Japanese Pickled Onions

You can call this side dish Japanese Pickled Onions, or as some people say, Rakkyo-zuke. Though my final result was a bit different from the classic Rakkyo-zuke, I added my own touch to the recipe, and in the end, it was delicious.

I made these pickled onions with a Japanese style after watching a popular Japanese show. I thought, why not make a Japanese meal?

I made a list of many options I plan to try and share in the coming weeks. But I decided to start with these Japanese Pickled Onions because they’re so easy, and I wanted some pickled onions in my refrigerator. My husband loves having them with his meals and I was sure he would love this version too.

The process was so simple. The only special ingredient that adds a Japanese touch is the kombu. Otherwise, there’s not much difference between these Japanese Pickled Onions and the classic Pickled Onions.

Ingredients

• 10 small pearl onions (or shallots)
• 1 cup rice vinegar
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 piece of kombu (optional)
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

How to Make Japanese Pickled Onions?

Step 1:

Peel the little onions. If they’re hard to peel, boil them for 30 seconds As I did, then put them in cold water. The skins will come off easily.

Step 2:

In a small pot, mix vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat it up and stir until the sugar melts. Let it cool a bit after.

Step 3:

Put the peeled onions in a clean jar. Add kombu and chili flakes if you want extra flavor.

Step 4:

Pour the cooled vinegar mix over the onions so they are covered. Close the jar tightly.

Step 5:

Let the onions sit in the fridge for 3 days before eating. The longer they stay, the tastier they get. Enjoy.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan
• Jar with a lid
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs (optional)
• Bowl of ice water

Great Tips!

• If peeling small onions is tricky, boil them for 30 seconds, then put them in ice-cold water. The skins will slip off much easier Also Boiling the onions briefly can help reduce the strong onion smell.
• Try to use Pearl onions or shallots for this recipe as they work best because they’re bite-sized and pickle evenly.
• If you like your pickles sweeter, add a little more sugar to the vinegar mix.
• Rice vinegar is traditional, but you can use also apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for a new flavor if you want.

What to Pair with these Japanese Pickled Onions?

I love the taste of these Japanese Pickled Onions with a Salmon and Mushroom dinner, the onions flavor mixes so well with the flavors of the mushrooms and salmon. They also pair so well with grilled chicken or a coffee steak. You can also try to enjoy these pickled onions with rice bowls or as a topping for ramen for a classic Japanese meal. And don’t forget teriyaki beef and stir-fries. Their sweet and tangy flavor makes these Onions a perfect side with so many main courses.

FAQ

Can I use regular onions instead of pearl onions?

Yes, you can use small regular onions or shallots. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces.

How long do I need to pickle the onions before eating?

The onions should be pickled for at least 3 days for the best flavor, but you can eat them after 24 hours if you prefer a milder taste.

Can I skip the sugar?

The sugar helps balance the acidity of the vinegar, but you can reduce or omit it if you prefer a less sweet pickle.

What is kombu, and is it necessary?

Kombu is an edible kelp commonly used in Japanese cooking to add umami flavor. It’s optional but adds a nice depth to the pickles.

Can I reuse the pickling liquid?

It’s best to make a fresh batch of pickling liquid each time to ensure proper flavor and safety.

Are these pickled onions spicy?

They can be, depending on whether you add chili flakes or other spices. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.

How long do these pickled onions last?

Properly stored in the fridge, these pickled onions can last up to 3 months.

Can I add other vegetables to the pickling liquid?

Yes! You can pickle other vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or radishes along with the onions.

Conclusion

Japanese Pickled Onions are a delicious and easy-to-make recipe based on Onion, They can be enjoyed besides so many dishes or used for making other recipes, that can elevate any meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a tasty batch of pickled onions ready to enjoy. be sure to share it and subscribe to my blog for more fun and easy side recipes like this one.