Pickled Shallots

Quick and easy Pickled Shallots require only 10 minutes of hands-on time before going in the fridge to chill.  Use in sandwiches, wraps, and salads, to add a bit of zippy brightness!

All the soul wants us to do is to be alive as possible.

Mark Nepo

Hello, new favorite condiment! If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know how much we use our recipe for quick pickled red onions, in just about everything, but today, this little punchy quick Pickled Shallots recipe gets front and center stage. Shallots pack a punch of flavor in their tiny little bodies, even more concentrated than an onion! And that is why they make a great condiment, brightening up dishes with a sharp pop of flavor.

For more quick pickle inspiration, try Quick Pickled Vegetables and Dilly Beans!

Why You Will Love Pickled Shallots!

1. Colorful and Flavorful: Pickled shallots have a beautiful pink hue and they are tangy and slightly sweet adding a vibrant kick to most dishes.
2. Versatility: Pickled shallots can be used in a variety of ways. They are great in sandwiches, wraps, salads, and even as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.
3. Easy to Make: Making pickled shallots requires minimal effort and time. The recipe shared above only takes about 10 minutes of hands-on time before the shallots go into the fridge to chill. It’s a quick and easy condiment to have on hand.
4. Long Shelf Life: Once pickled, shallots can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. This means you can make a batch and enjoy them over a period of time, adding them to various meals whenever you desire.
5. Enhances a Variety of Dishes: Pickled shallots can elevate the flavor profile of many dishes. They add a zippy brightness and tanginess that complements sandwiches, burgers, salads, wraps, grilled vegetables, and more. Explore different recipes and get creative with how you incorporate pickled shallots into your meals.

Ingredient Notes for Pickled Shallots

• Shallots– Shallots are known for their rich, complex flavor. When pickled, their taste becomes even more concentrated, making them a flavorful addition dish.
• White vinegar– vinegar is an essential ingredient for pickling shallots. It provides acidity and tanginess to balance the flavors. White vinegar turns the shallots a brilliant pink. So pretty! But feel free to play around with different types of vinegar: apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, sherry vinegar, red wine vinegar and even rice vinegar will all add a different twist.
• Water– Water is used to dilute the vinegar and create the pickling solution.
• Salt– Salt is necessary for flavoring the pickled shallots and helping to enhance their taste.
• Cane Sugar or honey– Sugar or honey is added to balance the acidity of the vinegar and add a touch of sweetness to the pickled shallots.
• Peppercorns– Peppercorns contribute a hint of spiciness and earthy flavor to the pickling liquid.
• Bay leaves– Bay leaves add a subtle herbal note to the pickled shallots, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Fresh bay leaves are nice to use if available, the color is bright!
• Optional additions: fresh herbs ( fresh thyme, rosemary, cilantro)

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.     

How to make Pickled Shallots

Step 1: Peel and slice shallots thinly with a sharp knife or mandolin and place in a small saucepan.

Step 2: Add white vinegar and water. Tip: you can use apple cider vinegar but using white vinegar will enhance the shallot’s beautiful hue.

Step 3: Add sugar and salt.

Step 4: Add peppercorns and bay leaves.

Step 5: Bring up to a low boil and keep at a simmer just until sugar dissolves.

Step 6: Cool and pour shallots and brine, into a jar and store in the fridge. These will keep 2-3 weeks in the fridge!

More recipes you may enjoy

Pickled Onions

Dilly Beans

Quick Pickled Vegetables

Delicious Peppery Pickled Jalapeños

• Quick Pickled Zucchini and Summer Squash
• Pickled Pepper Vinaigrette
• Pickled Eggplant

Ways to use pickled Shallots

1. Sandwiches: Add a tangy kick to your sandwiches by layering pickled shallots on top of your favorite fillings. They work well in grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and even cold sandwiches like chicken or turkey.
2. Wraps: add pickled shallots to your next wrap for a burst of flavor. They add a refreshing element to wraps, whether it’s a classic Caesar salad wrap or even a hummus wrap.
3. Add to Falafel Pitas!
4. Sprinkle pickled shallots over salads for a pop of color and flavor. They pair well with leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. You can also mix them into pasta salads or grain bowls.
5. Enhance your tacos or burritos by adding pickled shallots as a topping. They bring a tangy brightness that complements the flavors of the fillings, whether it’s grilled meats, beans, or veggies.
6. Create a delicious grain bowl with your choice of cooked grains, roasted vegetables, and pickled shallots. The tangy shallots add a contrast of flavors and elevate the overall dish.
7. Avocado Toast! Spread mashed avocado on toast and top it off with pickled shallots. The combination of creamy avocado and tangy shallots creates a tasty and satisfying snack or light meal.
8. Charcuterie or Cheese Boards: Arrange pickled shallots alongside cured meats or various types of cheese on a charcuterie or cheese board. They add a vibrant color and acidic flavor that complements the other components.
9. Add pickled shallots as a garnish to rice bowls or noodle bowls for an extra burst of flavor. They pair well with Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fries, teriyaki bowls, or pad Thai.
10. Pizza Topping: Sprinkle pickled shallots on top of your favorite pizza for a tangy twist. They work well with both traditional and creative pizza toppings, adding a pop of flavor to every bite.

Enjoy the Pickled shallots… I know you’ll find many uses for them! Use them in anything that could use a little brightness or tanginess.

xoxo

Sylvia

Love this recipe? Please let us know in the comments and leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below the recipe card.

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