Sweet and Spicy Pickled Red Onions Recipe

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This sweet and spicy pickled red onions recipe is so good you may start to put it on everything. Pickled onions truly are the perfect condiment.

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This spicy pickled red onions recipe is so good you may not even give it enough time to do its pickling thing. Try to be patient though. It has a bit of sweetness from the sugar, spicy from the vinegar, onion, and peppercorns and of course the perfect amount of crunch. If you like standard refrigerator pickles then you are going to love these spicy pickled onions. 

Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe

To make this pickled onion recipe you will need a few simple ingredients:

• 2 small red onions 
• 1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar 
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp peppercorns
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf

This simple recipe does also require a mason jar or similar glass container for storage. 

How to Make this Spicy Pickled Red Onion Recipe

First and foremost you will need to slice your red onions into half rings. You can do this either with a sharp knife and a cutting board or a mandolin slicer. Set your sliced red onions aside.

In a small saucepan, mix the vinegar, water, minced garlic, peppercorns, sugar, salt, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.

Since there are different types of vinegar you may ask: Does it matter which vinegar you use when pickling red onions? The answer is no, not really. You can use apple cider vinegar for a bit more sweet flavor, or white vinegar if you want a tangy flavor. Alternatively, you can use rice vinegar, or create a vinegar mixture with a combination of any two. 

Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil.

Put the sliced onions in a mason jar, and add the pickling liquid.

Next, secure the glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and leave it out on the counter to cool at room temperature. Once cooled to room temperature store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 24 hours to 3 days.

Serve and enjoy!

What to Eat With Pickled Onions?

Spicy pickled red onions are probably the most underrated perfect condiment. They complement a wide variety of dishes such as:

• topping for fish tacos
• add them to your salad
• perfect on a burger
• this particular recipe pairs well with your favorite Mexican dishes like burrito bowls
• creative topping for avocado toast
• add to hot dogs in place of saurkraut 

Are There Health Benefits of Pickled Onions?

Yes! This easy spicy pickled onions recipe is a great way to add soluble fiber to your diet. It is rich in folate and vitamin B9, which could improve cardiovascular health. And the fermentation process produces probiotics and digestive enzymes which are amazing for gut health. If this becomes one of your favorite foods, go ahead and enjoy it on a regular basis!

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