Quick Korean Pickled Onions

Quick Korean Pickled Onions have become a staple in my kitchen. The vibrant tanginess and sweetness of these onions add a special touch to any meal. I love to serve Quick Korean Pickled Onions alongside grilled meats or toss them into fresh salads for a flavor boost. Making these pickled onions is so simple and quick; you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Preparing the Onions and Brine

To start, I prepare four medium-sized red onions by slicing them thinly. The uniform slices are essential for even pickling. I place them in a clean mason jar, ready to soak up all the delicious flavors. Then, I make the pickling brine by combining rich soy sauce, granulated sugar, distilled white vinegar, and filtered water in a saucepan. I heat this mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar is dissolved, I remove it from the heat and pour the hot brine over the onions. It’s such a satisfying moment, watching the liquid completely cover the vibrant onion slices!

The Marinating Magic

I seal the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for about 24 hours. During this time, the flavors meld beautifully, transforming the simple onions into a delightful side dish. I can hardly wait to pop the jar in the fridge! After the marinating period, I transfer the jar to the refrigerator, allowing the Quick Korean Pickled Onions to cool thoroughly before serving. These pickled onions taste even better after a day or two, making them perfect for meal prep.

Whenever I serve Quick Korean Pickled Onions, my family and friends can’t get enough. They bring a burst of color and flavor to any table, and I love that they are so versatile. Whether I’m hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet meal at home, these tangy and sweet pickled onions are always a hit. With just a little bit of effort, I can create a delicious side dish that elevates my cooking and impresses everyone around me!

Chef’s Notes- Quick Korean Pickled Onions

• Uniform Slicing: Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice the onions thinly and uniformly. This helps ensure even pickling and reduces tearing, making the process easier and more enjoyable.
• Quick Soaking: For a faster pickling process, soak the sliced onions in ice water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the pickling brine. This can help reduce their pungency and enhance their crunchiness.
• Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar amount in the pickling solution according to your taste preference. If you prefer a sweeter pickle, add more sugar; for a tangier flavor, reduce it slightly.
• Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional spices in the pickling brine. Consider adding black peppercorns, crushed garlic cloves, or a pinch of chili flakes for an extra kick.
• Storage Tips: Store the pickled onions in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. They can last up to two weeks, but they’re best consumed within the first week for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: These pickled onions are versatile and can elevate a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, tacos, rice bowls, salads, and sandwiches. Use them as a tangy topping or a refreshing side.
• Customizing Ingredients: For dietary restrictions, consider using tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option, or swap out white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor.

Quick Korean Pickled Onions

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Side DishCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

500

kcal

Resting Time

24

minutes

Total time

24

minutes

Experience the vibrant flavors of Korea with this quick and easy pickled onions recipe! Perfect as a versatile banchan, these tangy and sweet onions complement any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking to elevate your everyday dishes, these pickled onions are a must-have in your kitchen. Learn how to create this simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with everything from grilled meats to fresh salads. Get ready to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds with this straightforward and delicious Korean classic!

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized Crisp red onions thinly sliced

• Pickling Solution

• 1 cup rich soy sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 cups distilled white vinegar

• 2 cups filtered water

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

• Honey or maple syrup in place of sugar as a natural sweetener.

• Apple cider vinegar instead of distilled white vinegar for a milder taste.

• Yellow or white onions can be used instead of red onions if desired.

Directions

• Prepare Onions – Begin by slicing the red onions into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even pickling. Place the sliced onions into a clean, airtight container such as a mason jar or a sealable Tupperware.
• Make Pickling Brine – In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Immediately remove from heat once boiling to prevent overcooking.
• Combine and Marinate – Carefully pour the hot pickling solution over the onions in the container, making sure the liquid fully covers the onions. Seal the container tightly and let it sit at room temperature for about 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
• Refrigerate and Serve – After marinating, transfer the jar to the refrigerator to chill. Allow the pickled onions to cool thoroughly before serving. Enjoy this tangy and versatile side dish with your favorite meals.

Equipment

• food storage containers
• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board

Notes

• Ensure you use a sharp knife to slice the onions uniformly, which prevents excessive tearing and promotes even pickling. For a quicker pickling process, you can briefly soak the sliced onions in ice water before marinating. These pickled onions make a fantastic accompaniment to grilled dishes, tacos, sandwiches, and salads. Experiment by adding spices such as black peppercorns, garlic cloves, or chili flakes to the pickling brine for an extra flavor boost. Remember to store the pickled onions in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and extend their shelf life up to two weeks.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 500kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Potassium: 200mg
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 50g
• Protein: 5g
• Vitamin A: 500IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 20mg
• Iron: 2mg

FAQs- Quick Korean Pickled Onions

How long do the pickled onions need to marinate?

The onions should marinate for at least 24 hours at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, refrigerate them after the initial marinating period and enjoy them within two weeks.

Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?

Yes! While red onions are traditional for their vibrant color and flavor, you can also use yellow or white onions if preferred. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

What can I use instead of sugar in the pickling solution?

If you prefer a natural sweetener, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for granulated sugar. Adjust the amount to taste, as these sweeteners can vary in sweetness.

Are these pickled onions suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These pickled onions are a great addition to meal prep. They can enhance various dishes throughout the week and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Can I can these pickled onions for long-term storage?

This recipe is intended for refrigerator pickling rather than canning. If you want to preserve them for longer, you’ll need to follow proper canning procedures, including sterilizing jars and processing them in a water bath. However, the flavors may vary from the quick refrigerator method.