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Easy Pickled Red Onions: A Flavorful Addition to Your Meals

Bright pink, tangy-sweet pickled red onions that add a vibrant crunch to tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. Ready in just 30 minutes and keeps for weeks!

  • Author: ranime
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins (5 mins if using hot brine)
  • Total Time: 30 mins (active 10 mins)
  • Yield: 1½ cups 1x
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Global

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (about 1½ cups)
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 1 tbsp sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
  • 1½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp whole peppercorns (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, smashed (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Onions: Thinly slice onion (use a mandoline for even ⅛-inch slices). Pack into a clean 12-oz jar.
  2. Make Brine: Whisk vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Add optional spices.
  3. Pickle: Pour brine over onions, pressing down to submerge. Let cool to room temperature (30 mins) before refrigerating.
  4. Store: Keeps for 3-4 weeks refrigerated. Flavor improves after 1 hour.

Notes

  • Quick-Pickle Trick: Pour boiling brine over onions for instant use in 30 mins.
  • Flavor Variations: Add ½ tsp cumin seeds, 1 cinnamon stick, or ¼ tsp red pepper flakes.
  • For Extra Crispness: Soak raw onions in ice water for 10 mins before pickling.
  • No Sugar Option: Omit sweetener for keto-friendly version.

Nutrition