20 Chinese Pickled Onion Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!

Published on: Mar 23, 2024

Chinese cuisine is known for its bold and complex flavors, and pickled onions are a staple in many dishes. These tangy and crunchy onions add a burst of flavor and texture to any dish, making them a popular ingredient in Chinese cooking. While store-bought pickled onions are readily available, there is nothing quite like the homemade version. In this article, we will share a simple and authentic Chinese pickled onion recipe that you can easily make at home.

Jump to Recipe

1 of 20

Pickled Red Onions

Main Ingredients: White Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Bay Leaf, Allspice Berries

Pickled Red Onions {quick and easy!} • a farmgirl's dabbles

Quick Pickled Red Onions - Gimme Some Oven

How To Make Quick-Pickled Red Onions | Kitchn

One of the easiest and most delicious ways to elevate your beer can chicken is by adding a tangy and flavorful topping of pickled red onions. These vibrant onions add the perfect touch of acidity and crunch to your dish, making it a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make at home.

2 of 20

How To Make Pickled Red Onions

Main Ingredients: Red Onion, Apple Cider Vinegar, Bay Leaf, Pickling

How to Make the BEST Pickled Red Onions - Quick Recipe! | Recipe in ...

How I’ve Been Making the Best Pickled Red Onions | The Sweetest ...

Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions | A Wicked Whisk

Pickled Red Onions - Dinner at the Zoo

If you're new to pickling, don't worry – it's a simple process that requires minimal ingredients. Start by thinly slicing a red onion and placing it in a jar. In a saucepan, mix together equal parts water and white vinegar, along with some sugar, salt, and your choice of spices (we recommend adding some mustard seeds and peppercorns). Bring the mixture to a boil, then pour it over the onions in the jar. Let it cool, then seal the jar and refrigerate for at least an hour before using.

3 of 20

Asian Lettuce Cups with Spicy Ground Turkey Filling

Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Red Onion, Minced Garlic, Ginger Root

20 Minute P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps - Cooking Classy

Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps | The Recipe Critic | Bloglovin’

Asian Lettuce Cups with Spicy Ground Turkey - Grumpy's Honeybunch

These Garlic Sesame Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups have the BEST Asian ...

For a unique twist on traditional beer can chicken, try making these Asian lettuce cups filled with spicy ground turkey. The tender and juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the bold and flavorful filling, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Plus, the crunch from the lettuce adds a refreshing element to balance out the heat.

4 of 20

Asian Pork Tacos

Main Ingredients: Pork Tenderloin, Root Beer, Corn Tortillas, Red Onion

Asian Caramel Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Snow Pea Slaw

Asian BBQ Pork Taco Boats - LemonsforLulu.com

Asian Pork Tacos (Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot) - Chattavore

Asian Pork Tacos - Most Popular Ideas of All Time

If you love tacos, you'll love this Asian-inspired twist on the classic dish. Instead of using traditional taco seasonings, these tacos are filled with marinated and grilled beer can chicken, topped with pickled red onions, and drizzled with a creamy and spicy Asian sauce. It's a delicious fusion of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.

5 of 20

How To Make Pickled Onions – Easy Pickled Red Onions

Main Ingredients: Water, Red Onion, White Vinegar, Salt, Sugar, Garlic

Easy pickled radishes - Simply Delicious | Recipe | Pickled red onions ...

Quick Pickled Red Onions | A Farmgirl's Dabbles

Make Summer Entertaining Easy with a Make Your Own Sandwich Board - The ...

How to Make Quick Pickled Red Onions | A Spicy Perspective | Recipe ...

Once you've mastered pickling red onions, you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique pickled onions. Some options include adding garlic, ginger, or even chilies for some extra heat. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and get creative with your pickled onion recipes.

6 of 20

Quick Pickled Red Onions

Main Ingredients: Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sugar, Kosher Salt, Red

Quick Pickled Red Onions | Bunsen Burner Bakery

Quick Pickled Red Onions - Without Sugar!

If you're short on time but still want the delicious tangy flavor of pickled onions, try this quick pickling method. Simply mix together some apple cider vinegar, honey, and salt, then pour it over thinly sliced red onions. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before using, and you'll have a tasty topping for your beer can chicken in no time.

7 of 20

Spicy Pickled Red Onions

Main Ingredients: Red Onion, Garlic, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Rice

Easy Spicy Pickled Red Onions (Vegan + Gluten-Free) | Recipe | Easy ...

Spicy Pickled Red Onions | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

For those who love a little extra kick in their dishes, try making these spicy pickled red onions. Simply add some sliced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to your pickling mixture, and you'll have a fiery and flavorful topping for your beer can chicken. It's a great way to add some heat without overpowering the dish.

8 of 20

Asian Salad

Main Ingredients: Carrots, Red Pepper, Celery Stalks, Red Onion

Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad | POPSUGAR Fitness

Chinese Chicken Salad With Sesame Dressing - The flavours of kitchen

If you're looking for a lighter and healthier option to pair with your beer can chicken, try making an Asian salad. Start with a bed of mixed greens, then add in some sliced cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers. Top it off with some pickled red onions, grilled beer can chicken, and a homemade Asian dressing for a delicious and nutritious meal.

9 of 20

Pickled Red Onions and Radishes

Main Ingredients: Red Onion, Radishes, Cider Vinegar, Sugar, Kosher Salt

Quick Pickled Red Onions | Recipe | Red onion recipes, Quick pickled ...

Pickled Red Onions | Recipe | Pickled red onions, Red onion recipes ...

Pickled Red Onion & Radish – Herbivore On Tour

If you want to add even more color and flavor to your beer can chicken, try pickling some radishes along with your red onions. The combination of the tangy onions and the spicy radishes creates a tasty and visually appealing topping for your dish. Plus, the crunch of the radishes adds a nice texture to balance out the tenderness of the chicken.

10 of 20

Asian Cucumber Salad

Main Ingredients: Seedless Cucumbers, Red Onion, Red Pepper, Rice Wine

Another refreshing and light side dish to pair with beer can chicken is an Asian cucumber salad. Thinly slice some cucumbers and mix them with a dressing made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey. Top it off with some pickled red onions, and you'll have a flavorful and cooling accompaniment to your dish.

11 of 20

Grilled Asian Garlic Steak Skewers

Main Ingredients: Top Sirloin Steak, Red Onion, Soy Sauce, Garlic Cloves

Grilled Asian Garlic Steak Skewers | The Recipe Critic | Recipes ...

Grilled Asian Garlic Steak Skewers are marinated in a delicious Asian ...

If you're a fan of skewers, try making these flavorful and tender Asian garlic steak skewers. Marinate chunks of steak in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger, then thread them onto skewers and grill them alongside your beer can chicken. The combination of the two dishes will make for a tasty and satisfying meal.

12 of 20

Asian Sloppy Joes with Pickled Carrots & Onions

Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Lean Ground Beef, Yellow Onions, Celery

Easy Pickled Carrots Recipe for Asian Food, Salads & Tacos - Nurtured Homes

Asian Sloppy Joes Recipe - Ready in 45 Mins, Healthy-ISH

Asian Style Quick Pickled Carrots - Lively Table

For a fun and playful take on the classic sloppy joe, try making these Asian-inspired sloppy joes. The tangy and crunchy pickled carrots and onions add a delicious twist to the dish, while the beer can chicken adds a hearty and flavorful element. It's a dish that will please both kids and adults alike.

13 of 20

Easy Pickled Red Onions

Main Ingredients: Red Onion, Apple Cider Vinegar, White Vinegar, Hot

Quick & Easy Pickled Red Onions | Recipe | Pickled red onions, Food ...

Easy Pickled Onions | Pickled onions, Pickled red onions, Quick pickled ...

Mama Loves Food!: Easy Pickled Red Onions

If you're short on time and ingredients, try this easy pickled red onion recipe. Simply mix together some red wine vinegar, sugar, and salt, then pour it over thinly sliced red onions. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before using, and you'll have a quick and tasty topping for your beer can chicken.

14 of 20

Asian Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp

Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Hoisin Sauce, Low Sodium Soy Sauce

Asian Shrimp Stir Fry Noodles | Recipe | Shrimp stir fry, Stir fry ...

Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Stir Fry (Paleo, Whole 30) | Healthy Delicious

Asian Shrimp Garlic Noodles - The flavours of kitchen

Shrimp Stir Fry with Ramen Noodles - Peas And Crayons

Zucchini noodles, or "zoodles," make for a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional noodles. For a flavorful and nutritious meal, try making this Asian-inspired zucchini noodle stir-fry with shrimp. The pickled red onions add a tangy and crunchy element to the dish, making it a must-try for any beer can chicken fan.

15 of 20

Asian Red Cabbage Slaw

Main Ingredients: Red Cabbage, Green Cabbage, Shredded Carrots, Red

This crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad is colorful, healthy, and absolutely ...

Asian Slaw - healthy, crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad | RecipeTin Eats

Asian Red Cabbage Slaw w/ Cilantro Lime Dressing - Culinary Lion ...

Asian Cabbage Slaw with Miso Ginger Dressing | The Rustic Foodie®

For a colorful and delicious side dish, try making this Asian red cabbage slaw. Thinly slice a head of red cabbage and mix it with a dressing made from rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and soy sauce. Top it off with some pickled red onions for a tangy and flavorful addition to your beer can chicken.

16 of 20

Vegetable Asian Stir Fry Noodles

Main Ingredients: Rice Noodles, Oil, Tofu, Sliced Mushrooms, Snap Peas

Asian Vegetable Stir-Fry Noodles | Vegan Lo Mein - Elavegan

Chinese Vegetable Noodle Stir-Fry - Simply Scratch

Spicy Asian Stir Fry Noodles | Dinners, Dishes & Desserts

20 Minute Asian Noodle Stir Fry - Fresh Fit Kitchen

This vegetable stir fry noodle dish is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal. Thinly slice some bell peppers, carrots, and onions, then stir fry them with some garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Serve it over some noodles, and top it off with some pickled red onions and grilled beer can chicken for a tasty and well-rounded dish.

17 of 20

Asian Burgers with Pickled Red Onion

Main Ingredients: Red Onion, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Pepper, Star Anise

Crunchy Asian Burgers - The Midnight Baker

Quick Pickled Red Onions (For Tacos & Sandwiches!) - Chef Savvy

Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onion - Honest & Well in 2021 | Pickled red ...

These quick pickled red onions are SO easy to make and so delicious! It ...

If you're a fan of burgers, try switching things up with these Asian-inspired burgers. Mix together some ground beef with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then grill them and top them off with pickled red onions and a homemade Asian sauce. Serve them on a bun or over a bed of lettuce for a delicious and unique burger experience.

18 of 20

Easy Sesame-Glazed Roast Vegetables

Main Ingredients: Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Sesame

15 Quick and Easy Vegetable Side Dishes - Damn Delicious

Honey and sherry glazed roast vegetables three ways | Fuss Free Flavours

Curried Roast Vegetables with potatoes, onion, carrots, red bell pepper ...

Seriously tasty balsamic roast vegetables/ Επικινδύνως νόστιμα ψητά ...

For a flavorful and colorful side dish, try making these easy sesame-glazed roast vegetables. Simply toss some chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli) with a mixture of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and garlic, then roast them in the oven. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and tasty meal.

19 of 20

Asian Pork Meatball Lettuce Wraps

Main Ingredients: Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Green Onions, Jalapeno, Ground

Asian Pork Meatball Bowls - What's Gaby Cooking | Asian pork, Pork ...

Asian Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps

Thai Meatball Lettuce Wraps | Recipe | Recipes, Food, Healthy recipes

Lettuce wraps are a fun and healthy way to enjoy your beer can chicken. For a flavorful and unique twist, try filling your lettuce wraps with Asian-inspired pork meatballs and top them off with pickled red onions. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.

20 of 20

Pickled Asian Cucumber Salad [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Red Onion, Rice Wine Vinegar, Tamari

Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono) | Recipe | Asian cucumber salad ...

A spicy Asian cucumber salad that's crunchy & refreshing with a bit of ...

Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad (拍黃瓜) | Healthy Nibbles by Lisa Lin by ...

Asian Cucumber Salad | Easy 10 Minute Cucumber Salad Recipe

For a vegan and gluten-free option, try making this pickled Asian cucumber salad. Thinly slice some cucumbers and mix them with a dressing made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey. Add in some pickled red onions for extra flavor, and enjoy this refreshing and tangy side dish with your beer can chicken.

The Key Ingredients

Onions

The star of the show, onions are the main ingredient in this pickled onion recipe. Chinese cuisine often uses red onions for their vibrant color and sweeter flavor, but you can also use white or yellow onions. Make sure to choose fresh, firm onions with no signs of sprouting.

Vinegar

Vinegar is essential for pickling onions and adds the tangy flavor that we all love. For this recipe, we recommend using rice vinegar for its mild and slightly sweet taste. However, you can also use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar if that's what you have on hand.

Sugar

To balance out the tanginess of the vinegar, sugar is added to the pickling brine. You can use white or brown sugar, depending on your preference. If you want a more savory version of pickled onions, you can omit the sugar altogether.

Spices

While pickled onions are delicious on their own, adding some spices can elevate the flavor profile. Chinese five-spice powder, Sichuan peppercorns, and star anise are popular choices for pickled onions. These spices add a warm and slightly spicy note to the pickling brine.

The Process

Slicing the Onions

Start by slicing the onions thinly. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline for even slices. Make sure to remove the skin and the roots before slicing.

Preparing the Pickling Brine

In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and your choice of spices. Bring it to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let the brine cool for a few minutes.

Pickling the Onions

Place the sliced onions in a sterilized jar, then pour the pickling brine over them. Make sure that the onions are completely submerged in the brine. Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature for at least an hour before refrigerating.

Using Pickled Onions

Chinese pickled onions can be used in a variety of dishes. They are commonly added to noodles, stir-fries, and rice dishes for a tangy and crunchy element. They also make a great topping for sandwiches, burgers, and salads. The pickled onions will last for several weeks in the refrigerator, so you can enjoy them in different dishes. In conclusion, Chinese pickled onions are a simple and delicious addition to any Chinese meal. With just a few key ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can make your own batch of pickled onions at home. Experiment with different spices and enjoy the tangy and crunchy flavors in your favorite dishes. Give this Chinese pickled onion recipe a try and elevate your Chinese cuisine game to the next level!