These Asian pickled red onions are tangy, slightly sweet, and packed full of umami flavor. It is extremely easy to make in under 10 minutes, with just 5 ingredients.
This quick and easy dish has been my fridge staple for the longest time. It can be enjoyed as a topping for salads, soups, rice bowls and sandwiches, or simply on its own. Its beautiful vibrant color fancies up the dishes instantly, which is also the reason to love this recipe.
It is so delicious with the exotic umami flavor, thanks to the... fish sauce! In this recipe, the onions are cooked slightly which helps to make them taste milder and absorb the seasonings quicker.
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Ingredients for this recipe
- Red onion
- Rice vinegar
- Organic cane sugar - I have had a success with monk fruit sugar as well
- Fish sauce
- Chopped cilantro
How to make Asian pickled red onions
1. Place the onions in a container. Choose a microwave safe, airtight container.
2. Lightly cook the onions. Add 3 tablespoon water to the onions. Cover the container loosely with a lid. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softer but slightly crunchy.
For the stovetop method, blanch the onions in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until softer but still crunchy. Drain well and place them back in the container.
3. Season. Add the rice vinegar, sugar and fish sauce to the onions. Close the lid tightly and shake well.
4. Let sit - in the fridge for at least an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
I like to use a 4 cup size that seals tightly. You can also use a jar that is about the same size. Make sure the jar is microwave-safe for cooking the onions.
Asian pickle red onions can be stored in the fridge for up to 7 days. The flavor develops as it sits.
Switch out the fish sauce to 1 ½ tablespoon tamari soy sauce.
Pair this dish with...
- Smoked Salmon Bowls with Miso Tahini Dressing
- Japanese Beef Curry (From Scratch)
- Cilantro Lime Shrimp Bowl
Recipe
Asian Pickled Red Onions
Equipment
- 1 x 4-cup size air tight container or jar
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- 1½ tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce see notes for vegan option
Optional topping
- Chopped cilantro for topping
Instructions
- Place the red onions in a microwave safe airtight container.
- Add 3 tablespoon water to the onions. Cover the container loosely with a lid. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softer but slightly crunchy (adjust to your preference). For the stovetop method, blanch the onions in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until softer but still crunchy. Drain well and place back in the container.
- Add the rice vinegar, sugar and fish sauce to the onions. Close the lid tightly and shake well.
- Let sit in the fridge for at least an hour.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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