Vegetable | Vegan Gluten Free Low Calorie

Red Onion

Allium cepa Allergen-Free
red onion

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Amaryllidaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Onion bulb

The Forktionary Angle

"A culinary chameleon, adding both color and a gentle piquancy to dishes, especially when raw."

Definition

A variety of onion characterized by its purplish-red skin and distinctively milder, sweeter flavor than yellow onions.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet-tart, Pungent
TextureCrisp, Firm, Juicy
AromaPungent, Aromatic
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

Anthocyanin Content

High (Antioxidant Pigment)

Ideal Storage Temperature

45-55°F (Cool, Dry)

Sulfur Compounds

Lower than yellow/white onions

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 medium (110g)
Calories40 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1 g
Total Carbohydrate9 g
Dietary Fiber2 g
Total Sugars4 g
Calcium23 mg
Iron0.2 mg
Potassium146 mg

Chef’s Secret

To reduce the pungency of raw red onion, slice it thinly and soak in ice water for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Substitutions

Best Match

Yellow Onion

1:1

Good for cooking, but less mild and lacks the color of red onion.

Shallots

1:1

Milder and sweeter, excellent for vinaigrettes or delicate dishes.

White Onion

1:1

Sharper, more pungent than red, but can work in cooked applications.

Scallions (green parts)

1:1 (sliced)

Provides a mild, fresh onion flavor and vibrant green color for garnish.

Buying Guide

Choose firm, heavy onions with dry, unblemished skin and no sprouts.

Flavor Pairings

Salads Sandwiches Pickling Tacos Burgers Grilling Vinaigrettes

Recipes Using Red Onion

60 Minutes Or Less Free Of Something Course Vegetables

A Salad For All Seasons

This vibrant salad is a delightful combination of simple, flavorful ingredients that's perfect any time of year! Impress your guests (or your picky husband!) with this surprisingly satisfying starter or light lunch. Featuring intensely flavorful roasted red onions, perfectly boiled eggs, and a few other key components, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Roast the onions and boil the eggs ahead of time for effortless assembly – making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend brunches. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete and fulfilling meal.

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Chicken Whole Chicken Main Ingredient Poultry

Aguado De Gallina Or Chicken Rice Soup

Experience the vibrant flavors of Peru with this authentic Aguado de Gallina recipe! This comforting and delicious chicken rice soup is bursting with fresh herbs, spices, and tender chicken. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this easy-to-follow recipe will transport your taste buds to the heart of Peru. Find the original recipe inspiration at Laylita's website.

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Preparation Stove Top Tomatoes Main Ingredient

Amazing Kahlua Baked Beans

Spice up your weeknight dinner with these unbelievably delicious Kahlua Baked Beans! This recipe skips the oven for a quick and easy stovetop preparation, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients for a homemade flavor explosion. Sweet and savory perfection in just 30 minutes! Perfect for meal prepping – leftovers freeze beautifully, making this an ideal 'once a month' cooking (OAMC) recipe. #kahluabakedbeans #bakedbeans #stovetopbeans #easyrecipe #quickdinner #oamc #mealprep

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Main Ingredient Vegetables Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less

Andreas Viestad's Norwegian Red Onion Soup With Port And Jarlsbe

Indulge in Andreas Viestad's exquisite Norwegian Red Onion Soup! This recipe features sweet caramelized onions, rich port wine, and creamy Jarlsberg cheese, creating a symphony of flavors in every spoonful. Easy to follow instructions guide you through a 40-minute cooking journey resulting in a comforting and elegant soup perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. The slightly sweet and savory notes make this a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

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Seafood Oysters Equipment 60 Minutes Or Less

Angel Hair Pasta With Oysters And Bacon

Indulge in this luxurious Angel Hair Pasta recipe, featuring succulent oysters and crispy bacon. A perfect blend of salty, briny, and creamy flavors, this dish is sure to impress! Easy to follow instructions for an elegant meal in under an hour. #SeafoodPasta #OysterRecipe #BaconPasta #PastaRecipe #GourmetPasta

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15 Minutes Or Less Course Dietary Number Of Servings

Angie's Dad's Best Cabbage Coleslaw

This incredibly flavorful cabbage coleslaw recipe is a family favorite! Quick and easy to make (only 5 minutes prep time if using pre-shredded cabbage!), this recipe gets even better with time – enjoy it the same day or let it marinate for up to two weeks for maximum flavor. Its crunchy texture and delicious dressing will convert even the pickiest coleslaw critics. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Beginner Cook Easy Superbowl Eggs Dairy

Artichoke Tomato Bruschetta

This irresistible Artichoke Tomato Bruschetta recipe is bursting with fresh, summery flavors! Perfectly ripe Roma tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, and savory parmesan cheese create a vibrant topping for toasted bread. A touch of mozzarella (optional) adds a creamy finish after broiling. Customize the garlic to your liking – the perfect appetizer or light meal!

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Beef Time To Make Meat 30 Minutes Or Less

Asian Fire Beef

Experience the explosive flavors of Asia with this incredibly easy and delicious Chinese Fire Beef recipe! This vibrant stir-fry offers a refreshing twist on traditional beef dishes, delivering a fiery kick with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. (Marinating time not included in cook time.)

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Vegetables Occasion Dietary Main Ingredient

Asparagus Fried Rice

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant Asparagus Fried Rice! Fresh asparagus adds a delightful nuttiness and satisfying crunch that canned asparagus simply can't match. This recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly versatile – perfect as a light meal or a delicious side dish. Learn how to achieve perfectly loose-grained rice (the key to amazing fried rice!) and discover endless variations to customize this recipe to your liking. Add protein like bacon or ham, experiment with different peppers and chillies for spice, or swap the asparagus for mushrooms or even tuna! Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 20 minutes!

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Served Hot Vegetables Preparation Sandwiches

Bada Bing Betty's Tuscan Portobello Melt Grilled Cheese

This award-winning Tuscan Portobello Melt Grilled Cheese, a sensation from Betty Fraser's Top Chef 'comfort food' challenge, is a culinary masterpiece! This recipe, originally paired with recipe #193721, became a TGI Friday's menu star. The judges raved – and you will too! Imagine juicy portobellos, roasted with sweet onions and tomatoes in balsamic, nestled between perfectly grilled cheese with provolone and Monterey Jack. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both comforting and sophisticated. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or impressing your friends.

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Seafood Eggs Dairy Main Ingredient Sandwiches

Bagel Tuna Melt

Elevate your lunchtime routine with this gooey, flavorful Bagel Tuna Melt! A delightful twist on a classic tuna salad, this recipe features perfectly toasted bagels topped with creamy tuna salad, juicy tomato slices, and melted cheese. A quick and easy recipe perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a weekend brunch.

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Pasta Meat Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Main Dish

Baked Pasta With Chicken Sausage

This incredible baked pasta recipe is a dream come true! Make two pans – enjoy one tonight, and freeze the other for a quick and delicious meal later. This hearty dish features tender chicken sausage, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping!

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Freshwater Fish 60 Minutes Or Less Course Main Ingredient

Baked Sea Bass With Herbs And Lime

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant Baked Sea Bass recipe! Roasted lime adds a burst of zesty flavor, perfectly complementing the tender, flaky fish. The simple herb mixture (easily customizable with your favorite local herbs!) and juicy lime wedges create an unforgettable taste sensation. Serve with your favorite grilled or steamed vegetables and potatoes for a complete and healthy meal. This recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress!

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Low Calorie Low Calorie Cuisine Main Ingredient

Baked Spanish Risotto

Experience the vibrant flavors of Spain with this oven-baked risotto, inspired by the beloved paella! This incredibly easy recipe cooks the rice from scratch in the oven for a deliciously tender, slightly soft texture. Say goodbye to stovetop stirring – simply roast the ingredients for a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in under 80 minutes.

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Chicken Time To Make Poultry Southern United States

Barbecue Chicken Pizza

This recipe for Barbecue Chicken Pizza is a flavor explosion! Juicy grilled chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese atop a crispy crust create a pizza experience you won't forget. Easy to follow instructions ensure a restaurant-quality pizza ready in under 20 minutes!

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Easy Course Easy Salads

Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad

Craving a zesty, Southwestern-inspired salad? This Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad is bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make! Tender chicken tossed in a creamy barbecue ranch dressing, it's the perfect light yet satisfying meal. We recommend using a mild red onion to avoid overpowering the other delicious ingredients. Prep time is minimal, and chilling enhances the flavors, making this recipe ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Saltwater Fish Course Salmon Main Dish

Barefoot Contessa's Salmon Cakes

Indulge in these delectable Barefoot Contessa-inspired salmon cakes! Perfectly pan-fried to golden perfection, these flavorful cakes are bursting with fresh herbs and a hint of spice. Serve them as elegant appetizers, a satisfying lunch, or a light yet impressive dinner. Pair them with Ina Garten's mango chutney (recipe not included) for a truly unforgettable taste experience. This recipe skips the lengthy chill time, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

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4 Hours Or Less Fall Main Dish Main Ingredient

Beef Barley And Dried Mushroom Soup

Indulge in this deeply satisfying Beef Barley and Dried Mushroom Soup! This hearty, stew-like soup boasts a rich, earthy, and smoky flavor profile that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe is packed with tender beef, chewy barley, and fragrant dried mushrooms. Easy to follow instructions and readily available ingredients make it a weeknight winner!

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