Keto Pickled Onions Recipe

Last Updated on December 25, 2023 by Ellen Christian

Try this delicious keto pickled onions recipe. Homemade pickled onions are a sweet and tangy condiment as well as a colorful garnish for your food.

Keto Pickled Onions Recipe

There’s nothing quite as delightful as the pop of flavor from a tangy, sweet, homemade Keto pickled onion. This simple yet colorful condiment can elevate any dish. Its vibrant hue and crunchy texture can add a visual appeal to salads, burgers, tacos, and even your favorite grilled meats.

Experience the magic of transforming basic onions into an unique condiment right in your kitchen. The process is easy, and enjoyable, and requires ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. The end product is a jar full of jewel-toned onions, ready to add a burst of flavor to your meals.

These Keto pickled onions aren’t just a great addition to your meals but also make for wonderful homemade gifts. Pack them in a charming glass jar and you have a thoughtful, gourmet gift that your friends and family will appreciate. A jar of these vibrant, tangy-sweet onions is sure to impress any food connoisseur.

Serving Suggestions and Recipe Variations

These Keto pickled onions are extremely versatile and can be used in many ways. You can use them as a topping on your favorite salads, wraps, or sandwiches to add a tangy crunch. They also make a delightful addition to burgers, hot dogs, and tacos, offering a flavor contrast that complements the savory fillings. For an added twist, you can also use them as a garnish on grilled or roasted meats.

In terms of recipe variations, feel free to experiment with different types of onions such as red, white, or even shallots. Each offers a unique flavor profile that can make your pickled onions even more exciting. You could also infuse your pickled onions with other flavors.

Try adding spices like coriander, fennel seeds, or mustard seeds to the pickling solution. For a bit of heat, add a few slices of jalapeno or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Remember, the beauty of homemade pickles is in the customization. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe truly your own!

Pairing Ideas and More Serving Suggestions

Keto pickled onions are a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of dishes. Their tangy sweetness and vibrant color make them ideal for pairing with rich, hearty foods. For example, they can be served alongside a cheese platter, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy cheeses. Their crunch adds an interesting texture to soft cheeses while their acidity cuts through the richness, creating a well-balanced bite.

They can also be a great accompaniment to a charcuterie board, adding a pop of color and flavor against the salty cured meats. For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, consider topping a cracker with a slice of cheese, a bit of cured meat, and a piece of Keto pickled onion.

For seafood lovers, Keto pickled onions can be used to garnish a shrimp or crab cocktail. Their acidity and sweetness can also balance oily fish dishes like salmon or mackerel.

Sugar-Free Pickled Onions

For those following a keto diet and looking to avoid sugar, don’t worry–this pickled onions recipe has got you covered. Instead of sugar, you can use your favorite keto-friendly sweetener. Erythritol or Stevia are popular options that many people find to mimic the sweetness of sugar quite well.

Simply replace the sugar in your pickling solution with an equal amount of your chosen sweetener. This way, you can still savor the sweet-tangy flavor of pickled onions without straying from your keto dietary guidelines.

Remember, the key to a successful keto diet is finding suitable substitutes for high-carb ingredients. This delicious pickled red onions recipe is one of my favorite low-carb recipes.

Best Onions for Pickled Onions

While this recipe recommends the use of red onions for their vibrant color and sweet flavor, you can certainly experiment with other types. White onions, with their strong, sharp flavor, can add a different kind of kick to your pickles.

Yellow onions, known for their rich and complex flavor, can provide a depth of taste. Shallots, with their mild and slightly sweet flavor, can offer a subtle twist. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to play around with different types of onions to see which one suits your palate the best.

What Can I Use Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar?

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, you can easily substitute it with white vinegar. Although the flavor profile may slightly differ, white vinegar will still give your pickled red onions that essential tanginess. Just keep in mind that each type of vinegar lends its unique taste, so feel free to experiment and see which one you prefer.

The most important thing is that you enjoy the process and the end result—your very own, homemade pickled onions.

You can also experiment with red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even rice vinegar. The vinegar mixture will taste slightly different. But it will still be perfectly tangy.

What Can I Serve With Pickled Red Onions?

These quick pickled red onions can serve as a fantastic alternative to traditional sliced onions on your burgers and steak. Their unique sweet-tangy profile and appealing crunch bring a whole new dimension of flavor to these classic dishes. They not only enhance the taste but also add a splash of color, making your food visually more appealing.

Plus, the acidity of these pickled red onions acts as a perfect counterbalance to the rich, savory flavors of the meats. They can also be served as a side dish with any type of meat, introducing an excitingly tangy note to your main course. All in all, these pickled red onions promise to elevate your culinary experience!

How Long Do Pickled Red Onions Stay Good For?

If stored properly in a cool, dark place and kept refrigerated after opening, your sugar free pickled onions can stay good for up to two weeks. Make sure that the onions are always submerged in the vinegar solution to ensure their freshness.

It’s a good idea to label your jars with the date of preparation so you can keep track of their shelf life. Remember, the longer the onions stay in the pickling solution, the more flavorful they will become. Enjoy the tangy crunch of these pickled onions within this timeframe for the best quality and taste.

Be sure to store these in the refrigerator. They are not shelf stable.

Can you re-use the pickling liquid?

Yes, you can definitely re-use the pickling liquid. However, it’s advisable to do this no more than three times. After that, the liquid may lose some of its tanginess and the ability to properly preserve the onions. So, keep it simple: pickle, eat, and repeat up to three times.

Tools / Equipment

Mason jar or other glass jar with a lid
Medium saucepan
Sharp knife to get thinly sliced onions

Ingredients

2 large red onions, thinly sliced
3/4 cup apple or white vinegar
1/2 cup boiling water
1 tbsp erythritol or sweetener you prefer
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 teaspoon ginger
4-5 peas of allspice
4 clove buds
2 bay leaves
1 small chili
a little mint

How To Make Sugar Free Pickled Onions

1. Prepare the onions:

Start by thinly slicing the red onion. You can use a sharp knife or mandolin to get precise and even slices.

2. Sterilize a glass jar (1/2 liter) in the microwave. Pour in the dry spices, mint, salt and sugar. Pour boiling water. Stir the brine so that the salt and sweetener dissolve.

3. Pour in the vinegar and place half of the sliced onions.

4. Add the raspberries and the remaining onions. Cover the jar with the lid.

Allow the red onion and raspberries to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the onions to absorb the delicious brine. Seal the jars and place them in the refrigerator.

Pickled red onions should marinate for at least 24 hours before using. They will gain flavor over time, so you can store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

If you enjoyed this keto pickled onions recipe, you might want to try my sweet cucumber sandwich pickles or my easy pickled asparagus.