Recipe
Mexican Pickled Onions
Zesty Fiesta Onions: A Tangy Twist to Mexican Cuisine
4.6 out of 5
This recipe for Mexican Pickled Onions, known as Escabeche de cebolla, is a vibrant and tangy condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any Mexican dish. These zesty onions are a staple in Mexican cuisine, providing a refreshing and crunchy element to tacos, burritos, and more.
Metadata
Preparation time
10 minutes
Cooking time
5 minutes
Total time
15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Low calorie
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Paleo, Keto, Nut-free, Soy-free, Egg-free
Ingredients
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2 large red onions, thinly sliced 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
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1 cup (240ml) white vinegar 1 cup (240ml) white vinegar
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1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
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2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
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1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
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1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 45 kcal / 188 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 11g, 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 2g
- Salt: 590mg
Preparation
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1.In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
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2.Place the thinly sliced red onions in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.
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3.Let the onions cool to room temperature, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
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4.Once fully pickled, the onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Red onions — Make sure to slice the onions thinly for optimal pickling. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before pickling.
Tips & Tricks
- For a spicier kick, add a sliced jalapeño or chili pepper to the pickling mixture.
- Experiment with different vinegars such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for unique flavor variations.
- These pickled onions are not only delicious in Mexican dishes but also make a fantastic addition to sandwiches, salads, and grilled meats.
- To enhance the visual appeal, use a mandoline slicer to achieve uniformly thin onion slices.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the amount of sugar in the pickling mixture.
Serving advice
Serve Mexican Pickled Onions as a condiment alongside tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or grilled meats. They also make a colorful and tangy addition to salads, sandwiches, and nachos.
Presentation advice
Arrange the vibrant pink pickled onions in a small bowl or jar, allowing their beautiful color to shine. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro or a lime wedge for an extra touch of freshness.
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