How to Soak Onions in Salted Water

Salt water makes pungent, raw onions milder in flavor.

Mellow the strong flavor of fresh onions with a salt water bath. Raw onions have a strong flavor from the sulfur compounds they emit when cut. Soaking the onions in an ice water bath keeps the onions crisp. Adding salt to the bath also adds flavor to the onions. When the onions are soaked, the water absorbs the sulfur from the onions. In half an hour, your onions will be ready to use, with a more mellow flavor for raw use.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 cup water
• Ice
• Sliced onions
• Colander

Instructions

1. Combine the salt and water in a bowl.

2. Add ice to chill the water.

3. Submerge the sliced onions in the water for 30 minutes.

4. Drain the onions through a colander and rinse before using in your recipe.

Tips & Warnings

• Use this same technique for all varieties of onion or other bitter vegetables, such as bitter melon.

References

• The Kitchn; Quick Tip: Taking the Bite Out of Red Onions; Emma Christensen; September 4, 2008
• Epicurious; Raw Onion Relish Recipe; Julie Sahni; October 1980