Crispy & Spicy Pickled Onions
Quick & Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickled Onions with Fresh Onions – Homemade Onion Pickle Recipe
Enjoy the delightful sweetness of fresh onions combined with a zesty, spicy marinade in these homemade pickled onions. Perfect for immediate enjoyment, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant side dish that will surely awaken your appetite. Learn how to create this wonderfully flavorful condiment with ease.
Main Ingredients- 2 Fresh Onions
- 4 Hot Peppers (e.g., Cheongyang peppers)
Dressing Ingredients- 8 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp White Sugar
- 4 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesilcheong)
- 8 Tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
- 8 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp White Sugar
- 4 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesilcheong)
- 8 Tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Peel and thoroughly wash the fresh onions. Using a knife, dice them into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 cm cubes. Cutting them too small might make them mushy, so aim for a moderate size.
Step 2
Remove the seeds from the hot peppers and slice them to a similar thickness as the onions. If you enjoy a spicier kick, use Cheongyang peppers. For milder heat, especially if serving to children, use less spicy peppers or adjust the quantity.
Step 3
Place the sliced onions and peppers into a large mixing bowl. Having them ready in the bowl beforehand will make the next steps smoother.
Step 4
In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, combine the soy sauce (8 Tbsp), white sugar (2 Tbsp), plum extract (4 Tbsp), and vinegar (8 Tbsp). Whisk well until the sugar is completely dissolved to create the dressing. The plum extract adds sweetness and depth, while the vinegar helps maintain the onion’s crispness.
Step 5
Pour the prepared dressing over the onions and peppers in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together with a spatula or spoon, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
Step 6
Once mixed, cover the bowl or wrap it with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. After this time, gently stir the mixture again to ensure the dressing penetrates evenly. This step helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7
After about an hour, the pickled onions will have absorbed the delicious savory and sweet flavors and are ready to be enjoyed immediately as a fantastic side dish. For an even richer flavor profile, refrigerate for about a day before serving. They are perfect as a staple side dish with rice or even as a refreshing element in salads.
