Pickled Red Onions Recipe
Pickled Red Onions are a simple yet powerful way to add a bright tangy crunch to almost any dish. Quick to make and endlessly versatile they bring a beautiful pink color and a punch of flavor to tacos burgers salads sandwiches and more. With just a few ingredients you can whip up a jar of these irresistible onions in no time.
Total Time:
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 2–3 minutes
Cooling time: 20–30 minutes
Quick use: after 30 minutes
Best flavor: after 24 hours
Ingredients:
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Optional flavorings:
1 clove garlic (sliced)
5–6 black peppercorns
A pinch of red chili flakes
A bay leaf
Instructions:
Prepare the onion:
Peel and thinly slice the red onion into very thin rings or half-moons.
Make the brine:
In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve (about 2 minutes).
Pack the jar:
Place the sliced onions into a clean glass jar. Add optional ingredients like garlic, peppercorns, or chili flakes if using.
Add the brine:
Carefully pour the hot brine over the onions until they are fully submerged.
Cool and store:
Let the jar cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes), then cover and refrigerate.
Ready to eat:
The onions will start to taste pickled after about 30 minutes, but they get better after a few hours and are best after 24 hours.
Q&A Section
Q: How long do pickled red onions last?
A: Stored in the refrigerator in a sealed jar, they last up to 2–3 weeks.
Q: Can I use other types of vinegar?
A: Yes! White vinegar, red wine vinegar, or rice vinegar all work. Each gives a slightly different flavor.
Q: Why do the onions turn pink?
A: The natural pigments in red onions react with the acid from the vinegar, making them a vibrant pink color.
Q: Can I reuse the pickling liquid?
A: You can reuse it once or twice for new batches, but the flavor will be milder each time.
Q: Are they spicy?
A: Only if you add chili flakes or other spicy ingredients! Otherwise, they’re just tangy and slightly sweet.
Nutrition (per tablespoon):
Calories: 5–8
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1–2g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 0.2g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 70–100mg
(Note: Values vary slightly depending on sugar and salt amounts.)
Conclusion:
Pickled red onions are a small but mighty addition to your kitchen — super simple to make, incredibly versatile, and a total flavor booster. In just minutes, you can create a topping that brightens up any meal with its zesty taste and gorgeous color. Whether you’re topping tacos, tossing them into salads, or layering them onto sandwiches, these pickled onions will become your new favorite condiment.