Pickled onions
Here’s a recipe for pickled onions made with red onion, bacon, butter, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. This combination creates a flavorful and savory pickled onion with a hint of sweetness and smokiness from the bacon.
Instructions:
Cook the Bacon
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the pan, let it cool, and then crumble it into small pieces.
Cook the Onions
- In the same skillet, add the butter.
- Once melted, add the thinly sliced red onions.
- Cook the onions over medium heat until they become soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Brown Sugar and Balsamic Vinegar
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and stir until it’s dissolved.
- Pour in the balsamic vinegar, stirring to combine.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and thickened slightly.
Season the Mixture
- Season the mixture with black pepper to taste.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
Combine with Bacon
- Stir in the crumbled bacon, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Cool and Store
- Allow the pickled onion mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer it to a clean, airtight jar or container.
- Refrigerate for at least a few hours or overnight before serving.
Pickled onions can add a burst of tangy and savory flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are some ways you can use pickled onions:
Salads
Toss pickled onions into green salads, pasta salads, or grain salads for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Burgers and Sandwiches
Top your burgers, sandwiches, or wraps with pickled onions to add a zesty kick. They work well with both meat and vegetarian options.
Tacos and Burritos
Add pickled onions as a topping for tacos, burritos, or any Mexican-inspired dish. They complement the flavors of beans, meats, and salsas.
Hot Dogs
Upgrade your hot dogs by adding pickled onions along with other toppings like mustard and relish.
Cheese and Charcuterie Boards
Serve pickled onions alongside cheese and cured meats on a charcuterie board. They provide a tangy contrast to rich cheeses and fatty meats.
Grilled Meats
Pair pickled onions with grilled meats, such as steak or chicken. The acidity helps cut through the richness of the meat.
Fish Tacos
Enhance the flavor of fish tacos with pickled onions. The acidity can balance the richness of the fish.
Dips
Mix chopped pickled onions into sour cream or Greek yogurt to create a flavorful dip for chips or veggies.
Barbecue
Serve pickled onions as a side with barbecue dishes. They add a refreshing element to the smoky and savory flavors of grilled meats.
Noodles and Rice Bowls
Incorporate pickled onions into noodle dishes or rice bowls for added flavor and texture.
Wraps and Roll-Ups
Include pickled onions in wraps or roll-ups for an extra burst of flavor.
Pizza
Garnish your pizza with pickled onions for a tangy twist. They can complement a variety of pizza toppings.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite ways to enjoy pickled onions!
