Tangy Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Zesty Red Onion Magic: Jamie Oliver’s Pickle Recipe

Zesty Jamie Oliver quick pickled red onions burst with flavor, transforming mundane meals into culinary adventures.

These vibrant crimson rings pack a tangy punch that electrifies every dish they touch.

Crisp and bold, they dance across your palate with a sharp, aromatic embrace.

Marinating these humble onions in a blend of vinegar and herbs works pure kitchen magic.

Simple ingredients create an extraordinary condiment that elevates sandwiches, tacos, and salads from ordinary to exceptional.

Each crunchy bite delivers a complex flavor explosion that will make your taste buds sing.

Unleash a world of culinary excitement with these magical pickled gems!

What’s in Jamie Oliver’s Quick Pickled Red Onions

For Pickling Base:
  • Sea Salt: Select high-quality, coarse sea salt for robust flavor and mineral richness.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Choose full-bodied vinegar with deep, complex taste profile.
  • White Wine Vinegar: Look for crisp, clean vinegar with bright acidic notes.
For Aromatic Herbs:
  • Thyme: Pick fresh, fragrant sprigs with vibrant green color and strong herbal scent.
  • Bay Leaves: Seek whole, unbroken leaves with rich, earthy aroma.
For Onion Varieties:
  • Red Onions, White Onions: Select firm, unblemished onions with tight, smooth skin and no soft spots, preferring locally sourced or organic options for best flavor.

Tools for Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Red Onions

  • Cooking pans: Two medium-sized pans for preparing vinegar bases and cooking onions.
  • Slotted spoon: For transferring softened onions from pans to jars without excess liquid.
  • Sharp kitchen knife: To peel and slice red and white onions precisely.
  • Mandoline slicer: Optional tool for uniform, thin onion slices.
  • Food processor: Alternative method for slicing onions quickly and evenly.
  • Wooden spoon: To stir vinegar mixtures and gently press onions during cooking.
  • Clean glass jars: For storing and preserving pickled onions with tight-fitting lids.
  • Measuring tools: For accurate salt and vinegar measurements.

Recipe Instructions for Pickled Red Onions

Recipe Instructions for Pickled Red Onions
  • Assemble Pickling Magic

Gather your kitchen warriors: sleek pans, vibrant vinegars, aromatic herbs, and crisp onions. Prepare sparkling glass jars that will soon cradle your tangy treasures.

  • Craft Flavor Foundations

Blend sea salt with red and white wine vinegars in separate pans. Sprinkle thyme and bay leaves into each liquid canvas, creating a robust taste landscape that will transform ordinary onions into culinary art.

  • Transform Onions

Slice red and white onions with precision using your favorite cutting tool. Aim for thin, elegant ribbons that will absorb the zesty marinade and become pickle perfection.

  • Infuse With Heat

Bring vinegar mixtures to a vigorous boil, stirring occasionally to distribute salt and herbs. Watch as the liquid dances and herbs release their aromatic magic.

  • Create Pickled Delights

Immerse red onions in red wine vinegar and white onions in white wine vinegar. Gently simmer for a few moments, allowing onions to soften and absorb the rich, tangy essence.

  • Preserve Your Creation

Transfer softened onions into clean jars, covering completely with their corresponding vinegar mixture. Seal tightly, trapping the vibrant flavors within.

  • Chill and Savor

Let jars cool naturally, then refrigerate. Your homemade pickled onions will be ready to elevate salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards for up to two weeks.

Flavor Tips for Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Red Onions

  • Pickle Like a Pro: Mastering Onion Preservation
  • Slice with Precision: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform, paper-thin onion cuts that look professional and pickle evenly. Sharp kitchen tools guarantee beautiful, consistent results every time.
  • Customize Your Flavor Profile: Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary, peppercorns, or crushed garlic cloves to create unique pickled onion variations. Bold spices transform basic pickles into gourmet condiments.
  • Temperature Matters: Keep vinegar mixtures at a gentle simmer to prevent onions from becoming mushy. Gentle heat preserves crisp texture and maintains vibrant color of your pickled onions.
  • Storage Secrets: Store pickled onions in sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Refrigeration extends shelf life and enhances flavor development over several days. Label jars with date for easy tracking.

Serving Suggestions for Pickled Red Onions

  • Elevate Salad Toppings: Sprinkle these tangy pickled onions over fresh green salads for a zesty crunch that transforms ordinary greens into a flavor explosion.
  • Jazz Up Sandwiches: Layer these vibrant pickled onions on grilled meats, burgers, or charcuterie boards to add a bright, acidic punch that cuts through rich flavors.
  • Gourmet Appetizer Accent: Serve alongside cheese platters or charcuterie boards as a sophisticated condiment that brings sharp, tangy notes to your appetizer spread.
  • Quick Meal Enhancer: Toss into grain bowls, tacos, or scrambled eggs to instantly elevate simple dishes with a burst of pickled goodness and complex flavor profile.

How to Store Jamie Oliver’s Pickled Red Onions

  • Preserve Perfectly: Store pickled onions in airtight glass jars to maintain maximum flavor and crispness. Always use clean, sterilized containers to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigerate Wisely: Keep pickled onions in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf. These tangy treats will stay fresh for 1-2 weeks when properly stored.
  • Flavor Development: Let pickled onions rest in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving. This waiting period allows herbs and vinegar to fully infuse the onions with rich, complex flavors.
  • Smart Serving Tips: Remove pickled onions from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to bring them to a slightly warmer temperature. Use clean utensils each time you retrieve onions to extend their shelf life and prevent contamination.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 45 kcal

Servings: 10

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tangy Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Tangy Pickled Red Onions Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Jamie Oliver’s quick pickled red onions deliver tangy, crisp flavors that elevate sandwiches and salads. Pickled in vinegar with gentle spices, these zesty onions add bright, fresh notes to multiple dishes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g red onions
  • 500 g white onions
  • 500 ml (17 fl oz) red wine vinegar
  • 500 ml (17 fl oz) white wine vinegar
  • ½ bunch fresh thyme (15 g)
  • 4 fresh bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Vinegar Preparation: Craft two distinct vinegar bases by combining sea salt, red wine vinegar with thyme sprigs in one pan, and white wine vinegar with bay leaves in another.
  2. Onion Processing: Expertly slice red and white onions into delicate, uniform pieces using a sharp knife or food processor.
  3. Infusion Technique: Bring vinegar mixtures to a rolling boil, then strategically introduce corresponding onion varieties into their designated vinegar bath.
  4. Cooking Transformation: Simmer onions on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, gently stirring to achieve a soft, translucent texture that absorbs the aromatic vinegar essence.
  5. Preservation Method: Transfer the delicately pickled onions into sterilized glass containers, completely submerging them in their respective vinegar infusions.
  6. Cooling and Storage: Allow the pickled onions to reach room temperature naturally, then seal jars and refrigerate to develop rich, tangy flavors.

Notes

  • Quick Flavor Boost: Add fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves to enhance the pickled onions’ taste profile and create a more complex, aromatic experience.
  • Slice Precision Matters: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create uniformly thin onion slices, ensuring even pickling and optimal texture.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat while cooking to prevent onions from becoming mushy, aiming for a soft, slightly translucent finish.
  • Storage Savvy: Store pickled onions in sterilized glass jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: UK

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 45
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star