The 5-minute flavour booster that turns any meal into something you actually want to eat – no cooking, no fuss!
You know that moment when dinner feels like it needs … something? Not another side dish, not more sauce – just a pop of flavour to lift the whole plate. That’s exactly what these lightly pickled Sumac Onions do.
They take 5 minutes, require zero cooking, and instantly add sharpness, crunch and brightness to just about anything – wraps, rice bowls, grilled meats, falafel, you name it. If you’ve ever had a kebab with those tangy red onions inside and thought, “I wish I could make this at home?” – now you can!
The sumac – available at major supermarkets in the spice aisle – brings a tart, citrusy punch, the lemon juice softens the onions just enough, and the whole thing sits in your fridge like a secret weapon for next-level dinners. The onions are make-ahead friendly, budget-friendly and kid-adaptable (just rinse or soak the onions first for milder flavour). Basically, this is one of those tiny extras that makes everything taste better – and once you start making it, you’ll wonder how your fridge ever lived without it.
What is sumac, and where do I find it?
Sumac is a deep red Middle Eastern spice with a tangy, lemony flavour. It is not a hot spice, so very kid-friendly, and it isn’t expensive. You’ll find it in the spice aisle of major supermarkets or Middle Eastern grocers – it’s worth keeping on hand.
Can I use white or brown onions instead?
Red onions work best here for colour and sweetness, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use white – just soak them in the lemon juice a bit longer to soften their bite.
What can I serve them with?
Everything from kebabs and grilled meats to sandwiches, bowls, falafel or tacos … I even love them with cevapi! They also bring serious life to leftovers.
Recipes that are delicious served with Sumac Onions:
Juicy Oven-baked Kebabs
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yoghurt Sauce
Halloumi Flatbreads with Hot Honey
Lamb Kofta with Fattoush Salad and Hummus
Lemon, Oregano and Chicken Tzatziki Wrap
Sumac Onions
These tangy, zippy Sumac Onions are a 5-minute flavour upgrade you’ll use again and again. No cooking required, just a quick mix of pantry staples that instantly elevates wraps, bowls and salads. A simple, make-ahead side that actually makes dinner exciting.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6 as a condiment 1x
Ingredients
- 1 small red onion, very finely sliced (see note 1)
- 1½ tsp sumac
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Toss to coat and let sit for 5–10 minutes (or longer) to pickle before serving for a better flavour, or serve immediately!
Notes
Note 1 – For milder flavour, soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes before mixing. If your onion is extra large, you can double the lemon juice and sumac.
Make Ahead
Mix and store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavour intensifies and the onion softens over time. Avoid metal bowls – glass or ceramic helps preserve the fresh flavour.
Leftovers
See make ahead instructions above.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sides
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
