Japanese Pickled Onions

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I love these Japanese Pickled Onions, especially with sushi rolls! They add a crunchy and zingy kick that makes everything more delicious. You can also try them in salads, sandwiches, or on the side of your favorite meals. They’re super easy to make and bring a yummy twist to your dishes.

How to Use Japanese Pickled Onions?

Japanese Pickled Onions can be a versatile and flavorful addition to various dishes. Here are some delightful ways to use them:

  1. Salads: Toss these pickled onions into green salads or grain bowls for a zesty and crunchy element.
  2. Sandwiches and Wraps: Elevate your sandwiches or wraps by layering these pickled onions for a burst of tanginess.
  3. Rice Bowls: Garnish rice or noodle bowls with these pickled onions to add a pop of flavor and texture.
  4. Tacos or Tostadas: Top your tacos or tostadas with these pickled onions for a refreshing contrast to savory fillings.
  5. Sushi Rolls: Include these pickled onions as a tasty component in homemade sushi rolls for added complexity.
  6. BBQ or Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled meats to cut through richness and provide a vibrant contrast.
  7. Appetizer Platters: Arrange them on appetizer platters with cheeses, crackers, and cured meats for a flavorful accompaniment.
  8. Stir-Fries: Mix into stir-fries during the final moments of cooking for a burst of acidity.

Let’s Make Japanese Pickled Onions

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup red onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix until sugar and salt dissolve.
  2. Add the thinly sliced red onions to the mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Serve chilled and enjoy these Japanese pickled onions as a zesty and crunchy accompaniment to your favorite dishes. They add a delightful burst of tanginess to salads, sandwiches, or rice bowls.

What Ingredients Can I Add?

The beauty of pickled onions lies in their versatility, and you can customize the recipe to suit your taste. Here are some optional ingredients you can add to enhance the flavor:

  1. Garlic: Add minced or sliced garlic for a savory kick.
  2. Ginger: Freshly grated ginger can provide a subtle warmth to the pickled onions.
  3. Chili Flakes: For a spicy kick, sprinkle in red chili flakes or add sliced fresh chili.
  4. Whole Spices: Experiment with whole spices like coriander seeds, mustard seeds, or peppercorns.
  5. Herbs: Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or cilantro can add a fragrant touch.
  6. Citrus Zest: Grated lemon or orange zest can introduce a citrusy brightness.
  7. Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce can contribute umami flavor to the pickling liquid.

Feel free to mix and match these ingredients based on your preferences, creating a personalized batch of pickled onions that perfectly complements your favorite dishes.

FAQ

Can I use white vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

Yes, you can use white vinegar as a substitute, but keep in mind it might have a slightly different flavor. Adjust the quantity to taste.

How long do these pickled onions last in the refrigerator?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors may intensify over time.

Can I customize the level of sweetness or tanginess?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to tailor the pickled onions to your preferred taste.

Are Japanese Pickled Onions spicy?

Not by default. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding chili flakes or sliced fresh chili during the marination.

Can I reuse the pickling liquid for another batch?

Yes, you can reuse the liquid for a second batch, but the flavors may be milder. Refresh it with a bit more vinegar and sugar if needed.

Japanese Pickled Onions

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: CondimentCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

I love these Japanese Pickled Onions, especially with sushi rolls! They add a crunchy and zingy kick that makes everything more delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red onions, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

  • In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix until sugar and salt dissolve.
  • Add the thinly sliced red onions to the mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Serve chilled and enjoy these Japanese pickled onions as a zesty and crunchy accompaniment to your favorite dishes. They add a delightful burst of tanginess to salads, sandwiches, or rice bowls.