Pickled Red Onions
Quick, tangy, and vibrant pickled red onions that add a pop of flavor to tacos, salads, and sandwiches. Ready in under 30 minutes, this simple recipe is a must-have condiment in your fridge.
For 8 servings
4 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Onions: Using a sharp knife or a mandoline for best results, slice the red onion into thin, uniform rings (about 1/8-inch thick). Tightly pack the sliced onions into a clean 16-ounce (pint-sized) glass jar. This step should take about 5 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Pickling Brine: In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Add the black peppercorns and smashed garlic cloves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. This process takes about 3-5 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Pickle: Carefully pour the hot brine over the sliced onions in the jar, ensuring they are completely submerged. Use a spoon to gently press the onions down into the liquid. Tap the jar on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles. This should take about 2 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cool and Refrigerate: Let the jar sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to cool down. Once cooled, screw the lid on tightly and transfer the jar to the refrigerator. The onions are ready to eat in as little as 30 minutes, but their flavor and vibrant pink color will intensify after a few hours or overnight.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For uniformly thin slices, a mandoline slicer is highly recommended. Be sure to use the safety guard.
- 2Pouring the brine while it's hot helps to slightly soften the onions, allowing them to absorb the flavor more quickly and efficiently.
- 3Ensure your jar is thoroughly cleaned before use to prolong the shelf life of your pickled onions.
- 4Don't discard the leftover pickling liquid! It makes a fantastic base for salad dressings or can be used to pickle another small batch of vegetables like carrots or cucumbers.
- 5For a milder onion flavor, you can briefly blanch the onion slices in boiling water for 30 seconds, then drain and rinse with cold water before adding them to the jar.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spice It Up
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, a sliced jalapeño, or a few slices of habanero pepper to the jar for a spicy kick.
Herb InfusionHerb Infusion
Tuck a few sprigs of fresh dill, thyme, or oregano into the jar along with the onions for an herbaceous flavor.
Different VinegarsDifferent Vinegars
Experiment with other vinegars like white wine vinegar for a milder taste or rice vinegar for a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor.
Sweetener SwapSweetener Swap
Replace the granulated sugar with an equal amount of maple syrup or honey for a different kind of sweetness.
Aromatic SpicesAromatic Spices
Add whole spices like a bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds, or a few whole cloves to the brine for more complex aromatics.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Red onions are packed with anthocyanins and quercetin, powerful antioxidants that help combat inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Supports Gut Health
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can help promote a healthy gut microbiome by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.
Low-Calorie Flavor Enhancer
Pickled onions provide a significant boost of tangy, sweet flavor to any dish with very few calories, making them an excellent choice for weight management.
May Aid Blood Sugar Control
Some studies suggest that vinegar can improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar responses after meals.
Frequently asked questions
When stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 weeks. Their texture may soften slightly over time.