Crispy Pickled Onions: A Refreshing Condiment to Cut Through Richness
Crispy Pickled Onions: A Refreshing Condiment to Cut Through Richness
Golden Recipe for Crispy Pickled Onions with Reduced Pungency and Enhanced Umami
When you’re craving rich, meaty dishes or anything a bit greasy, having these sweet, sour, and crispy pickled onions on hand is a game-changer. They’re easy to make with simple ingredients and become a versatile side dish that you’ll want to keep stocked.
Main Ingredients- 3 onions
- 200ml soy sauce
- 200ml sugar
- 200ml water
- 200ml vinegar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the 3 onions thoroughly. Peel them and slice them into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm in size. Place the sliced onions in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 1 hour. This soaking process is crucial for removing the pungent and sharp flavors, making the pickled onions much milder and more palatable.
Step 2
While the onions are soaking, sterilize the glass jar you’ll be using for pickling. Place the clean glass jar in a pot, add cold water to cover it, and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, continue to boil for about 5 minutes to sterilize. Carefully remove the jar and let it dry completely. It’s best to let it air dry until all steam has dissipated before use.
Step 3
Drain the onions well after soaking and pack them snugly into the sterilized glass jar. In a separate bowl, combine 200ml soy sauce, 200ml sugar, 200ml water, and 200ml vinegar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. (The key is to maintain a 1:1:1:1 ratio for these liquids!). For added depth of flavor, you can add a whole leek and a piece of dried kelp to the pickling liquid while it boils. These ingredients will significantly enhance the umami taste of the pickles. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4
Pour the hot soy sauce mixture directly over the onions in the glass jar, ensuring the onions are completely submerged in the liquid. Seal the jar tightly. Leave the jar at room temperature for 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld. After this initial period, store the jar in the refrigerator. Your delicious, crispy pickled onions will be ready to enjoy after another day of chilling, making them perfectly crisp and flavorful. Serve them alongside grilled meats or any rich dishes!
