Bobby Flay’s easy pickled onions are a great way to add zing to your meals! Made with red onions, vinegar, and a sprinkle of sugar, they bring a delicious crunch and a tangy flavor.
These bright and tasty onions are perfect on tacos, salads, or sandwiches. I love how quick they are to whip up—just mix, let them sit, and voilà! You’ve got a tasty topping ready to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Onion: Fresh red onions add a lovely color and mild flavor. If you can’t find red onions, yellow onions or even shallots can work as substitutes, though they’ll have a different taste.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives the pickles a sweet and tangy flavor. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or rice vinegar are good options. Each will slightly alter the taste but will still be delicious.
Sugar: This balances the acidity of the vinegar. For a healthier alternative, you can use honey or agave syrup instead, but adjust the quantity to taste since they are sweeter.
Kosher Salt: It helps dissolve into the pickling brine. If you only have table salt, use a little less as it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Make My Pickled Onions Extra Crunchy?
Getting perfectly crunchy pickled onions is all about how you prepare them! Start by slicing the onions thinly but evenly; this ensures they pickle nicely. You can soak them in ice water for about 15-20 minutes before pickling. This process helps them stay crunchy.
- After slicing, soak in ice water—this removes some sharpness and enhances the crunch.
- Use fresh ingredients and ensure the pickling liquid is warm but not boiling when you pour it over the onions. A gentle pour helps keep them crisp.
- Storing them in the fridge helps maintain their texture. Use a glass jar to prevent any weird flavors from plastic.
Enjoy the zesty addition to your meals!
Bobby Flay’s Easy Pickled Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour for the onions to pickle at room temperature. If you prefer a stronger flavor, let them sit in the fridge for several hours or overnight for best results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
Start by peeling the red onion, then slice it thinly. You can cut it into rings or half-moons, whichever you like best! The thinner the slices, the quicker they will pickle.
2. Make the Pickling Liquid:
In a small saucepan, mix together the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and kosher salt. Heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar and salt completely dissolve. This step creates a sweet and tangy brine that will flavor your onions.
3. Cool the Liquid:
Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the pickling liquid to cool for a minute or two. It’s important that it cools down a bit before pouring it over the onions.
4. Combine Onions and Brine:
Place the sliced onions in a clean jar or bowl. Carefully pour the warm pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are completely submerged in the brine.
5. Allow to Pickle:
Let the onions sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. If you’d like them to pickle more intensely, pop them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld wonderfully!
6. Enjoy Your Pickled Onions:
Once the onions are ready, use them immediately or keep them stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They make a fantastic addition to tacos, sandwiches, salads, or any dish that needs that extra zing!
Enjoy your bright and tangy creation—perfect for sprucing up any meal!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bobby Flay’s Easy Pickled Onions
Can I Use White Onions Instead of Red Onions?
Yes, you can use white onions if you prefer! They will give a sharper flavor and won’t have the same vibrant color, but they still work great for pickling.
How Long Can I Store Pickled Onions?
You can store your pickled onions in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they are completely submerged in the pickling liquid to keep them flavorful and crunchy!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Pickling Liquid?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more or less sugar according to your taste. If you want a tangier flavor, reduce the sugar or try using a little honey or agave for a different twist.
What Can I Do with Leftover Pickling Liquid?
The leftover pickling liquid can be reused for another batch of onions or even other vegetables like cucumbers or carrots! Just make sure to taste and adjust as necessary, especially if it’s been sitting for a while.
