Description
A quick pickled red onion recipe infused with warm spices (star anise, cinnamon) and bright orange zest, offering a sophisticated counterpoint to meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300 g red onions, 2 medium, sliced thinly
- 240 mL white vinegar
- 120 mL filtered water
- 30 g granulated sugar
- 5 g fine sea salt
- 2 whole star anise pods
- 1 cinnamon stick, 7 cm / 3-inch
- 5 g whole black peppercorns
- zest from 1 small orange, wide strips
Instructions
- Prep Onions and Jar: Slice the red onions very thinly into rings. Place the sliced onions in a clean, heat-proof glass jar. Prepare the orange zest by peeling wide strips, ensuring you avoid the bitter white pith.
- Make Spiced Brine: In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, sea salt, star anise pods, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, and half of the orange zest strips. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved into the liquid. Allow the brine to come to a gentle simmer for 1-2 minutes to thoroughly infuse the spices before removing from the heat.
- Combine and Infuse: Carefully pour the hot, spiced pickling liquid directly over the sliced red onions in the jar. Press down gently on the onions to ensure all slices are completely submerged beneath the liquid.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Leave the jar uncovered at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to cool completely before covering tightly with a lid. Once cool, transfer the sealed jar to the refrigerator and let it pickle for at least 1 hour before serving; for optimal flavor, allow them to sit overnight.
Notes
Do not substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar as its flavor profile will conflict with the spices. Avoid iodized table salt which can create a bitter taste. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Quick Pickling
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 30 calories
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 625 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Quick pickled onions, condiment, easy side dish, orange spice, star anise, cinnamon, make ahead, meal prep