Easy Pickled Onions Recipe
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Easy Pickled Onions Recipe
These effortless quick pickled red onions are your new pantry essential, transforming ordinary dishes with their vibrant color and sweet-tangy crunch. Using just a few simple ingredients like red onions, vinegar, and a hint of sugar, they come together in minutes and are ready to enjoy after a brief chill. They are the perfect bright, crisp-tender garnish to elevate everything from weeknight tacos to weekend barbecue spreads.
I first fell for the magic of quick pickling while traveling through Mexico, where a small jar of these ruby-hued onions sat on every table, ready to adorn street tacos. That experience taught me that the simplest condiments often make the most memorable impact. Now, I always keep a jar in my fridge; their sharp acidity and subtle sweetness are a revelation when scattered over a cooling Authentic Greek Salad or a hearty bowl of Easy White Chicken Chili. They add a spark of life to even the simplest meals, turning a basic plate of roasted broccoli into something special.
Why You’ll Love This Quick Pickle
- Effortless Preparation: You only need about 10 minutes of active time for a condiment that lasts for weeks.
- Bright, Versatile Flavor: The perfect balance of tangy and sweet complements countless dishes.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare a batch on the weekend and enjoy its benefits all week long.
- Vibrant Visual Appeal: The stunning pink color makes any plate look instantly more appetizing.
Ingredients for Perfect Quick Pickled Red Onions
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Red Onion: One large onion yields the perfect amount for a standard mason jar.
- Distilled White Vinegar: Provides a clean, sharp acidity that is the backbone of the pickle.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a slightly fruity, complex note to the brine.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a tablespoon balances the vinegar’s sharpness perfectly.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor and helps crisp the onion slices.
- Peppercorns & Bay Leaf: These aromatics add a subtle layer of warmth and complexity.
Quick Pickled Red Onions
Learn how to make quick pickled red onions in just 15 minutes active time! This easy recipe uses simple ingredients for tangy, crisp-tender pickled onions perfect for tacos, salads, and more.
Equipment
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- small saucepan
- mason jar
- spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large red onion peeled and thinly sliced into 1/4-inch half-moons
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 whole peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Place the thinly sliced red onion into a clean 16-ounce mason jar or heatproof container, packing it down gently.
- Combine water, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaf in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt completely dissolve, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully pour the hot liquid over the onions in the jar, ensuring all onion slices are fully submerged beneath the liquid.
- Let the jar cool to room temperature on the counter for about 30 minutes before sealing with a lid.
- Refrigerate the pickled onions for at least 1 hour before using, which allows them to develop a bright pink color and crisp-tender texture.
Notes
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using for best flavor and texture. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Creative Variations to Try
- Spicy Pickled Onions: Add a sliced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the jar.
- Herb-Infused Pickles: Toss in a few sprigs of fresh dill, thyme, or oregano for an aromatic twist.
- Sweet & Spicy Version: Use all apple cider vinegar and add a cinnamon stick for warmth.
My Pro Tips for Pickling Success
- Slice Evenly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline for uniformly thin slices, which pickle evenly.
- Dissolve Completely: Ensure the sugar and salt are fully dissolved in the hot brine for balanced flavor.
- Submerge Fully: Press the onions down so they are completely covered by the brine to prevent spoilage.
- Patience is Key: Let them chill for the full hour, or even overnight, for the best texture and color development, perfect for prepping ahead for a charcuterie board.
How to Store Your Homemade Pickles
- Store: Keep the pickled onions in their brine in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as it will drastically change the crisp texture of the onions.
- Use the Brine: The leftover brine can be used to pickle other vegetables, like carrots or radishes.
- Make-Ahead Tip: These are an ideal make-ahead condiment, their flavor improving over the first few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do quick pickled onions last?
When stored properly in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, your quick pickled red onions will stay crisp and flavorful for up to 3 weeks. Always use a clean utensil to remove them from the jar to keep the brine fresh.
Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
Absolutely. You can use all distilled white vinegar for a sharper pickle. The apple cider vinegar simply adds a milder, fruitier note, but the recipe is very adaptable.
Why are my pickled onions not pink?
The vibrant pink color develops as the onions sit in the acidic brine. If they aren’t pink yet, they likely need more time. Let them rest in the fridge for a few more hours or overnight for the full, beautiful color to appear.
Can I pickle other vegetables this way?
Yes, this quick-pickling method works wonderfully for other firm vegetables like thinly sliced carrots, radishes, or cucumbers. Adjust the sugar and salt slightly to taste based on the vegetable’s natural sweetness. They make a great addition to a roasted asparagus salad.
More Easy Condiments to Love
Make These Quick Pickled Red Onions Tonight
With their brilliant color and perfectly balanced sweet-tangy flavor, these quick pickled red onions are a guaranteed way to make your meals more exciting. They are incredibly simple to prepare and will become a staple in your kitchen. I hope you enjoy this easy recipe as much as I do.
