Pickled Lettuce Recipe
Introduction
Pickled lettuce is a quick and tangy way to elevate your favorite dishes like tacos, burritos, and bowls. This simple recipe uses basic pantry ingredients to create a flavorful, crisp topping in just minutes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small white onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
- Optional: a few shakes of Frank’s Red Hot hot sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the iceberg lettuce, white onion, white vinegar, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, avocado oil, and optional hot sauce in a mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Step 2: Let the mixture stand for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the lettuce to slightly pickle.
- Step 3: Serve as a tangy, crunchy topping on tacos, burritos, fajitas, bowls, or subs. Enjoy within 2-3 days for best freshness.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add more hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Try using red onion instead of white for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- If you prefer a milder vinegar taste, reduce the vinegar amount to 2 tablespoons and add a splash of water.
Storage
Store pickled lettuce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a quick stir. Reheat is not recommended as it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to retain its crisp texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce for pickling?
While iceberg lettuce works best due to its crisp texture, you can experiment with romaine or butter lettuce. Keep in mind they may become softer and less crunchy when pickled.
How long does it take for the lettuce to pickle properly?
The lettuce needs about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors and develop a light pickled taste. For a stronger flavor, you can let it sit up to a few hours in the refrigerator before serving.
PrintPickled Lettuce Recipe
This Pickled Lettuce recipe offers a quick and tangy way to elevate your meals with a crisp, flavorful topping. Featuring iceberg lettuce lightly pickled with white vinegar, garlic, and spices, it’s perfect for adding a refreshing crunch to tacos, burritos, fajitas, bowls, or subs. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy condiment adds a vibrant twist to everyday dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pickled Lettuce Ingredients
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small white onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
- Optional: a few shakes of Frank’s Red Hot hot sauce
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced iceberg lettuce and white onion, then pour in the white vinegar, avocado oil, and sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Optionally, add a few shakes of Frank’s Red Hot hot sauce for extra heat. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully mixed and evenly coated.
- Let It Marinate: Allow the mixture to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the lettuce to soften slightly, developing the pickled taste and crisp texture.
- Serve and Store: Use the pickled lettuce within 2-3 days as a fresh, tangy topping for tacos, burritos, fajitas, bowls, or subs. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- To enhance the pickling effect, you can refrigerate the mixture during the marinating time.
- Adjust the salt and vinegar levels to suit your taste preference for more or less tanginess.
- Use thin slicing for the lettuce and onion to ensure quick and even pickling.
- This pickled lettuce is best consumed fresh within a few days for optimal crunch and flavor.
- Substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter and fruitier flavor profile.
Keywords: pickled lettuce, quick pickles, taco topping, lettuce condiment, easy pickled vegetables, avocado oil, white vinegar pickles
