If you’re looking to inject bright, zesty flavor into any meal, Simple Sumac Onions are your new secret weapon. This classic Middle Eastern condiment takes crisp red onions and transforms them with bold sumac, fresh lemon juice, silky olive oil, and a sprinkle of parsley for color and herbaceous lift. Within minutes, you have a tangy salad, a punchy topping, or a delectable side—with no cooking required. Simple Sumac Onions are my go-to shortcut for waking up grilled meats, stuffing into wraps, or instantly upgrading salads, and I can’t wait for you to add them to your own table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need to make Simple Sumac Onions might already be in your kitchen, and each ingredient plays a starring role in creating the bright color, tangy punch, and nuanced flavor that make this side so craveable. Here’s what you’ll need, with a tip for each:
- Red onion: Choose a large, firm onion for the prettiest color and crispest texture—thin slices help absorb the dressing fast.
- Ground sumac: This deep-red, tangy spice gives the onions their signature citrusy flavor and gorgeous color; find it at Middle Eastern markets or specialty spice shops.
- Fresh lemon juice: Squeezing fresh lemons makes all the difference—this adds zippy acidity that balances the sharpness of raw onion.
- Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil, which rounds out the flavors with a subtle, peppery note.
- Salt: Just enough to draw out moisture and mellow the onions for the perfect bite—don’t skip the massage step!
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of freshness and color right before serving.
How to Make Simple Sumac Onions
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Onion
Begin by selecting a large, firm red onion—it should have glossy, tight skin for maximum freshness and crunch. Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the onion as thinly as possible. Uniform slices help the onions soften quickly and drink up the dressing. Transfer your slices to a mixing bowl to set the stage for the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Salt and Massage
Sprinkle the sliced onions with the salt. This step is worth the extra minute: using your hands, gently massage the salt into the onions. You’ll notice them becoming slightly translucent and pliable—this not only softens their texture, but also tames their bite, making your Simple Sumac Onions mellow and irresistible.
Step 3: Add Sumac, Lemon Juice, and Olive Oil
Now, dust the onions generously with ground sumac. Its ruby hue and lemony sharpness set the tone for the whole dish. Drizzle on the fresh lemon juice and olive oil, then toss everything together so the onions are beautifully coated. At this point, the onions take on that signature tang you’re going for.
Step 4: Let Them Mingle
Patience pays off! Let the sumac-spiked onions sit for at least 10 minutes. This short rest allows the onions to soak in all the punchy flavors, resulting in Simple Sumac Onions that are incredibly vibrant and well-balanced. If you’re prepping ahead, you can let them sit even longer—just remember to stir occasionally.
Step 5: Add Parsley and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle in the fresh chopped parsley if you’re using it. It adds not just color, but a lovely herbal note that brightens the whole dish. Give it one last gentle toss, and your Simple Sumac Onions are ready for the spotlight.
How to Serve Simple Sumac Onions
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra sumac or a handful of pomegranate seeds will make your Simple Sumac Onions even more eye-catching at the table. Finish with another shower of fresh parsley or a few slivers of green chili for a touch of heat and color.
Side Dishes
Simple Sumac Onions are magic alongside grilled meats like kebabs, steak, chicken, or lamb. They’re also fantastic tucked into flatbread wraps, spooned over rice pilaf, or scattered on a mezze platter with creamy hummus and baba ganoush.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, pile your Simple Sumac Onions high in a shallow bowl and top with toasted nuts or edible flowers for flair. You can even layer them in jars for meal prep, or swirl them generously over salads, grain bowls, or sandwiches to infuse everyday meals with instant brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Simple Sumac Onions to an airtight container and place in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, and some say the flavor actually deepens as they sit. Give them a quick toss before serving again.
Freezing
I wouldn’t recommend freezing Simple Sumac Onions—the raw onions and delicate herbs simply don’t thaw well, losing their crunch and vibrancy in the process. Instead, make them fresh or store short-term in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Good news: there’s no need to reheat Simple Sumac Onions! They’re designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature, making them the ultimate fuss-free side. If they’ve chilled in the fridge, just let them sit out for a few minutes to take off the chill before serving.
FAQs
What does sumac taste like?
Sumac has a tangy, lemony flavor that’s pleasantly tart without being overwhelming. It adds citrusy brightness to Simple Sumac Onions and balances the sharpness of raw onions perfectly.
Can I use white or yellow onions instead?
While red onions give Simple Sumac Onions their beautiful color and mildness, you can use white or even sweet onions in a pinch—just keep in mind the flavor will be a bit sharper and the color less vivid.
How do I reduce the sharpness of raw onions even more?
Soaking the sliced red onions in ice water for about 10 minutes, then draining and proceeding with the recipe, will tame their heat and leave you with a gentler bite, which can be especially nice if your onions are strong.
Is there a substitute for sumac?
Sumac is unique, but in a pinch you can mimic its tang by using a combination of lemon zest and a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for color—though the flavor won’t be quite the same as true Simple Sumac Onions.
Are Simple Sumac Onions spicy?
Nope! This recipe isn’t spicy at all—just bright, tangy, and refreshing. If you’d like a hit of heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper or a few slices of fresh chili.
Final Thoughts
Simple Sumac Onions are a fast, flavor-packed way to add Middle Eastern flair to your table, whether you’re making a feast or spicing up a weeknight dinner. Try them once and watch how quickly they become a regular in your home—they’re that irresistible!
Print
Simple Sumac Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Simple Sumac Onions is a tangy and flavorful Middle Eastern condiment made with thinly sliced red onions, sumac, lemon juice, and olive oil. This vegan and gluten-free dish is perfect as a topping for grilled meats, salads, wraps, or rice dishes.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 large red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon ground sumac
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Place the thinly sliced red onion in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and gently massage the slices to soften them slightly.
- Add the ground sumac, lemon juice, and olive oil. Toss well to coat all the onions evenly.
- Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in chopped parsley just before serving, if using.
- Serve as a topping for grilled meats, salads, wraps, or rice dishes.
Notes
- Sumac onions are a traditional Middle Eastern condiment.
- For extra flavor, soak the onions in ice water for 10 minutes before draining and seasoning to reduce sharpness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
