Name: Quick Pickled Red Onions
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup white vinegar; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or 2 teaspoons fine sea salt); 1 cup cold water

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Tangy, crisp, and vibrant, these quick pickled red onions take only 10 minutes to prepare and add a punch of flavor to tacos, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Made with just five simple ingredients, they are an easy way to elevate everyday meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their dishes with a bold and zesty topping that’s both easy and fast. Requiring no special equipment or long fermentation, these pickled red onions offer maximum flavor with minimal effort. They keep well in the fridge, making them ideal for weekly meal prep or spontaneous garnishing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt (or 2 teaspoons fine sea salt)
1 cup cold water

Directions

Thinly slice the red onion using a sharp knife or mandolin for consistent, even slices. Place the slices into a clean mason jar.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Whisk the mixture until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cold water to cool the brine.
Pour the cooled brine over the sliced onions in the jar, ensuring that all onion slices are completely submerged.
Use a fork or spoon to gently press the onions down below the surface of the liquid.
Seal the jar tightly with a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor development.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Calories: 45 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for added heat.
Herbed Pickles: Include fresh herbs such as thyme, dill, or oregano in the jar for an herby undertone.
Citrus Twist: Replace half of the vinegar with fresh lime or lemon juice for a brighter, more citrus-forward profile.
Multicolor Mix: Use a combination of red and white onions for visual interest and flavor variety.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Swap white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a deeper, slightly fruity taste.

Storage/Reheating

Store the pickled onions in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. They remain crisp and flavorful for up to 2 weeks. There is no need to reheat; serve them cold or at room temperature. Always use a clean utensil to retrieve onions from the jar to prolong freshness.

FAQs

Are quick pickled red onions safe to eat immediately?

Yes, though they are best after at least one hour of refrigeration to allow the flavors to develop.

Can I use a different type of onion?

Yes, but red onions are preferred for their color and slightly sweet flavor. White or yellow onions can also be used, though they may yield a stronger bite.

Is it necessary to heat the vinegar mixture?

Heating helps dissolve the sugar and salt completely, ensuring even distribution of flavor.

Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

Yes, you may omit the sugar or replace it with a sugar substitute, though it will alter the flavor balance slightly.

What kind of vinegar is best?

White vinegar is traditional for its sharp, clean taste, but apple cider or rice vinegar can be used for variations in flavor.

How long do pickled onions last in the fridge?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, remaining flavorful and crisp.

Are pickled red onions healthy?

Yes, they are low in calories and provide antioxidants from the onions. Be mindful of sugar if you’re watching your intake.

Can I reuse the pickling liquid?

It’s best to make a fresh batch for food safety and flavor integrity, though some people reuse it once with a new batch of onions.

Will the onions stay crisp?

Yes, especially if they are thinly sliced and kept submerged in the brine. The quick pickling process helps retain their crunch.

Can I add garlic or other vegetables?

Absolutely. Sliced garlic, carrots, or radishes make excellent additions and can be pickled alongside the onions.

Conclusion

Quick pickled red onions are an easy and flavorful way to elevate a wide range of dishes. With just five pantry staples and 10 minutes of effort, you can create a versatile condiment that enhances everything from tacos to grain bowls. Keep a jar in your fridge and discover how this simple addition can make your meals more vibrant and exciting.

Quick Pickled Red Onions

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Tangy, crisp, and vibrant, these 10-minute pickled red onions are a quick and easy way to add flavor to tacos, salads, burgers, and more using just 5 ingredients.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: Pickling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt (or 2 teaspoons fine sea salt)
1 cup cold water

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Instructions

Thinly slice the red onion using a sharp knife or mandolin and place into a clean mason jar.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine vinegar, sugar, and salt. Whisk until fully dissolved.
Remove from heat and stir in the cold water to cool the brine.
Pour the brine over the sliced onions in the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Use a fork or spoon to gently press the onions below the surface of the liquid.
Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.