Sweet and Tangy Pickled Onions
Easy Homemade Pickled Onions: A Delicious Korean Side Dish
Introducing our delightful pickled onions, boasting a satisfying crunch and a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor! This easy-to-make side dish (banchan) uses the humble onion, often called a ‘pearl from the earth,’ and infuses it with the refreshing zest of lemon. The brine, a harmonious blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, creates a savory, sweet, and sour profile that’s incredibly appetizing. It’s a fantastic addition to any meal, and a secret weapon for elevating fried rice or bibimbap – just finely chop and add! Enjoy the healthy goodness of onions transformed into this delicious pickle.
Main Ingredients- 9 medium onions
- 2 red chili peppers
- 2 Korean green chili peppers (or other crisp, mild green chilies)
- 1/2 lemon
Brine Ingredients- 1 cup water (200ml)
- 1 cup vinegar (200ml)
- 3/4 cup soy sauce (150ml)
- 3/4 cup sugar (150g)
- 1 cup water (200ml)
- 1 cup vinegar (200ml)
- 3/4 cup soy sauce (150ml)
- 3/4 cup sugar (150g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by sterilizing the glass jar you’ll use for pickling. Submerge it in boiling water for 5 minutes, then carefully remove and let it air dry completely. Ensuring a clean jar is crucial for preserving your pickles.
Step 2
Prepare your vegetables and lemon. Peel the onions and trim off the ends. Cut them into quarters or sixths, depending on their size, into bite-sized pieces. Wash the red and green chili peppers, remove their stems, and slice them thinly on an angle. Wash the lemon thoroughly, slice it thinly, and remove any seeds. You can choose to leave the peel on for extra flavor.
Step 3
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 3/4 cup of soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it simmer for about 1 minute once boiling. Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of vinegar. Adding the vinegar off the heat helps preserve its bright, tangy flavor.
Step 4
Arrange the prepared onions, lemon slices, and chili peppers neatly in the sterilized glass jar. Layering them can make the jar look more attractive.
Step 5
Carefully pour the hot brine mixture over the ingredients in the jar, filling it to the brim. Ensure all the vegetables are submerged in the brine for even pickling. Securely close the lid of the jar.
