old fashioned pickled onion recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best old fashioned pickled onion recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my old fashioned pickled onion recipe that’s been passed down through generations. This recipe originated in the southern United States, where it was a staple in many households.

The sweet and tangy flavor of pickled onions is a perfect addition to any meal, and I love how they add a burst of flavor to sandwiches, burgers, and salads. The key to making great pickled onions is using the right type of onions, which should be thinly sliced and have a sweet, mild flavor.

To make this recipe, you’ll need to soak the onions in a brine made with vinegar, sugar, and spices for at least 24 hours. This will give them time to develop their unique flavor and texture.

I like to use a combination of white and yellow onions for their sweet flavor and crunchy texture. Once the onions are pickled, you can store them in the fridge for up to 6 months.

They’re perfect for snacking on their own or adding to your favorite dishes. My kids love them on hot dogs and hamburgers, and I like to serve them as a side dish at family gatherings.

The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make – just slice the onions, mix up the brine, and let them sit! It’s a great way to preserve fresh onions and add some excitement to your meals.

Old Fashioned Pickled Onions

4.8 from 1412 votes

This recipe for old fashioned pickled onions is a classic condiment that adds a tangy kick to any meal. Thinly sliced red onions are pickled in a vinegar solution with sugar, salt, and spices, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful accompaniment to sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie boards.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pickled Onions

1 lb red onions
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp black peppercorns
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
2 bay leaves

For the Spice Blend

1 tsp black peppercorns
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
2 bay leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Peel the onions and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.
2Place the sliced onions in a sterilized jar.
Set aside.
3In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
4Stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
5Add the black peppercorns, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, and bay leaves to the saucepan.
6Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
7Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
8This allows the spices to infuse into the liquid, enhancing the flavor of the pickling solution.
9Remove from heat.
10Pour the hot pickling solution over the sliced onions in the jar, ensuring that the onions are fully submerged.
11If necessary, press the onions down gently with a spoon to make sure they are covered by the liquid.
12Seal the jar tightly with a lid and let it cool to room temperature.
13Once cooled, refrigerate the pickled onions for at least 24 hours before serving.
14This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more robust and tangy pickle.
15Store the pickled onions in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
16The onions will continue to absorb the pickling solution, becoming more flavorful over time.

🔧Equipment

Cutting board
Sharp knife
Saucepan
Small bowl
Sterilized jar with lid

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 2400mg🌾Total Carbs: 80g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 55g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier pickle, add a few chopped red pepper flakes to the pickling solution. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or red wine vinegar, for a unique flavor profile.

Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned Pickled Onions Works

This old fashioned pickled onion recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving it as a side dish at family gatherings or adding it as a topping on sandwiches or burgers. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can customize the flavor by using different types of spices or adjusting the amount of sugar in the brine.

To store pickled onions long-term, make sure they’re completely submerged in their brine liquid before sealing the container in an airtight container. You can also reheat them by simmering them in their brine liquid on low heat until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Pickled Onions

Q: What type of onions are best for pickling?

A: The best type of onion for pickling is one that has a sweet, mild flavor. White and yellow onions are great options because they have a higher water content than red onions, which makes them easier to slice thinly.

Q: How long does it take for pickled onions to be ready?

A: It takes at least 24 hours for pickled onions to develop their unique flavor and texture. During this time, they’ll absorb all the flavors of the brine and become slightly sweet and tangy.

Q: Can I use store-bought vinegar instead of making my own brine?

A: While store-bought vinegar can be used as a substitute, it’s not ideal because it doesn’t have the same depth of flavor as homemade brine. Making your own brine from scratch allows you to control the amount of sugar and spices that go into it, which makes all the difference in the final product.

Q: How do I store pickled onions once they’re made?

A: Pickled onions can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 months. To keep them fresh longer, make sure they’re completely submerged in their brine liquid before sealing the container.

Q: Can I use pickled onions as a topping for salads or other dishes?

A: Yes! Pickled onions make a great addition to salads, wraps, tacos, or any other dish where you want a burst of flavor.

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