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Mexican Pickled Onions

Cebolla morada curtida, or Mexican Pickled Onions, are a delicious addition to Mexican cooking. With just a few ingredients and a quick pickling method, red onions transform into a flavorful, zesty topping that adds depth to any dish. Whether you're adding them to tacos or using them to brighten up salads and grilled meats, this is an easy recipe you'll want to keep on hand.

Prep Time
10 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 10
Calories: 16 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 large red onion
  • 1 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoon sugar (or 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of honey)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1-4 chiles de árbol (or a pinch of red pepper flakes)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Peel and slice the red onion and separate the pieces.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, bay leaf and chiles (or red pepper flakes) on medium. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve and turn off heat when it comes to a boil.
  3. Place the onions in a container with a lid (such as a mason jar).
  4. Pour the mixture on top. Press the onions down to make sure they are all submerged.
  5. Cover and let the onions cool completely at room temperature. Then place in the refrigerator.
  6. Onions will be ready to use after 2-3 hours, but the taste will be better the longer they sit in the pickling juice.
  7. Serve with shredded pork, chicken, on top of tacos or salads.

Notes

  • For a Whole30 or sugar free option, do not add honey or sugar. The result will be more tangy but there will still be some sweetness from the vinegar and onions.
  • Can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar, white or red wine vinegar, rice vinegar or champagne vinegar.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 serving Calories 16kcal (1%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 0.2g (0%) Fat 0.1g (0%) Sodium 29mg (1%) Potassium 25mg (1%) Fiber 0.4g (2%) Sugar 3.1g (6%) Calcium 6mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 16

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 serving
Calories 16kcal 1%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 0.2g 0%
Fat 0.1g 0%
Sodium 29mg 1%
Potassium 25mg 1%
Fiber 0.4g 2%
Sugar 3.1g 6%
Calcium 6mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.