Red onions

Red onion / cipolla rossa

Flavor and role

Purple onions, milder and sweeter than regular onions, which makes them good raw.

Typical dishes and uses

Guacamole, ceviche, salsa, salads, quick pickles.

Substitutes

Onions 1:1. For raw use, soak in cold water for 10 minutes to tame the sharpness. Shallots also work well.

Storage

Like onions, 2-4 weeks in a cool place. Cut red onions keep 4-5 days refrigerated.

Main countries

United States · Italy · Mexico

Used in this book

Tacos with GuacamoleCevicheSouvlakiAjí de GallinaBeef Lok Lak (Cambodian Stir-Fried Beef)Bò Lúc Lắc (Vietnamese Shaking Beef)Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Hue Beef Noodle Soup)Causa LimeñaChapli KebabChatamariChilaquiles RojosChole BhatureHome-Style Döner KebabDoro WatFul MedamesGreek salad (horiatiki)Pork Gyros PitaHoppers (Appa) and Egg HoppersHot Honey Salmon with Crisp Cucumber SaladKeleweleKenyan Beef PilauKik AlichaKiribath (Sri Lankan Milk Rice)Izgara köfteLahmacunLechon KawaliLomo Saltado (Peruvian Beef and Fries Stir-Fry)Nepali Chicken Momo with Tomato AcharNan Gyi Thoke (Burmese Thick Rice Noodle Salad)Nyama Choma (Kenyan Grilled Meat with Kachumbari)Paneer TikkaParippuPav BhajiPol SambolSabichSalade NiçoiseSeekh KebabSekuwaShiro WatSisigSri Lankan Chicken Curry (Kukul Mas Curry)SuyaTandoori ChickenSiga Tibs (Ethiopian Sautéed Beef)Adjapsandali Bulgur Bowl with Herbed Yogurt and Crispy ChickpeasSlow-Simmered Ají de Gallina with Toasted PecansAjí de Gallina Pull-Apart Cheese SlidersDhaba-Style Aloo Paratha with Homemade White Butter and Mint RaitaAloo Paratha Egg Roll with Masala Egg and Mint MayoAnticucho Loaded Potato WedgesReina Pepiada ArepasAl Pastor Chaufa with Charred Pineapple (Peruvian-Chinese × Mexican)Asado Negro Crispy Plantain Rice BowlKenduri-Style Ayam Masak Merah, Double-Fried with Coconut FinishCoconut-Garlic Pork Quesadillas with Khmer Pickle Pico (Cambodian × Mexican)Kampot Pepper Lok Lak with Butter Pan SauceLok Lak Crispy Rice Salad with Lime-Pepper DressingBifana Loaded Fries with Garlic-Mustard MayoBirria Grilled Cheese with Consomé DipFillet Bò Lúc Lắc with Tomato Butter Rice (Cơm Đỏ)Bratkartoffeln Tortilla FlammkuchenPico de Gallo and Avocado BruschettaBún Bò Huế Đặc Biệt with Oxtail and Homemade Chả HuếBurmese Curry Chicken Egg Palata Rolls with Lime-Onion SlawChicken Tikka Burrito with Mint RaitaButter Chicken Cheese ToastChipotle-Lime Chorizo Cabbage Boil with Cotija (Mexican × Cajun)Crispy Parboiled Potato Hash with Smoked Sausage and Butter-Basted EggsCheddar Waffles with Beer-Braised Beef and Pickled Red OnionClassic Ceviche with Leche de TigreNikkei Salmon Ceviche with Soy and SesameShrimp Ceviche Tostadas with Avocado CremaGeorgian Chicken Tinga Tacos (Georgian × Mexican)Pindi CholeChana Masala Cheese ToastieChapati Chicken Quesadilla (Kenyan × Mexican)Masala Chapati Chips with Avocado DipPeshawari Hand-Chopped Chapli KebabChapli Kebab Cheeseburger with Mint MayoChapli Kebab Flatbread Pizza with Mint YogurtChar Siu Tacos with Charred Pineapple SalsaSoaked-Rice Chatamari with Timur Keema and Roasted Tomato AcharChicken Adobo Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Lime CremaChicken Biryani BurritoBiryani Chicken Rice BowlSheet-Pan Chicken Cacciatore Gnocchi with MozzarellaChicken Karahi TacosKarahi Chicken Cheese Naan MeltChicken Nanban Tacos with Jalapeño-Lime TartarePaprikash Chicken Skewers with Dill Sour Cream DipChicken Tikka Masala QuesadillasGuajillo-Ancho Chicken Chilaquiles with Crispy Fried EggCheese-Stuffed Poblano Tempura with Ponzu Pico de Gallo (Japanese × Mexican)Texas Bowl of RedChimichurri Steak and Whipped Feta BaguetteAmritsari Chole with Paneer-Stuffed BhatureChole Lángos with Garlic and Sour Cream (Hungarian × Punjabi)Mini Bhatura Chole Sliders with Mint-Onion SlawChorizo Smash Tacos with ChimichurriSonoran-Style Bacon-Wrapped Completo (Chilean × Mexican)Restaurant-Style Cumin Lamb with a Fresh-Toasted Spice BlendCumin Lamb Tacos with Lime Yogurt Crema (Chinese × Mexican)Curry Goat Birria-Style Tacos (Jamaican × Mexican)Currywurst Melt ToastieKhao Soi-Style Coconut Curry Dak-kalguksuCrispy Dal Bhat Rice Cakes with Tomato-Timur AcharLamb and Beef Dürüm Döner with Homemade LavashDöner Pizza (Turkish × Italian)Doro Wat with Homemade Niter Kibbeh and Honey-Wine FinishDoro Wat Ramen with Berbere Chicken and AjitamaDoro Wat Egg Muffins with Berbere Onion JamEgg Bite Flatbread Wrap with Spinach, Feta and TomatoThree-Chile Enchiladas GratinadasFava and Chickpea Falafel with Parsley Tarator and Sumac OnionsBaked Falafel Crunch BowlChana Chaat Fatteh with Tamarind and Mint Yogurt (Levantine × Indian)Restaurant-style fattoush with za'atar pita crisps and pomegranateMexican-style fattoush with tortilla crisps and avocadoFesenjan Pulled Chicken Tacos with Pomegranate SalsaZa'atar, Feta and Cherry Tomato FocacciaSmashed Potato Salmon BowlFul Medames Huevos RancherosFull English Huevos Rancheros with Chipotle Beans (British × Mexican)Gai Yang Pita with Jaew Yogurt (Thai × Greek)Macerated Gazpacho with Garlic CroutonsMexican-Style Jalapeño-Lime GazpachoWhole-Feta Gemista Rice Tray BakeBeef Githeri with KachumbariCrispy Githeri Fritters with Kachumbari Yogurt DipMarinated-feta horiatiki with tomato-water dressingHoriatiki-fattoush with za'atar fetaWhipped feta horiatiki toastGroundnut Chicken Rice Bowl with Charred Corn and Pickled Red OnionGuac Smash Toast with Jammy Egg and Charred CornStacked Gyros Loaf with Sumac Onions and Dill TzatzikiSheet-Pan Gyros Nachos with Pita Chips and Whipped FetaChicken Haleem Rice BowlChipotle Hot Honey Salmon Tacos with Cucumber-Lime SalsaJamaican Patty Crunchwrap with Mango SalsaJerusalem Mixed Grill with Homemade Amba and Charred OnionsJeyuk Tacos with Lime SlawSaffron Joojeh Chicken Tacos with Sumac Onions (Persian × Mexican)Lamb Karnıyarık with Pepper-Paste Sauce and Sumac OnionsMasala Kartoffelpuffer with Mint Raita (German x Indian)Elote Kartoffelsalat with Charred Corn, Lime and Chilli (German × Mexican)Kefta Tagine Tacos with Harissa Crema and Pickled Onion (Moroccan × Mexican)Pilau Masala Honey-Lime Wings with Kachumbari Yogurt DipKibbeh Smash Burger with Tahini-Garlic SauceOven-Baked Kibbeling Loaded Fries with Dill-Garlic SauceKik Alicha with Homemade Niter KibbehCrispy Kik Alicha Patties with Berbere Yogurt DipPandan Kiribath with Seeni SambolCrispy Kiribath Bites with Lunu Miris MayoKitfo Smash Sliders with Whipped AyibSmash köfte burgerLablabi Bread Salad with Harissa-Lemon Dressing24-hour cold-proved lamb lahmacunCrispy lahmacun bulgur bowlLarb Gai Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Sriracha CreamLecsó Whipped-Feta Toast with Crispy Sausage and HoneyLobio Tacos with Walnut Salsa and Pickled Onion (Georgian × Mexican)Pisco-Flambéed Tenderloin Lomo Saltado with Double-Fried PotatoesLomo Saltado Burrito with Ají Amarillo CremaLomo Saltado Loaded Fries with Huancaína SauceMalai Kofta Sliders with Makhani Mayo and Pickled OnionsSmoky Mandi Chicken Tacos with Daqqus Salsa (Mexican × Yemeni)Crispy Dosa Chaat BowlMassaman Chicken Loaded FriesMenemen Breakfast TacosMexican-Style Torta de MilanesaRoasted Minestrone Salad BowlMisir Wat with Homemade Niter KibbehJuicy Pork Jhol MomoTandoori Chicken Momo with Mint YoghurtMomo Smash Tacos with Achar MayoShrimp moqueca rice bowl with dendê farofaRoasted Vegetable Couscous Bowl with Whipped FetaChicken Fajita Mutabbaq with Pico de Gallo (Mexican × Saudi)Nan Gyi Thoke with Turmeric Shallot Oil, Garlic Chips and Jammy EggsNasi Lemak with Spiced Fried Chicken (Ayam Goreng Berempah)Dry-Brined Goat Nyama Choma with Charred Pili-Pili and Sukuma WikiNyama Choma Gua Bao with Kachumbari Slaw and Pili-Pili Mayo (Kenyan x Taiwanese)Crispy Ugali Fries with Nyama Choma BitesCharcoal-Smoked Paneer Tikka with Mint ChutneyPaneer Tikka Tacos with Mango Salsa (Indian × Mexican)Paneer Tikka Loaded Fries with Mint Chutney MayoGarlic-Lime Brined Patacones with Guacamole and Slow HogaoMumbai Tawa Butter Pav BhajiPav Bhaji Cheesy Pull-Apart BunsPeameal Hash Brown Breakfast BowlPeri-Peri Chicken TacosPhở French Dip SandwichPicadillo Smash TacosPisto Puff Tartlets with Honey RicottaPol Sambol Prawn Aglio e Olio (Sri Lankan × Italian)Pol Sambol Crispy Rice BowlPollo a la Brasa Shawarma Wraps (Peruvian × Levantine)Pollo a la Brasa Quinoa Bowl with Ají Verde DressingCrispy Pork Medallion Sliders with Lemon-Parsley AioliSpanakopita Pupusas with Lemon-Dill CurtidoCrispy Smashed Potatoes with Raclette Pour-Over and Pickle SalsaRajma Chawal Crispy Tikki with Mint YogurtRatatouille Cheese Melt ToastSmoked Mackerel Red-Red with Kelewele-Spiced PlantainRendang beef tacosQuick Rouladen Pinwheel Skewers with Mustard Gravy DipRogan Josh Birria-Style TacosRogan Josh Keema Loaded FriesRopa Vieja Loaded TostonesCrispy Roti Jala Cups with Coconut Curry Chicken SaladGochujang Pork Belly Tacos with Kimchi SalsaSamosa ToastieChicken Satay Tacos with Acar PicklesSausage Sizzle Skewers with Smoky Tomato GlazeScallion Pancake QuesadillaCharcoal Lamb Seekh Kebab with Fresh Mint ChutneyCharcoal Dharan Sekuwa with Sesame-Radish AcharSekuwa Pork Burger with Timur-Radish Slaw (Nepali × American)Chicken Sekuwa Crispy Chiura Bowl with Cucumber-Sesame AcharTandoori Chicken Shashlik with Mint Chutney (Uzbek × North Indian)Shashlik Lamb Rice Bowl with Dill Yogurt and Pickled OnionsTower-Roast Chicken Shawarma with ToumChicken Shawarma TacosCharcoal Shish Tawook with Sumac OnionsShish Tawook Quesadillas with Toum Crema and Pickled Onions (Lebanese × Mexican)Chipotle-Lime Shrimp and Corn Grits (Mexican × Southern)Pampanga-Style Sisig with Pig Ears and Charcoal-Grilled BellySizzling Sisig Kimchi Bibimbap with Gochujang-Calamansi Sauce (Filipino × Korean)Cheesy Sisig Loaded Fries with Calamansi Garlic MayoCrunchy Rye Smørrebrød Bowl with Jammy EggsSolyanka Melt Toast with Lemon-Dill Sour CreamCharcoal Lamb Leg Sosaties with Apricot Glaze and Mint YogurtAl Pastor Sosatie Tacos: Chipotle-Apricot Pork Skewers with Pineapple (South African x Mexican)Sosatie Chicken Pita Pockets with Apricot Yogurt and Crunchy SlawMasala Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Mint RaitaPork Neck Souvlaki with Homemade Yogurt FlatbreadSouvlaki Loaded FriesSri Lankan Curry Chicken Cheese Toastie with Pol SambolCharcoal Suya with Hand-Toasted Yaji and Tomato RelishSuya Steak Crunch Salad with Peanut-Lime DressingSweet and Sour Pork Tacos with Pineapple SalsaMexican Street-Corn TabboulehCrispy Smash TacosBaked Tamal Cups with Red Chile ChickenCharcoal-Smoked Tandoori Chicken with Mint ChutneyTandoori Chicken Tray Pizza with Mint Raita DrizzleTandoori Chicken Caesar Salad with Naan CroutonsShrimp Tempura Tacos with Lime Sriracha MayoAwaze Tibs with Homemade Niter KibbehAwaze Tibs Tacos with Ayib-Style Lime Crema (Ethiopian × Mexican)Berbere Butter Tibs Rice BowlChorizo Tinga Poblana with Avocado CremaTwice-Cooked Pork Tacos with Pickled OnionUgali with Coconut Sukuma and KachumbariJalapeño Cheddar Varenyky with Pico de Gallo and Lime Crema (Ukrainian × Mexican)Waakye Grain Salad with Avocado and Lime-Chilli DressingCrisp-Seared Yuca with Garlic Confit MojoCrispy Smashed Yuca with Mojo AioliDouble-Fried Yuca with ChicharrónYukgaejang Birria Tacos (Mexican × Korean)

Updated 2026-10-10