How To Make Sumac Onions

This helpful how-to-make Sumac Onions guide compiles everything you need to know about this traditional Middle Eastern condiment.

These onions are an excellent way to bring deep, savory flavor and irresistible tender-fresh crunch to almost any meal, including kebabs, shawarma, grilled fish, grain bowls, and so much more.

These sumac onions are so simple they hardly require a recipe, but having this easy-to-follow guide within reach doesn’t hurt!

By the end of this post, you will be an expert on sumac spice, marinating onions with sumac, and ways to incorporate sumac onions into breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

That said, you may as well double the recipe. Moving forward, you’ll want to put these sweet, tangy, and savory onions on everything!

What are Sumac Onions?

Sumac onions are a mixture of marinated onions, the spice called “sumac,” and chopped parsley. They’re often called “sumac onion salad” or “sumac onions and parsley salad.”

You could also call them “red onion salad,” “raw onion salad,” or “sumac salad.”

However, I wouldn’t classify this dish as a salad.

They are delicious, of course, but a bowl of marinated onions as a stand-alone salad may be a bit much.

However, the bold, dimensional flavor of red onions marinated in red wine vinegar and sumac makes for an excellent condiment for meat, seafood, gyros, and power bowls.

What is Sumac?

Sumac is the key ingredient in this sumac onions recipe.

So, before we dive into the details, here’s a brief on the incredible spice that sets these marinated onions apart from the rest.

Ground sumac is a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. It is made from sumac berries which are dried and ground into a coarse powder.

Its palatable flavor resembles the sharp, tart tanginess of fresh-squeezed lemon juice with hints of sweet floral aromas.

This is a flexible spice that doesn’t overpower dishes.

Instead, sumac improves the flavor profile of practically anything you add it to, like rubs, marinades, soups, and salad dressings. Or, you can sprinkle some sumac powder on top of finished dishes just as you would salt and pepper!

Ingredient Notes

Here is a brief overview of the ingredients you’ll need to make sumac onions:

• Red onion – These colorful onions have a sweet and spicy flavor profile. I do not recommend substituting a different type of onion here.
• Hot water – The sliced onions are soaked in hot water to take the bite off. To keep the recipe moving, I start a pot of boiling water before I begin slicing the onion, so the water is ready to go as soon as the onions are sliced.
• Red wine vinegar – This popular vinegar adds a touch of tang and sweetness while intensifying the color.
• Parsley – Fresh parsley gives this simple onion salad a fresh, herbaceous flavor and a pop of green to complement the hot pink!
• Sumac – To add to what we discussed above, if you’re hesitant to buy sumac specifically for this recipe because you won’t find a use for it elsewhere, have no fear! Sumac goes well with just about anything!
• Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and moisture and helps extend the shelf-life of quick pickled and marinated onions.
• Salt – Kosher or sea salt is best here, but use what you have on hand.

How to Make Sumac Onions

Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to make this easy recipe:

1. Slice the onion: I don’t know the secret to thinly slicing an onion without crying. I’ve heard that if you place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, remove the papery skin and rinse it under cold water before slicing, it can prevent tear-jerking enzymes from escaping. There are also a few suggestions in the comments, so check them out. Good luck! (Photo 1.)
2. De-flame the onion: Place the onion slices in a large bowl. Cover with boiling water, making sure the onions are fully submerged, and let soak for 10 minutes. The purpose of “de-flaming” the onion with boiling water is to soften the pungency creating a pleasantly sweet and savory flavor. (Photo 2.)
3. Drain the onions: Drain and pat them with a paper towel. It’s OK if they are still damp; just remove the excess water. (Photo 3.)
4. Quick-pickle the onions: Return the onions to the bowl. Add 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar to the onions and mix them well. Let the onions marinate for 5 to 10 minutes, gently stirring a few times during the process. (Photo 4.)
5. Drain the vinegar: Drain all but about 1 teaspoon of vinegar from the bowl. (Photo 5.)
6. Season and chill: Add fresh chopped parsley, sumac, and a generous pinch of salt. Drizzle with olive oil and stir to combine. Place onions in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. (Photo 6.)

Recipe Tips

The longer the raw onions marinate in vinegar, the more acidic they taste.

You can skip soaking the onions in vinegar altogether if you don’t want that much acidity. Instead, you can add a splash of red wine vinegar, lemon, or lime juice at the end.

Allowing the sumac onions to hang out in the fridge for 30 minutes or so before serving quickly cools them down and also helps strengthen the flavor.

Variations

The simplicity of sumac onions leaves plenty of room for customization.

Here are a few ways to adapt the flavors precisely to your taste preference:

• Omit the parsley and serve the onions sans fresh herbs, or swap the parsley with other fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or tarragon.
• If red wine vinegar is too tangy for your tastes, you can marinate the onions in freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice.
• Add a pinch of cayenne or Aleppo pepper flakes to make spicy sumac onions. For a smokey dimension, add smoked paprika or chipotle chili pepper.

How to Store

After soaking the onions in hot water, marinating in vinegar, and tossing with sumac and the remaining ingredients, transfer the mixture to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Do not freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you serve sumac onions?

Sumac onions make a perfect condiment for all sorts of dishes, bowls, salads, and more.

Try serving sumac onions with these delicious recipes for a flavor experience like no other:

• Egg Avocado Toast
• Meatballs without Breadcrumbs
• Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs
• Easy Tuna Chili
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta
• Mediterranean Tomato Salad

Can I make sumac onions in advance?

The onions taste great the next day. However, the parsley will wilt a bit, so if you want to prepare it in advance, you can make the onions a day ahead and add the parsley before serving.

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How To Make Sumac Onions

4.76 from 33 votes

Learn how to make sumac onions. This popular Middle Eastern condiment will add savory flavors to your meat, fish, wrap, or veggie and grain bowl. A very easy recipe.

Author: Maria Ushakova

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Chill Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 50 minutes mins

Servings: 5 portions

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Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Kitchen Knife
• Fine Mesh Strainers
• Mixing Bowls

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark.

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 large red onion
• ▢ hot water
• ▢ ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• ▢ ¾ to 1 cup chopped parsley (loosely packed)
• ▢ 1 Tbsp ground sumac
• ▢ 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ▢ pinch of salt

Instructions

• Thinly slice the onion and place it into a bowl.
  1 large red onion
• Pour boiling water over the onions making sure they are covered. Soak the onions for about 10 minutes.
• Drain the onions and pat them with a paper towel.
• Add the red wine vinegar to the onions and mix them well. Let the onions marinate for 5 to 10 minutes, stir them a few times.
  ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• Drain the vinegar leaving about 1 teaspoon in the bowl.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine. Place the onions in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
  ¾ to 1 cup chopped parsley, 1 Tbsp ground sumac, 1 Tbsp olive oil, pinch of salt

Recipe Notes

1. The longer you leave the onions in the vinegar, the more acidic they will taste. If you don't like them to be acidic, you can skip Step #4 and just add one tablespoon of red wine vinegar at the end.

2. The onions taste great the next day, however, the parsley will wilt a bit so if you want to prepare it in advance you can make the onions a day ahead and then add the parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

How To Make Sumac Onions

Serving Size

 

1 /5 of recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

43

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

3

g

5

%

Saturated Fat

 

0.4

g

3

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

2.4

g

Sodium

 

65.8

mg

3

%

Carbohydrates

 

4.1

g

1

%

Fiber

 

1.1

g

5

%

Sugar

 

1.5

g

2

%

Protein

 

0.8

g

2

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The nutrition facts are an estimate. Variations in ingredient brands, portion sizes, or substitutions can affect the final nutritional values. For the most accurate information, please use a nutrition calculator or consult with a healthcare provider. Always ensure that each of the ingredients is allowed in your diet.

Course: Cooking Guides

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Diet: Vegan

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Meet Maria

Maria Ushakova is a holistic nutritionist and food blogger. She focuses on developing easy recipes using real food ingredients. She believes that healthy food is delicious and anyone can learn how to cook it. Maria’s work has appeared on numerous popular websites as well as in print.