Imagine the burst of flavors in your mouth with each bite of this Peruvian Pickled Onions, also known as Salsa Criolla. This traditionally Peruvian side dish adds a vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy touch to any meal. Red onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and jalapeno pepper marinated in a blend of rice vinegar, lime juice, and white wine vinegar create a perfect balance of crunch, acidity, and heat.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are easily available in your local supermarket. However, you might want to pay special attention to finding the rice vinegar and white wine vinegar. These are key ingredients in giving this dish its characteristic tangy taste. Also, try to look for large English cucumbers, as they have less seeds and are more crunchy.
Key Ingredients for Peruvian Pickled Onions (Salsa Criolla)
Sea salt: Used to soften and draw out the acidity of the onions. Red onions: Gives the salsa its vibrant color and slightly sweet flavor. English cucumbers: Adds a refreshing, crunchy texture. Tomato: Gives a sweet and slightly acidic flavor. Rice vinegar: Known for its mild and slightly sweet flavor. Lime juice: Gives the salsa a tangy kick. White wine vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy flavor. Jalapeno pepper: Adds a hint of heat to the salsa. Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herby flavor. Olive oil: Used to combine all the flavors together. Black pepper: Adds a hint of spicy flavor.
One reader, Isaiah Haney says:
This Peruvian pickled onions recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tangy vinegar, zesty lime juice, and fresh cilantro creates a burst of flavor that elevates any dish. The onions and cucumbers add a delightful crunch, making it a perfect topping for tacos or grilled meats. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required
How to prepare the pickled onions: Dissolve the sea salt in a bowl of water, then soak the red onions for 10 minutes, drain, and pat dry.
How to marinate the salsa criolla: Mix the onions, cucumbers, tomato, rice vinegar, lime juice, white wine vinegar, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, olive oil, and black pepper in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
How To Make Peruvian Pickled Onions Salsa Criolla
This onion salsa in this Peruvian pickled onions recipe is made even more special with lime juice as it livens up the flavor of onions and everything else.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tspsea salt
- 2red onions,sliced very thinly into half moons
- 2large english cucumbers,halved and sliced very thinly
- 1large tomato,halved and thinly sliced
- 2tbsprice vinegar
- 2tbsplime juice
- 1tbspwhite wine vinegar
- 1jalapeno pepper,sliced into very thin matchsticks or more to taste
- 1tbspfresh cilantro,chopped
- 1½tspolive oil
- cracked black pepper,to taste
Instructions
-
Fill a bowl with water; stir in salt until dissolved. Add red onions and let soak for 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
-
Mix onions, cucumbers, tomato, rice vinegar, lime juice, white wine vinegar, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, olive, and black pepper together in a large bowl.
-
Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate at room temperature before serving for about 30 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 76.51kcal
- Fat: 2.04g
- Saturated Fat: 0.34g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.27g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.28g
- Carbohydrates: 14.22g
- Fiber: 2.62g
- Sugar: 6.46g
- Protein: 2.16g
- Sodium: 478.57mg
- Calcium: 48.62mg
- Potassium: 433.95mg
- Iron: 0.77mg
- Vitamin A: 26.78µg
- Vitamin C: 20.63mg
Key Technique for Perfecting Peruvian Pickled Onions
When preparing the salsa criolla, it's important to remember that the longer you let it marinate, the more intense the flavors will become. The acidity from the lime juice and vinegars will soften the onions and cucumbers, allowing them to absorb more flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the marinating time. Conversely, for a stronger, more robust flavor, let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Salsa Criolla
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Efficient organization: Arrange all the ingredients and utensils in a systematic manner before starting the recipe to avoid any last-minute confusion.
Multi-task: Utilize downtime, such as marinating or simmering, to prepare other components of the meal.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow for cooking multiple components in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Kitchen essentials: Keep essential tools and ingredients within reach to avoid unnecessary movement during cooking.
Quick pickling: Consider using pre-pickled ingredients to save time without compromising flavor.
Substitute Ingredients For Peruvian Pickled Onions (Salsa Criolla) Recipe
sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar texture and flavor to sea salt, making it a suitable substitute.
red onions - Substitute with white onions: White onions can be used as a substitute for red onions, providing a milder flavor and similar texture when pickled.
english cucumbers - Substitute with Persian cucumbers: Persian cucumbers are a suitable substitute for English cucumbers, offering a similar crisp texture and mild flavor.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for rice vinegar, providing a slightly fruity and tangy flavor.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice, offering a similar level of acidity and citrus flavor.
white wine vinegar - Substitute with champagne vinegar: Champagne vinegar can be used as a substitute for white wine vinegar, providing a mild and slightly fruity flavor.
jalapeno pepper - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers can be used as a substitute for jalapeno peppers, offering a similar level of heat and flavor profile.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a mild herbaceous flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, offering a mild and versatile oil for pickling.
cracked black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for cracked black pepper, providing a milder flavor and a visually seamless appearance in the pickled onions.
How to Beautifully Present Peruvian Pickled Onions
Elevate the dish with precision slicing: Thinly slice the red onions, cucumbers, and tomato to ensure a delicate and refined presentation.
Create a visually appealing arrangement: Arrange the pickled onions, cucumbers, and tomato in an artful and organized manner on the serving platter to showcase the vibrant colors and textures.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the pickled onions to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate a touch of heat: Slice the jalapeno pepper into thin rounds and strategically place them on top of the pickled onions to provide a hint of spicy kick.
Drizzle with precision: Carefully drizzle the rice vinegar, lime juice, and white wine vinegar over the pickled onions, cucumbers, and tomato to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Emphasize the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients: Highlight the use of premium olive oil by drizzling it over the pickled onions, cucumbers, and tomato to enhance the overall taste and presentation.
Serve in elegant individual portions: Present the pickled onions in individual serving bowls or plates to showcase the dish's sophistication and attention to detail.
Use minimalist plating: Embrace a minimalist approach by arranging the pickled onions, cucumbers, and tomato with clean lines and a focus on simplicity to exude elegance.
Essential Tools for Making Salsa Criolla
- Bowl: A bowl is a round, open-top container used in the kitchen for mixing ingredients, marinating, or serving food.
- Knife: A knife is a versatile tool used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients in the kitchen.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients without damaging countertops or knives.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a deep bowl used for mixing ingredients, preparing batters, and tossing salads.
- Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients such as eggs, sauces, and batters.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure and portion ingredients for recipes.
- Chef's knife: A chef's knife is a multi-purpose knife used for a variety of kitchen tasks, including chopping, slicing, and mincing.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients without damaging countertops or knives.
- Citrus juicer: A citrus juicer is a tool designed specifically for extracting juice from citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges.
- Garlic press: A garlic press is a kitchen tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves for easy incorporation into dishes.
- Grater: A grater is used to shred or grate ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, and citrus zest.
- Mixing spoon: A mixing spoon is a long-handled spoon used for stirring, mixing, and folding ingredients in bowls and pots.
- Colander: A colander is a bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used for draining liquids from foods such as pasta and vegetables.
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients quickly and efficiently.
- Lemon squeezer: A lemon squeezer is a handheld tool used to extract juice from lemons and other citrus fruits.
- Peeler: A peeler is a kitchen tool used to remove the outer skin or peel from fruits and vegetables.
- Saucepan: A saucepan is a deep cooking pot with a long handle and a lid, used for heating and preparing sauces, soups, and other dishes.
- Tongs: Tongs are a versatile kitchen tool used for gripping, lifting, and turning food items while cooking or serving.
- Zester: A zester is a kitchen tool used to remove the outer peel or zest from citrus fruits, adding flavor to dishes.
How To Store and Freeze Salsa Criolla
This Peruvian pickled onion salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify over time as the onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes marinate in the vinegar and lime juice mixture.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your salsa criolla, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To do this, transfer the salsa to a freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion. Label the container with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer.
When you're ready to use the frozen salsa, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, give the salsa a good stir to redistribute the ingredients and flavors. If you find that the texture of the vegetables has become a bit softer after freezing and thawing, you can drain off some of the excess liquid and add a splash of fresh lime juice or vinegar to brighten up the flavors.
Keep in mind that while freezing can help to preserve the salsa for longer, it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the fresh ingredients. For the best quality and taste, it's recommended to consume the salsa within a month of freezing.
Random Fact about Salsa Criolla:
Peruvian pickled onions, also known as salsa criolla, are a popular condiment in Peruvian cuisine. They are often served alongside grilled meats, ceviche, or as a topping for sandwiches and hot dogs. The tangy and slightly spicy flavor of the pickled onions adds a refreshing and zesty kick to any dish. In Peruvian culture, salsa criolla is a staple at the dining table and is enjoyed as a versatile and flavorful accompaniment to many meals.
Is Making Salsa Criolla at Home Cost-Effective?
The Peruvian pickled onions recipe, also known as Salsa Criolla, is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes, are affordable and readily available. The use of simple yet flavorful components like rice vinegar, lime juice, and cilantro enhances the dish without adding significant cost. This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a versatile addition to various dishes. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $10, making it an economical and delicious choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is Salsa Criolla Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Peruvian pickled onions recipe, also known as salsa criolla, is a healthy and refreshing condiment. The dish is packed with nutritious ingredients such as onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and cilantro, which are all low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. The use of vinegar and lime juice adds a tangy flavor while helping to preserve the vegetables and extend their shelf life. Additionally, the jalapeno pepper provides a spicy kick and a boost of vitamin C. The olive oil used in the recipe is a healthy fat that can help improve heart health and reduce inflammation. Overall, this recipe is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to any meal.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a variety of colorful vegetables to increase the nutrient diversity of the dish. For example, you could add bell peppers, radishes, or carrots.
- Increase the amount of cilantro used in the recipe, as it is a great source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe, especially if you are watching your sodium intake. You can always add more salt to taste when serving.
- Use a high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil to maximize the health benefits of the healthy fats in the recipe.
- Let the salsa marinate for a longer period of time, such as a few hours or overnight, to allow the flavors to develop and the vegetables to soften slightly. This can make the dish easier to digest and more flavorful.
Editor's Thoughts on This Peruvian Pickled Onions Recipe
This Peruvian pickled onions recipe (salsa criolla) is a delightful blend of tangy and refreshing flavors. The combination of red onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes marinated in a zesty mixture of rice vinegar, lime juice, and white wine vinegar creates a vibrant and lively dish. The addition of jalapeno pepper and cilantro adds a subtle heat and herbaceous note, elevating the overall complexity of the dish. The result is a versatile and delicious condiment that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or as a topping for tacos and sandwiches. It's a perfect balance of acidity and crunch, making it a must-try for any culinary enthusiast.
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