
• Experiment with different vinegar combinations like apple cider and white vinegar for unique tangy profiles.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level, making the pickled onions mild or spicy according to personal preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 38 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg