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–+ servings
Open jar of pickled red onions showing vibrant pink onion slices, garlic, and spices.

Tangy and Spiced Pickled Red Onions

Make tangy pickled red onions with a unique blend of star anise, Sichuan pepper, and cardamom. Perfect for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. Ready in just 15 minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine Fusion, Global
Servings 3 jars
Calories 263 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1.65 lbs red onions thinly sliced (rings or half-moons)
  • 6 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • 1 ⅓ cup distilled vinegar
  • ⅔ cup white wine vinegar
  • 2 cups water
  • 6 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 ½ tsp Sichuan pepper
  • 6 cardamom pods slightly crushed
  • 1 ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 ½ tsp mustard seeds

Instructions
 

  • Peel and thinly slice the red onions into rings or half-moons. Thinly slice the garlic cloves and mix them with the sliced onions.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine distilled vinegar, white wine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Add star anise, Sichuan pepper, cardamom pods, cumin, and mustard seeds directly into the simmering brine. Let the spices steep for 2–3 minutes, allowing their flavors to infuse.
  • Place the sliced onions into sterilized jars, filling them about ¾ full. Carefully pour the hot brine, including the spices, over the onions in the jars, ensuring they are completely submerged.
  • Seal the jars tightly and allow them to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the jars to the refrigerator. Let the pickled onions rest for at least 24 hours to develop their flavor before serving.

Video

Notes

Keep the pickled onions refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 500mlCalories: 263kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 4680mgPotassium: 525mgFiber: 6gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 33IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 129mgIron: 3mg
Keyword pickled onion recipe, Pickled red onions, quick pickles, spiced pickled onions, tangy onions
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