Onion Rings a la Cock of the Walk

4 cups servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 5 m Total: 15 m Beginner
4.0/5 (1)
Onion Rings a la Cock of the Walk
Many Cajuns grew up eating this sweet and tangy pickled onion ring appetizer at the Cock of the Walk Restaurant on Johnston Street in Lafayette, before it burned down. The restaurant was famous for this dish made with sweet onions, cider vinegar, and sugar. Many times, the restaurant’s parking lot would become flooded after heavy rains. Once, a Kaplan man stepped out of his car and fell immediately under water! He realized a moment too late that he had walked right into a ditch. This is a popular recipe request, therefore have included the recipe on this website. Posted to TNT - Prodigy’s Recipe Exchange Newsletter by (ANGI L RAYCHER) on Mar 20, 1997

Ingredients

4 cups servings
  • 2 cups cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 4 cups sweet onions, sliced into rings

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients, except onions, in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).
  2. Drop in onion slices and turn heat off immediately. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a covered container and refrigerate. These pickled onion rings can be made ahead and will keep for several days refrigerated.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I use regular yellow onions instead of sweet onions?

A: Sweet onions like Vidalia work best because they're less sharp and complement the sweet-tangy brine. Yellow onions will work but may be more pungent and bitter.

Q: How long do these need to refrigerate before serving?

A: They're best after at least 2-4 hours of refrigeration to fully develop the pickled flavor, but overnight is even better. They'll keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Tips and Techniques

Make sure to let the brine cool completely before transferring to the refrigerator - putting hot liquid in a sealed container can create condensation and affect the texture. These onion rings are excellent as a side with fried catfish or po-boys.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • sweet onions: Vidalia onions, Walla Walla onions, or mild white onions
  • cider vinegar: white wine vinegar or rice vinegar

Equipment Needed

  • Large saucepan
  • Stirring spoon
  • Covered container for refrigeration

Historical Context

The Cock of the Walk was a legendary Lafayette restaurant known for its unique appetizers and Louisiana flair. Before it burned down, it was a gathering place for locals who loved these addictive pickled onion rings.