Last Updated on February 22, 2022 by Guillermina
What are some red onion recipe ideas? I’m glad you asked! There are so many red onions recipes scattering the internet—from stir fry to avocado toast (Yes, avocado toast can have red onions on it people!), there are plenty of imaginative dinner recipes with red onions—-and breakfast and lunch ideas, too!
Cooking with red onions is thankfully super simple in that it is a versatile vegetable. Its striking purple color pigmentation snags the eye, but more importantly, are its nutritional benefits and promotion of flavor in recipes.
Take a peek at some of the nutrition benefits of red onions below and try out our favorite Vegan Pickled Red Onions recipe, easy to make and easier to enjoy!
4 Nutritional Benefits Of Red Onions
Prevents Cancer
Heavy carriers of sulfur compounds, red onion is a powerful nutritional tool in combating cancer. Sulfur compounds work to protect the body against free radical agents (also known as cancer cells) that cause ulcers and different forms of cancer.
Red onions also contain an essential antioxidant called quercetin. This antioxidant not only protects the body against the production of cancer, or cancer cells, but prevents heavy issues like heart disease and, more annoying than lethal, problems like allergies.
Great For Diabetics
For diabetics, red onions are recommended in their diet for good reason. Red onions aid in the body in the increase of insulin levels, which diabetics know is a huge issue when struggling with having diabetes as your body struggles with the breaking down of food which therefore affects insulin levels.
Lowers High Cholesterol
Red onions contain flavonoid compounds that are proven to reduce “bad” cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in people that struggle with obesity or high cholesterol. For those with high cholesterol, this can put those people at risk for heart disease, which is common for being highly lethal. The red onions flavonoid nutritional components aid in combatting the high cholesterol that causes this.
Aids Heart Health
As stated previously, red onions contain flavonoid compounds that lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, which can negatively affect heart health. Well, good news! The consumption of red onions, and the flavonoid compounds it contains, also aids in combating clot formation. This works to improve blood flow by reducing inflammation in blood vessels. All of this adds up to a healthier heart with a lower risk of heart disease!
What You Will Need To Make Vegan Pickled Red Onions
This is our favorite red onion recipe for Vegan Pickled Red Onions. Combining the power of red onions, rice vinegar, and optional desired ingredients for added flavor, this recipe is great when paired with Asian-based dishes like sushi bowls or buddha bowls.
Give this recipe a try!
Ingredients:
- ½ Cup Rice Vinegar
- 1 Large Red Onion
- 1 Tbsp Cane Sugar (Or Any Granulated Sugar)
- 1 Cup Hot Water
- 1 Tsp Himalayan Salt (Or Any Preferred Salt Variation)
Equipment:
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Utensils
- Measuring Cup
- Canning Jar
- Mandolin Slicer (Optional)
- Tea Kettle (To Heat Water/Optional)
- Small Bowl
- Small Whisk
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather The Ingredients And Equipment
Gather together all of the required ingredients and equipment needed to make the Pickled Onions.
Step 2: Heat The Water
There are a few different methods that can be used to heat up the water.
- A Tea Kettle
- Boil Water In A Pot
- Microwave A Cup Of Water
All options are acceptable. The preferred method is up to the individual. If you wish to use the tea kettle method, simply add the required amount of one cup of water, set it on the stovetop, and heat it until the water is properly heated. If using the second method, choose a small pot, place the measured one cup of water in, the pot, and heat on the stovetop until the water either simmer or boils. The quickest and easiest option is the third step. For this step, simply use the glass measuring cup or a microwave-safe cup, or bowl, measure out the one cup of water, and heat in the microwave until properly warm.
Step 3: Prepare The Red Onions
Using a cutting board and chef’s knife, cut the large red onion into thin slices. For a less difficult time getting precise thin slices, a mandolin would be a great tool to use but is not required.
Step 4: Combine
In a small bowl, whisk together the cane sugar, Himalayan salt, and hot water. Mix until the sugar and salt fully dissolve (the hot water causes this). Then, add in the rice vinegar. Mix to combine.
Step 5: Add The Ingredients To The Canning Jar
First, add the sliced red onions to the canning jar. Stuff them in until they reach the top. Next, add the mixture from the previous step to the canning jar. Place the lid on the canning jar.
Step 6: Allow The Red Onions To Ferment
After adding all of the ingredients to the canning jar and securing on the lid, allow the red onions to ferment in the added mixture. Once the jar mixture has reached room temperature, after the hot water has fully cooled, transfer the canned pickled red onions to the refrigerator overnight.
Step 7: Enjoy!
The next day, the batch of pickled red onions should be fully fermented and ready to be eaten. Add to your favorite sushi or buddha bowl dish to serve! Enjoy!
Tips And Tricks
A mandolin can be a super helpful tool used to get the desired “thinness” of the red onion slices. It can even work at a much faster speed compared to how fast some people chop items on cutting boards.
Add in garlic cloves and fresh chopped ginger to the canned pickled red onions for added flavor!
Other vegetables can be added to this mixture for some added variety. Radishes, bell peppers, jalapeños, and more!
Learn more about Are Sour Patch Kids Vegan?
Servings And Preparation Time
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Servings |
| 10 Minutes | 10 Minutes | 8 |
Conclusion
Did you enjoy this recipe? Make sure to leave a comment below to tell us what you think or if you have any questions. Don’t forget to share this article, “ What To Make With Red Onions”, for our favorite Vegan Pickled Red Onions Recipe.
Tag us on social media with your finished product and exquisite variations!
FAQs
red onion recipes
There are loads of red onions recipe out there, the power and flavor of this bright purple vegetable attracting eyes and tastebuds everywhere.
red onion recipe ideas
There are loads of red onion recipe ideas scattered the internet. Check out our favorite vegan Pickled Red Onions recipe.
dinner recipes with red onions
Try out our vegan Pickled Red Onions recipe to pair with your favorite sushi bowl!
cooking with red onions
Cooking with red onions is a simple task, check out are pickled red onions recipe to see for yourself!
Vegan Pickled Red Onions
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Utensils
- Measuring Cup
- Canning Jar
- Mandolin Slicer (Optional)
- Tea Kettle (To Heat Water/Optional)
- Small bowl
- Small Whisk
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Rice Vinegar
- 1 Large Red Onion
- 1 Tbsp Cane Sugar Or Any Granulated Sugar
- 1 Cup Hot Water
- 1 Tsp Himalayan Salt Or Any Preferred Salt Variation
Instructions
- Gather together all of the required ingredients and equipment needed to make the Pickled Onions.
- There are a few different methods that can be used to heat up the water. A Tea Kettle, Boil Water In A Pot, Microwave A Cup Of Water.
- All options are acceptable. The preferred method is up to the individual. If you wish to use the tea kettle method, simply add the required amount of one cup of water, set it on the stovetop, and heat it until the water is properly heated. If using the second method, choose a small pot, place the measured one cup of water in, the pot, and heat on the stovetop until the water either simmer or boils. The quickest and easiest option is the third step. For this step, simply use the glass measuring cup or a microwave-safe cup, or bowl, measure out the one cup of water, and heat in the microwave until properly warm.
- Using a cutting board and chef’s knife, cut the large red onion into thin slices. For a less difficult time getting precise thin slices, a mandolin would be a great tool to use but is not required.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cane sugar, Himalayan salt, and hot water. Mix until the sugar and salt fully dissolve (the hot water causes this). Then, add in the rice vinegar. Mix to combine.
- First, add the sliced red onions to the canning jar. Stuff them in until they reach the top. Next, add the mixture from the previous step to the canning jar. Place the lid on the canning jar.
- After adding all of the ingredients to the canning jar and securing on the lid, allow the red onions to ferment in the added mixture. Once the jar mixture has reached room temperature, after the hot water has fully cooled, transfer the canned pickled red onions to the refrigerator overnight.
- The next day, the batch of pickled red onions should be fully fermented and ready to be eaten. Add to your favorite sushi or buddha bowl dish to serve! Enjoy!