Pickled Red Onions With Pickling Spice

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Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Toya

This easy recipe for pickled red onions with pickling spice is the easiest way to enjoy pickled onions. My pickled red onions, infused with a well-balanced blend of hand-selected pickling spices, will transform many dishes and change the way you view pickled onions!

When it comes to making pickled red onions, most recipes are made with a few ingredients which include water, white vinegar, black peppercorns, garlic, sea salt, and sugar. However, today, I’ll show you how I make the most mouthwatering pickled onions with the addition of my pickling spice. They’re the most flavorful pickled onions I’ve ever tasted and they’re so versatile too! And, if you find that you like these pickled onions, you should also try my pickled eggs, my mouthwatering pickled garlic cloves, and my dill pickles that are made with my pickling spice blend recipe and this easy pickling brine!

Pickled red onions with pickling spice ingredients

• 3 large red onions
• 2 tablespoons pickling spice mix
• 1 ½ cup vinegar
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 ½ tbsp salt
• 1 ½ tbsp sugar (I like using brown sugar)

How to make pickled red onions with pickling spice

Gather all the ingredients in one place.

Pour the vinegar and water into a saucepan. Then add salt, and sugar into the saucepan and place over medium for 3 -5 minutes. Mix with a wooden spoon to dissolve the salt and sugar.

Set the brine aside for a few minutes while you prepare the onions.

Grab a chopping board and a sharp knife. Chop up your onions. Then place the chopped onions in a 32-ounce mason jar.

Add half of the pickling spice mix to the jar. Pour enough brine into the mason jar to cover all the onions. Add another tablespoon of pickling spice to the jar. Seal shut and let it come to room temperature. Then place in the fridge for up to two weeks.

My onions were thickly sliced, therefore, they were ready to eat within 24 hours. However, if your onions are more thinly sliced, you can enjoy them within an hour or two. You’ll know they’re ready once they turn bright pink and are tender.

How to use pickled red onions

Pickled onions are a versatile and flavorful condiment that can enhance a wide variety of dishes. Their tangy, sweet, and sometimes spicy flavor profile adds a unique twist to both savory and even some sweet dishes. Here are some popular uses for pickling spice pickled red onions:

1. Tacos and Burritos: Pickled onions provide a zesty and crunchy element to tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. They balance the richness of meats and add a burst of flavor.
2. Sandwiches and Burgers: Layer pickled onions onto sandwiches and burgers for an extra kick of flavor and a satisfying crunch. They can elevate the taste of both cold and hot sandwiches.
3. Salads: Pickled onions make a fantastic addition to salads, offering a tangy contrast to fresh greens and other ingredients. They can turn a simple salad into a flavor-packed delight.
4. Grilled Meats and Seafood: The acidity of pickled onions complements the richness of grilled meats and seafood. They can be used as a topping or side dish to add brightness to the plate.
5. BBQ and Pulled Pork: Pickled onions can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the smoky and savory flavors of barbecue dishes, especially pulled pork.
6. Charcuterie and Cheese Boards: Pickled onions are a wonderful addition to charcuterie and cheese boards, offering a palate-cleansing element that balances the richness of cheeses and cured meats.
7. Ceviche: The tangy and slightly spicy nature of pickled onions makes them an ideal accompaniment to ceviche, a seafood dish typically marinated in citrus juices.
8. Hot Dogs and Sausages: Top your hot dogs or sausages with pickled onions for a burst of flavor and texture that cuts through the richness of the meat.
9. Grain Bowls and Buddha Bowls: Add pickled onions to grain bowls or Buddha bowls for an extra layer of flavor and color. They work well with a variety of grains and vegetables.
10. Curries and Indian Dishes: Pickled onions can be a tangy and flavorful addition to curries and other Indian dishes, providing a unique contrast to the spices and flavors.
11. Fish Tacos: Pickled onions are a classic topping for fish tacos, enhancing the flavors of the fish and the other taco fillings.
12. Noodle Dishes: Incorporate pickled onions into noodle dishes, such as ramen or cold noodle salads, to add a tangy and crunchy element.
13. Avocado Toast: Elevate your avocado toast by adding a layer of pickled onions for an extra burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch.
14. Omelets and Scrambles: Use pickled onions as a garnish for omelets and scrambled eggs to add a tangy and flavorful twist.
15. Dips and Salsas: Chop some of these pickled red onions finely and mix them into dips and salsas for added flavor and texture.

These are just a few of the many ways you can enjoy pickled red onions. Their versatility and unique taste make them a wonderful addition to a wide range of dishes, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different culinary combinations.