If you’re ready to add some tangy crunch to your life, these Pickled Onion Rings are just what you need. Quick, easy, and loaded with flavor, these pickled onions are perfect for topping burgers, adding to salads, or even enjoying as a snack.
The vinegar and spices give them a bold flavor that makes them stand out in any dish. Ready to get pickling?
Let’s dive in!
Pickled Onion Rings
Ingredients
For the Pickled Onion Rings
- 2 large red or yellow onions sliced into rings
- 1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 2 cloves garlic smashed
- 2 bay leaves
Optional Add-Ins
- Fresh dill sprigs or thyme
- Slices of jalapeño for extra spice
Substitutions
- Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Low-Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or reduce the sugar to taste.
Instructions
Prepare the Onions
- Peel the onions and slice them into rings about 1/4-inch thick.
- Separate the rings and place them in a heatproof jar or container.
Make the Pickling Brine
- In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes (if using), garlic, and bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
Pickle the Onion Rings
- Pour the hot brine over the onion rings, making sure they are fully submerged.
- If needed, weigh the onions down with a small plate or jar lid to keep them submerged.
Let the Onions Pickle
- Allow the onions to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate.
- For quick pickling, let the onions sit for at least 1 hour, but for deeper flavor, refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.
Serve
- Use the Pickled Onion Rings as a topping for burgers, tacos, sandwiches, salads, or enjoy them as a snack on their own.
- They add a perfect tangy crunch to any dish!
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1/4 cup of pickled onions):
- Calories: 25
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- If you prefer a sweeter pickle, you can increase the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons.
- You can experiment with different spices—add coriander seeds, fennel seeds, or even a cinnamon stick for unique flavor twists.
- For a more traditional pickled onion, stick with white or apple cider vinegar, but feel free to experiment with rice vinegar for a milder flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Pickled Onion Rings: Add slices of jalapeño or habanero peppers to the brine for a fiery kick.
- Herbed Pickled Onion Rings: Add a few sprigs of fresh dill, thyme, or rosemary to the jar for an herbaceous flavor.
- Citrus Pickled Onion Rings: Substitute some of the vinegar with freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: Pickled Onion Rings are a great addition to burgers, tacos, sandwiches, or grilled meats. They also work beautifully in salads or grain bowls for a pop of acidity. For a snack, try them alongside cheese and crackers.
- Make It Ahead: These onion rings taste even better after a day or two of pickling, so feel free to make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Storage Tips: Store the pickled onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 weeks. If the onions start to lose their vibrant color or become too soft, they’re past their prime.
A Tangy, Crunchy Twist on a Classic
If you love the crispy bite of onion rings but crave something with a little extra zing, pickled onion rings are about to become your new obsession. These rings combine the tangy brightness of pickled onions with the crispy, golden crunch of deep-fried goodness, creating a flavor-packed snack that’s both familiar and refreshingly unique. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or a bold burger topping, these onion rings bring a whole new level of depth and contrast to your favorite foods.
Why Pickling Makes Onion Rings Even Better
Pickling onions before frying gives them a distinctive, mouthwatering tang that cuts through the richness of the crispy batter. The acidity from the vinegar softens the onions slightly, allowing them to retain their natural sweetness while enhancing their overall flavor. This means every bite delivers a balance of crispiness, tartness, and a hint of sweetness, making them more dynamic than traditional onion rings.
A Perfect Contrast of Texture and Flavor
The key to making these next-level onion rings is ensuring the perfect balance of textures:
- Crispy Exterior – A light, airy batter that turns golden and crunchy when fried.
- Tangy, Tender Onion – The pickling process ensures the onions stay flavorful and slightly soft, making them easy to bite through without losing their crunch.
- Slight Sweetness – The natural sugars in the onions, combined with the tangy brine, create a beautifully balanced bite.
Ways to Enjoy Pickled Onion Rings
These crispy, tangy rings aren’t just for snacking—they can elevate a variety of dishes:
- As a Burger Topping – Swap out traditional onions for pickled onion rings to add an extra crispy, zesty punch.
- With Dipping Sauces – Pair with spicy aioli, ranch, honey mustard, or a creamy chipotle sauce for a bold flavor contrast.
- On Tacos or Sandwiches – Add crunch and acidity to BBQ sandwiches, pulled pork, or grilled chicken tacos.
- As a Side Dish – Serve alongside steak, fried chicken, or grilled seafood for a fresh take on a classic pairing.
A Unique Twist on a Fried Favorite
Pickled onion rings take everything you love about classic onion rings and add a tangy, mouthwatering surprise. They’re crispy, bold, and just the right amount of indulgent—perfect for those who love a snack with a little extra personality.
Once you try these, you may never go back to regular onion rings again!
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it—Pickled Onion Rings that are tangy, crunchy, and perfect for elevating any dish! These pickled onions are not only incredibly easy to make but also versatile, adding a delicious burst of flavor to everything from burgers and sandwiches to salads and tacos. Whether you’re prepping them for a meal or enjoying them as a snack, these pickled onion rings are sure to add a zesty twist to your table. So grab your onions and vinegar, and get pickling! Enjoy!
I will try this recipe. I usually prepare it but without the mustard grains. ca may make a big difference in taste