Go Back
–+ servings
Qdoba Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Qdoba Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Joe Williams
Why do certain foods bring back memories or make a meal feel complete? For me, it’s often the little touches that count. 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Rest time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Course Garnish
Cuisine American
Servings 1 cup
Calories 96 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups freshly boiled water
  • ¾ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1 large red onion thinly sliced (about 1 ½ cups of onion slices)
  • Optional Flavor Enhancements:
  • 1 garlic clove thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch thick)
  • ½ small jalapeño thinly sliced
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon sweetener of choice honey, maple syrup, or granulated sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ¼ teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • ½ teaspoon allspice berries
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1 small pinch of smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

Step 1: Boil Water

  • Start by bringing your filtered water to a boil. This step prepares the base for your brine, ensuring the salt dissolves completely.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the boiled water, lime juice, salt, and vinegar. Stir until the salt dissolves. This vibrant concoction is the brine that will pickle our onions.

Step 3: Add Flavorings

  • Here’s where you can get a bit creative! If you want to enhance the basic recipe, add in the garlic, jalapeño, cumin seeds, and other optional ingredients you prefer. These additions will infuse your pickled onions with extra flavor.

Step 4: Prepare Onions

  • Thinly slice your red onion. Remember, the sharper the knife, the better. A dull knife can crush vegetables instead of slicing them cleanly. Aim for paper-thin slices to maximize the crunch.

Step 5: Combine and Cool

  • Place the onion slices in the jar or container you’ll use for storage. Pour the prepared brine over the onions, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Step 6: Refrigerate

  • Cover the container and refrigerate it. Let the onions pickle for at least an hour before you dive in. For the best flavor, consider allowing them to sit overnight. The longer they marinate, the better the flavor!

Notes

  • Slice Uniformly: Try to slice the onions evenly. This ensures they pickle at the same rate and provide a consistent crunch.
  • Experiment with Vinegars: While apple cider vinegar is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to experiment! Rice vinegar or even white wine vinegar can provide different flavor profiles.
  • Store Properly: Ensure your storage jar is clean to avoid any unwanted bacteria. If you can, sterilize the jar for even better results.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and fruits make a world of difference in flavor. When in doubt, always go for fresh.
  • Test for Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness level by tasting the brine before adding it to the onions. It’s all about personal preference!

Nutrition

Calories: 96kcal
Keyword Qdoba Pickled Red Onions Recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!