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Pickled Onions (English Pub Style)

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Practically a British institution, it’s hard to imagine life in Great Britain without pub style pickled onions!ย  Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, you’ll want to make a double batch while you’re at it!

pickled onions recipe english pub style authentic traditional malt vinegar

Right up there with fish & chips, mushy peas, pork pies and Yorkshire pudding, English Pickled Onions are practically a British institution.ย  Whether eaten as part of a traditional Ploughman’s lunch, sliced on mature cheddar cheese sandwiches, burgers and baked potatoes (even in mashed potatoes), finely chopped up in a tangy salad dressing, cream cheese dip, potato or pasta salad, as a relish for hot dogs, or eaten straight out of the jar – they’re as tasty as they are versatile.

Also a traditional pub classic, something you used to see walking into at British pub is a dark jar of these pickled onions sitting on the counter at the bar, a popular snack during cocktail hour.

pickled onions recipe british english traditional pub style authentic malt vinegar

What really sets English Pickled Onions apart from other pickled onions is the use of malt vinegarย as the brine base.ย  Do not substitute with red wine vinegar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar or any other vinegar.ย  If it’s British pub-style pickled onions you’re after, malt vinegar is an absolute, non-negotiable must.ย  And make sure it’s quality, real malt vinegar.ย  It gives the brine its characteristic brown color and the onions’ famous sweet, tangy, caramelized flavor.

english pubs

English pub-style pickled onions are very easy to make but they require some patience.ย  Where the patience comes in is peeling the small onions and then waiting for several weeks before eating them (a key to the best flavor).ย  But we can assure you that the peeling and waiting pays off in the end.

Completely immersed in 5% vinegar, pickled onions keep for several months in the fridge.ย  For those interested in canning them via the boiling water bath method for long-term storage I’ve provided those instructions, but know that there’s a significant tradeoff:ย  They will store longer, yes.ย  But they will also lose a lot of their “crunch”, which is a huge part of their enjoyability.ย  For the best results simply pack the onions in jars and pour the hot vinegar over them; the heat from the vinegar is usually sufficient to create a vacuum as it cools seal the lids (a seal adequate for a few weeks’ storage at room temp during the maturation period while the flavors are developing).ย  At the conclusion of the maturation period and once opened, store them in the fridge where they will keep for 3+ months.

If you ever tried these in the UK you’ll understand the love affair with pub-style English pickled onions.ย  And if you want to make an ex-pat really happy, make them a gift of these homemade pickled onions, a taste of home.ย  The store-bought ones in speciality British stores not only come with a hefty price tag, these homemade ones taste even better!

pickled onions recipe english pub style authentic traditional malt vinegar

Pickled Onions Recipe

Let’s get started!

To more easily peel the onions:ย  Trim the ends off of each onion and place them in a heat-proof bowl.ย  Pour boiling water over them and let them sit for a minute.

removing the peels

Then drain, rinse with cold water and remove the peels.

Place the peeled onions in a bowl, sprinkle with the salt and toss to distribute the salt.ย  Cover with a towel or loosely with plastic wrap and let them sit at room temp overnight.ย  Don’t let them sit longer than 14 hours or so or the amount of “crunch” will be compromised.ย  Rinse well and drain thoroughly.

removing the peels

To make the brine:ย  Place all remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil until the sugar is dissolved.

While the brine is simmering, pack the onions into sterilized mason/Kilner jars.ย  Pour the hot brine over the onions (I pour it through a sieve to collect the spices) and then distribute the spices among the jars. Stick a butter knife or other long object down into the jars to ensure there are no air bubbles.ย  Wipe the jar rims down with a clean, damp cloth.ย ย Place the canning lids on the jars (or rubber rings if using) and screw/snap shut while hot to create a vacuum seal.ย  Let the onions cool and then place them somewhere at room temp to mature for at least 3-4 weeks before eating, preferably 6-8 weeks for best flavor.ย  Once opened store them in the fridge where they will keep for 3+ months.

making the brine

IF YOU’RE CANNING THE PICKLED ONIONS VIA BOILING WATER BATH:ย  Again, you’re going to lose much of the crunchiness of the onions.ย  But if you want to can these for long-term storage, pack the onions into sterilized mason jars and pour the hot vinegar over them, distributing the spices in each jar (it’s easiest if you pour the brine into a sieve to collect the spices, then distribute them).ย Stick a butter knife or other long object down into the jars to ensure there are no air bubbles.ย  Wipe the jar rims down with a clean, damp cloth.

canning the pickled onions

Place the lids on the jars and screw them on.ย  Process them in a boiling water bath canner.ย  For pint-sized jars in altitudes up to 1000 ft, process for 10 minutes (see chart below for higher altitudes).

Remove the jars from the canner and let them sit undisturbed for 24 hours.ย  Check to make sure the lids are airtight.ย  Then store them in a cool, dark place where they will keep for up to a year.ย  Once opened store them in the fridge where they will keep for 3+ months.

Table 1.ย Recommended process time forย Pickled Pearl Onionsย in a boiling-water canner.
Process Time at Altitudes of
Style of Pack Jar Size 0 – 1,000 ft 1,001 – 6,000 ft Above 6,000 ft
Hot Pints 10 min 15 20

canning the pickled onions

Enjoy!

pickled onions recipe english pub style authentic traditional malt vinegar

For more delicious British pub classics, be sure to try our:

For more pickled goodies try our:

English Pickled Onions (Pub Style)

English Pickled Onions! As versatile as they are tasty (see blog post for ideas), you'll want to make a double batch because they're thoroughly delicious!
4.99 from 70 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine British
Servings 32 servings
Calories 28 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • To more easily peel the onions:  Trim the ends off of each onion and place them in a heat-proof bowl.  Pour boiling water over them and let them sit for a minute.  Then drain, rinse with cold water and remove the peels. 
    Place the peeled onions in a bowl, sprinkle with the salt and toss to distribute the salt.  Cover with a towel or loosely with plastic wrap and let them sit at room temp overnight.  Don't let them sit longer than 14 hours or so or the amount of "crunch" will be compromised.  Rinse well and drain thoroughly.
  • To make the brine:  Place all remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil until the sugar is dissolved.  
  • While the brine is simmering, pack the onions into sterilized mason/Kilner jars (plan on using either 4 pint sized jars or 2 quart sized jars).ย  Pour the hot brine over the onions (I pour it through a sieve to collect the spices) and then distribute the spices among the jars.ย  Stick a butter knife or other long object down into the jars to ensure there are no air bubbles.ย  Wipe the jar rims down with a clean, damp cloth.ย ย Place the canning lids on the jars (or rubber rings if using) and screw/snap shut while hot to create a vacuum seal.ย  Let the onions cool and then place them somewhere at room temp to mature for at least 3-4 weeks before eating, preferably 6-8 weeks for best flavor.ย  Once opened store them in the fridge where they will keep for 3+ months.
  • If canning the onions via boiling water bath for long-term storage (note: they will lost much of their crunchiness):  Pack the jars as described above and wipe the rims.  Stick a butter knife or other long object down into the jars to ensure there are no air bubbles.  Place the lids on the jars and screw them on.  Process them in a boiling water bath canner.  For pint-sized jars in altitudes up to 1000 ft, process for 10 minutes (see chart in blog post for higher altitudes).
    Remove the jars from the canner and let them sit undisturbed for 24 hours.  Check to make sure the lids are airtight.  Then store them in a cool, dark place where they will keep for up to a year.  Once opened store them in the fridge where they will keep for 3+ months.

Notes

For those interested in canning them via the water bath method for long-term storage, note that there's a significant tradeoff:ย They will store longer, yes.ย  But they will also lose a lot of their "crunch", which is a huge part of their enjoyability.ย  For the best results simply pack the onions in jars and pour the hot vinegar over them; the heat from the vinegar is usually sufficient to create a vacuum as it cools seal the lids (a seal adequate for a few weeks' storage at room temp during the maturation period while the flavors are developing).ย  At the conclusion of the maturation period and once opened, store them in the fridge where they will keep for 3+ months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ounceCalories: 28kcalCarbohydrates: 5gSugar: 5g
Keyword Pickled Onions
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Hi, Iโ€™m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!

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Recipe Rating




4.99 from 70 votes (41 ratings without comment)

115 Comments

  1. Hands down the best recipe I have found – finally as an expat I can enjoy a little taste of home! Thanks for posting this you rock star!

  2. Brine is a solution of salt in water. Wrong word to use in the context of vinegar.
    Recipe is too complicated. All you need to do is put the onions in a jar, and add the vinegar and spices.

    1. Hi Julian, you are partially correct about the brine and incorrect about the procedure. Brine is indeed a solution of salt in water, but it is not limited to ONLY salt and water. There is also “pickling brine” which is made with vinegar. As for the method, the onions should be salted first to draw out excess water. The reason? Otherwise the brine will be diluted, which will dilute the pH level, which could mean the pH level is not sufficient for safe storage (bacteria can develop leading to spoilage). Tthe purpose for boiling the brine first is two-fold: it coaxes maximum flavor out of the spices and then pouring the hot brine over the onions enables to brine to more fully penetrate the onions while also improving the texture of the onions.
      Simplifying things isn’t always a good thing – if you want optimal flavor and texture results (not to mention a safe product) you have to be willing to take some extra steps.

  3. Once these are cut if they are too large, wonder if you can’t stick a toothpick in them to hold them together. Would be easier to eat and not have the onion fall apart when trying to get them out of the jar.

  4. I found this wonderful recipe and have made it several times now. The flavour is all there, just like the good old fashioned onion, not too sweet, just the right amount of saltiness, and intriguing spices, including chilli, on the tongue. Thank you, I am just about to make another batch to sit and mature for family for Christmas (not that far away really)

  5. Ive got a ton of shallots left this year and was thinking of using them in this recipe, however some are quite large. would it be ok to cut them in half? if so, before or after the salt? thanks in advance!