Zesty Onion Pickled Wieners Recipe: A Snack Game-Changer

Crisp summer days call for these delightful onion pickled wieners that pack a punch of flavor.

Sharp vinegar notes dance alongside tender sausages, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Backyard barbecues transform when you introduce this unexpected crowd-pleaser.

Guests will marvel at the tangy, zesty combination that makes these wieners irresistible.

Homemade pickled treats always feel special, connecting us to cherished culinary traditions.

Bold ingredients mingle to create something truly memorable.

You won’t be able to stop at just one bite of these delectable wieners that promise pure satisfaction.

Best Practices for Storing Onion Pickled Wieners

• Store pickled wieners in an airtight container in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep the wieners completely submerged in the brine to maintain their flavor and texture.
• Transfer the pickled wieners to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before consuming.
• Gently warm the pickled wieners in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
• Always inspect the pickled wieners before consuming. Discard if you notice any off-odors, mold, or significant color changes to ensure food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions on Onion Pickled Wieners

• What are pickled wieners good for?

Pickled wieners are versatile snacks perfect for parties, game days, barbecues, and quick protein-packed appetizers that add a tangy kick to any gathering.

• Can I adjust the spiciness of the pickling brine?

Yes, you can control the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or adding different types of peppers to customize the spice level.

• Do I need special equipment to make pickled wieners?

No, you just need a clean jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, basic kitchen tools like a saucepan, and standard ingredients found in most kitchens.

Why Onion Pickled Wieners Are a Flavorful Snack

• Transform Ordinary Hot Dogs: Turn basic wieners into a gourmet treat with a tangy, spicy pickling solution that elevates their flavor profile.
• Quick Prep, Big Flavor: Combine simple ingredients in minutes to create a versatile condiment that adds excitement to your meals without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customize Your Kick: Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing red pepper flakes, making this recipe adaptable to different taste preferences and heat tolerances.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare a batch in advance and store in the refrigerator, providing a delicious protein-packed snack or garnish ready to enhance sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards.

Key Ingredients for Onion Pickled Wieners

• Hot Dogs: Protein-rich sausages that form the core of this pickled dish.
• Onion: Adds sharp, sweet flavor and crisp texture to the pickled wieners.
• Garlic Cloves: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor profile to the pickling mixture.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Offers a tangy base for the pickling brine with a mild fruity undertone.
• Water: Helps balance the vinegar's acidity and create the perfect pickling liquid.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to counteract the vinegar's sharpness.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps in the preservation process.

• Black Peppercorns, Mustard Seeds, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Create a complex, spicy flavor profile with varying levels of heat and depth.
• Fresh Dill Sprigs: Provides a classic pickled herb aroma and traditional pickle flavor.

How to Prepare Onion Pickled Wieners

Step 1: Slice and Prep Aromatics

Grab your sharp knife and create thin onion rings. Gently crush the garlic cloves to release their robust flavor. Set these ingredients aside for the pickling magic.

Step 2: Brew Tangy Pickling Liquid

• Apple cider vinegar
• Water
• Granulated sugar
• Kosher salt
• Black peppercorns
• Mustard seeds
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat. Stir continuously until sugar and salt completely dissolve. Remove from heat and let the liquid cool down slightly.

Step 3: Slice and Stage Wieners

Take your hot dogs and slice them into bite-sized segments. Place the sliced wieners, onion rings, and crushed garlic into a clean glass jar or container.

Step 4: Pour and Submerge

Carefully pour the warm pickling liquid over the wieners, ensuring they are completely covered. If desired, toss in some fresh dill sprigs for extra flavor complexity.

Step 5: Seal and Chill

Secure the jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pop the container into the refrigerator and let the flavors mingle and develop for at least 24 hours.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

After 24 hours, your pickled wieners are ready to tantalize taste buds. Serve as a zesty snack, party appetizer, or add to a charcuterie board for an unexpected twist. These will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Pro Tips for Tasty Onion Pickled Wieners

• Choose fresh, high-quality wieners for the best pickled flavor and texture.
• Allow the brine to cool slightly before pouring over hot dogs to prevent overcooking.
• Add extra red pepper flakes for a spicier kick or reduce for a milder taste.
• Use glass jars with tight-fitting lids to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to create unique flavor profiles.

Variation Ideas for Onion Pickled Wieners

• Spicy Jalapeño Wieners: Add sliced fresh jalapeños to the jar for an extra kick of heat and zesty flavor.
• Smoky Chipotle Wieners: Replace red pepper flakes with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to create a rich, smoky profile.
• German-Style Beer Wieners: Substitute half the apple cider vinegar with light beer and add caraway seeds for an authentic German taste.
• Herb Garden Wieners: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano to infuse the wieners with aromatic green notes.

Suggested Pairings for Onion Pickled Wieners

• Pair with Crisp Pilsner: A cold, light German-style pilsner perfectly cuts through the tangy, spicy pickled wieners with its clean, hoppy finish and refreshing carbonation.
• Serve on Rustic Pretzel Bun: Transform these pickled wieners into a gourmet street food by nestling them inside a soft, chewy pretzel bun that complements the vinegary flavor profile.
• Match with Zesty Potato Salad: Create a classic picnic combo by serving the pickled wieners alongside a creamy, herb-infused potato salad that balances the dish's sharp and spicy notes.
• Complement with Spicy Mustard Dip: Elevate the wieners with a homemade spicy brown mustard dip that intensifies the pickled meat's tangy and peppery undertones.

Onion Pickled Wieners Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Savory onion pickled wieners bring German street food magic straight to home kitchens. Tangy sausages nestled with caramelized onions create an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 12 beef or pork hot dogs (wieners)

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 2 sprigs fresh dill (optional)

Pickling Liquid and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a clean jar or container for pickling, ensuring it’s large enough to hold wieners and brine comfortably.
2. Slice onions into delicate, translucent rings and gently crush garlic cloves to release their aromatic essence.
3. Combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, kosher salt, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
4. Bring the pickling liquid to a rolling boil, stirring continuously until sugar and salt completely dissolve, creating a harmonious brine.
5. Remove brine from heat and allow it to cool slightly, maintaining a warm temperature that won’t immediately cook the wieners.
6. Cut hot dogs into bite-sized segments, creating manageable pieces for easy pickling and consumption.
7. Layer sliced hot dogs, onion rings, and crushed garlic into the prepared jar, creating an attractive and flavorful arrangement.
8. Carefully pour the warm pickling liquid over the ingredients, ensuring complete submersion and even distribution of spices.
9. Gently tuck fresh dill sprigs between the layers for an additional layer of herbal complexity.
10. Securely seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid, preventing any potential leakage or contamination.
11. Refrigerate for a minimum of 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, transforming simple wieners into a gourmet delicacy.
12. Store pickled wieners in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, enjoying them as a tangy snack or sophisticated appetizer.

Notes

• Choose a wide-mouth glass jar to easily pack and remove the wieners without breaking them.
• Slice wieners diagonally for more surface area to absorb the pickling liquid and enhance flavor absorption.
• Remove peppercorns and mustard seeds before serving if you prefer a smoother texture and cleaner eating experience.
• Use low-sodium hot dogs for a healthier version that reduces overall salt intake while maintaining delicious tangy taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 163 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 1250 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg