Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Red Onions are a quick and easy condiment that adds a tangy, vibrant flavor to sandwiches, salads, tacos, and more. This simple recipe uses red onions, vinegar, and a few basic seasonings to create a pickle that’s ready to enjoy in just a few hours. With their striking color and zesty taste, these pickled onions will become a staple in your fridge!
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Quick and Easy: Ready in a few hours, no canning required.
- Versatile Flavor: Adds a burst of acidity to various dishes.
- Bright and Colorful: Beautiful pink color enhances presentation.
- Long-Lasting: Keeps well in the fridge for weeks.
- Minimal Ingredients: Basic pantry items and fresh onions.
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What is Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Red Onions?
Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Red Onions are thinly sliced red onions marinated in a vinegar solution with a bit of sugar and salt, creating a tangy and slightly sweet pickle that adds flavor and crunch to any dish.
Ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Red Onions
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar for a sharper taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Red Onions
Step 1: Prepare the Onion
Peel the red onion and slice it thinly using a sharp knife or mandolin. Place the sliced onion in a medium-sized bowl or directly in a glass jar for easy storage.
Step 2: Make the Pickling Brine
In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Add the peppercorns and bay leaf if using. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let the brine cool for a couple of minutes.
Step 3: Pour the Brine Over the Onions
Pour the warm pickling brine over the sliced onions in the bowl or jar, ensuring that the onions are fully submerged. Gently press down with a spoon if needed.
Step 4: Let the Onions Marinate
Cover the bowl or seal the jar with a lid and let the onions sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Serve or Store
Serve the pickled onions immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They add a burst of color and flavor to tacos, salads, burgers, and more!
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Red Onions
- Tacos: Adds a tangy crunch to any taco filling.
- Burgers: Perfect for topping burgers with a zesty bite.
- Salads: Use as a topping in grain bowls or green salads.
- Sandwiches: Great in deli sandwiches or wraps.
- Charcuterie Board: Complements meats and cheeses beautifully.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Red Onions
- Slice Thinly: Thin slices absorb the brine faster, making them more flavorful.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary adds a nice herbal note.
- Experiment with Vinegar: White vinegar gives a sharper taste; apple cider vinegar is milder.
- Chill for Best Flavor: For maximum flavor, refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Red Onions
- Spicy Pickled Onions: Add a sliced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Citrus Twist: Substitute part of the vinegar with lime or lemon juice.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for extra flavor.
- Honey-Sweetened: Replace sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness.
- Garlic Pickle: Add a crushed clove of garlic to the brine for a subtle garlic flavor.
How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Red Onions
Store leftover pickled red onions in a sealed jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The onions become more flavorful the longer they sit in the brine.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 10 kcal
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
FAQs
How long do Jamie Oliver’s pickled red onions last in the fridge?
Jamie Oliver’s pickled red onions can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. They actually become more flavorful over time as they marinate in the brine.
Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar to pick up red onions?
Yes, white vinegar can be used in place of apple cider vinegar. It gives a sharper taste to the pickled onions, while apple cider vinegar has a slightly milder, fruity flavor.
Can I reduce the sugar in pickled red onions?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to your taste preference. Reducing the sugar will make the pickled onions less sweet and more tangy, which some people prefer.
Do I need to boil the brine to pickle red onions?
Heating the brine helps dissolve the sugar and salt, allowing the flavors to blend faster. However, you don’t need to bring it to a full boil—just warm it until the sugar and salt dissolve, then pour over the onions for quick pickling.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Red Onions are a simple, vibrant addition to any dish, bringing a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that enhances everything from tacos to salads. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, this recipe is a must-have for adding a pop of flavor and color to your meals. Enjoy this versatile condiment any time!
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PrintJamie Oliver Pickled Red Onions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for brine preparation)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Quick Pickling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Red Onions are thinly sliced red onions marinated in a vinegar solution with a bit of sugar and salt, creating a tangy and slightly sweet pickle that adds flavor and crunch to any dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar for a sharper taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Peel the red onion and slice it thinly using a sharp knife or mandolin. Place the sliced onion in a medium-sized bowl or directly in a glass jar for easy storage.
In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Add the peppercorns and bay leaf if using. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let the brine cool for a couple of minutes.
Pour the warm pickling brine over the sliced onions in the bowl or jar, ensuring that the onions are fully submerged. Gently press down with a spoon if needed.
Cover the bowl or seal the jar with a lid and let the onions sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Serve the pickled onions immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They add a burst of color and flavor to tacos, salads, burgers, and more!