Honey Pickled Onions

Enhance your dishes with this Honey Pickled Onions recipe, featuring the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavours. Made with sweet onions and a touch of honey, these pickled onions are a versatile and vibrant addition to salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards.

Honey Pickled Onions
Ingredients
How to Make
Lisa’s Recipe Tips
Serving Suggestions
FAQ
Honey Pickled Onions Recipe

These honey pickled onions are my favourite way to make pickled onions! Most recipes call for red onions but I love using New Onions or sweet onions when they’re in season. They’re less intense and contain their own natural sweetness.

Ingredients

Pickled onions require just 4 ingredients to make:

New Onions: These tender and mildly sweet onions are perfect for absorbing the pickling brine, adding a subtle sweetness to your pickled creation.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and balances the tanginess of the vinegar, giving the onions a deliciously rich flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste and helps preserve the onions during the pickling process.
Vinegar: Provides the essential acidity needed for pickling, creating a bright and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the honey. I like to use a combination of white vinegar and rice vinegar.

How to Make

Pickled onions are super easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time:

Prepare Onions: Thinly slice 2 sweet onions. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, toss well, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Prepare Brine: In a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons honey and 1/2 cup vinegar until well combined.
Combine: Rinse the onions under cold water to remove excess salt. Place them in a jar and pour the honey-vinegar mixture over them, ensuring onions are fully submerged.
Refrigerate: Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.

Lisa’s Recipe Tips

Slice Thinly and Uniformly: Ensure the onions are sliced thinly and evenly to allow for consistent pickling. Thin slices absorb the brine more effectively, resulting in a more uniform and flavorful pickle.
Adjust the Sweetness: Experiment with the amount of honey to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet pickle, start with 3 tablespoons of honey and adjust accordingly. You can also substitute or mix honey with other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar for different flavor profiles.
Use the Right Vinegar: The type of vinegar you choose can significantly impact the flavor of your pickled onions. Apple cider vinegar adds a mild fruity note, white vinegar offers a sharper tang, and rice vinegar provides a subtle sweetness. Adjust the type and amount of vinegar to match your desired taste.

Serving Suggestions

Sandwiches: Add a tangy crunch to burgers, sandwiches, wraps, or paninis.
Salads: Sprinkle over salads for a sweet and tangy flavor boost. I love it in my natto salad!
Charcuterie Boards: Pair with cheeses, cured meats, and crackers for a delightful appetizer.
Tacos and Tostadas: Top tacos, tostadas, or nachos with honey pickled onions for a burst of flavor.
Grain Bowls: Incorporate into grain bowls or Buddha bowls for added texture and flavor.
Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables to complement savory dishes.

FAQ

Why do I need to salt the onions to pickle them?

While salting isn’t necessary, it enhances the texture, flavor, and shelf life of pickled onions. Salting draws out excess water, keeping onions crunchy and preventing mushiness. This process also concentrates their natural flavors and allows better absorption of the pickling brine, resulting in a more flavorful pickle. Additionally, reducing moisture content helps preserve the onions longer and reduces the risk of spoilage.

How long to pickled onions last?

Honey pickled onions can last up to 2-3 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always use clean utensils to handle them to maintain their freshness and prevent contamination.

Enjoy!! If you make this Bagnut recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rating and if you decide to share it on socials, tag me on instagram @Okonomikitchen. I’d love to hear from you!