Last Updated on July 28, 2022 by Karen
These quick and easy pickled red onions are the perfect condiment to add a bright pop of sweet and tangy flavor to salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, grilled meats, and more.
I love opening the fridge and finding jars of homemade condiments waiting to be used. Canning is a bit tricky, but pickling is something I can totally manage. It turns out pickled red onions are super quick and easy to make.
Trust me, you’ll want to keep a jar or two of these pickled red onions on hand!
Add the pickled onions to enhance any dish such as tacos and burgers (see more suggested uses below!) or just grab a fork and eat them directly from the jar.
What does pickled red onion taste like?
The onions have a crisp texture with a sweet and tangy flavor.
Why we love this Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions recipe:
– Only takes 5 minutes of prep time: This pickled red onion recipe has just a few simple steps, and it’s as easy as slicing an onion and adding it to a brine.
– Easy to make: This recipe requires very little effort, just add everything to a jar and wait.
– Just 5 ingredients: These are ingredients you probably have in your pantry already!
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions:
Red onion: You can use white onions as well. Slice it thinly with a sharp knife or a mandoline.
Apple cider vinegar: I like the sweetness of apple cider vinegar, but you can also use distilled white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar.
Salt: I use coarse kosher salt. If using table salt, cut the amount in half.
Sugar: Helps balance out the tart flavor. Add more if you prefer your pickled onions to be sweeter. You can also substitute with maple syrup or honey.
How to make pickle red onions
1. Make the brine by adding the ingredients to a small saucepan, simmering on low until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Let the pickling liquid cool slightly.
2. Add thinly sliced onions to a glass jar and pour the brine over the onions. Screw on the jar lid and store in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
3. Enjoy right away or store for up to 2 weeks.
Is there a no-cook method to make these quick pickled red onions?
Yes! As a shortcut method, you can also add all the brine ingredients to a heat-proof glass jar and heat it up in the microwave before adding the onions to the brine.
How long do pickled red onions last?
You can store them in a sealed mason jar or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze these pickled red onions?
No, they don’t freeze well.
Can I make pickled red onions with no sugar?
The sugar helps balance the tartness of the brine, but if you’re on a sugar-free diet, you can opt for sugar substitute such as Stevia or Monkfruit.
How do I make the flavors of the onions less pungent?
If you want the flavor of the onions to be more mellow, you can pour boiling water over the sliced onions, let sit for 5 minutes, and drain out the liquid before transferring the onions to the pickling liquid.
How to use pickled red onions?
Pickled onions can liven up a variety of dishes, and the possibilities are endless! Here are some of our favorite ways to use them:
Mexican dishes – from tacos to burritos, burrito bowls, enchiladas, nachos, chilaquiles and more.
Salads – any kinds of leafy green salads, as well as potato and egg salads.
Gyro or falafel wraps
Charcuterie board or cheese plates
Sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers – gives a nice tangy flavor and crunch to all kinds of cold and warm sandwiches, panini, as well as hot dogs and burgers.
BBQ dishes – I love to serve it with smoked or grilled brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.
Try them on avocado egg toasts!
What are some variations to this pickled red onion recipe?
– Use thicker sliced onions for more crunch (be sure to allow the onions to pickle for at least 1 hour before serving).
– Use red pearl onions to make pickled cocktail onions.
– Add thinly sliced garlic cloves.
– Add sliced fresh jalapenos or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
– Add black pepper (ground or whole peppercorns).
– Add some dried or fresh herbs, such as rosemary, dill, thyme, bay leaves.
– Use white onions and red wine vinegar for the same vibrant pink color.
What are some of your favorite ways to use pickled onions? Let me know in the comments below!
Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 large red onion peeled and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Bring vinegar, water, salt and sugar to boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer on low until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Let the pickling liquid cool to room temperature. Add thinly sliced onions to a glass jar and pour the cooled brine over the onions.
- Screw on the jar lid and let the onions marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
