Quick Pickled Onions Recipe

Tim and I are obsessed with this pickled onions recipe. The pickled onions feature a tangy, puckery flavor on their own, but when you add them to another dish, they really elevate the flavor and make that dish great. We frequently use them in our salads, soups, sandwiches, and more (see below for some ideas!). I’m pretty sure I always have a jar of these in the fridge, or at the very least something that is pickled!

How to Make Pickled Onions

This recipe is a quick pickle recipe — it doesn’t require any heating! Just mix the brine together and combine it with the onions in a jar. That’s it!

• Prepare the marinade: Combine the lukewarm water, vinegar, peppercorns, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Whisk the vinegar mixture until well combined.
• Slice the onions: Slice the onions into thin half moons with a sharp knife. Break them apart and stuff them into a jar.
• Assemble the jar: Pour the marinade over the onions, fully covering them. Seal the jar and refrigerate.

Quick Pickled Onions Tips

I’ve tried a few variations of this pickled onion recipe and have ultimately landed on this one, especially when following these tips. Check them out!

• Choose the right onion: Grab one large red onion or two small ones. I like using red onions the most because they have higher acidity and a stronger flavor than yellow or white onions.
• Slice the onions thinly: For the best results, slice the onions as thinly as possible. Each onion slice should soak up as much flavor as possible to make it really tangy and flavorful. If you have one, use your mandolin slicer to make it easy.
• Use apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is my top choice because of its subtle sweet taste, but white vinegar is a good substitute.
• Swap in a natural sweetener: Traditionally, pickled red onions are made with white sugar. But, if you want an alternative, try using maple syrup, agave, or honey instead.
• Spice up your pickling brine (optional): Want to add an extra flavor punch to your onions? Make it spicy by adding some habaneros or jalapeños to the mix. You can also add a couple garlic cloves, ground cumin, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, fresh herbs, or dried oregano. Get creative!

Uses for Homemade Pickled Red Onions

The possibilities are seriously endless here. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Sandwiches/Wraps

I love a good tang in my sandwiches and wraps. My Cuban sandwich and steak sandwich are especially good with pickled onions. For breakfast, add the onions to breakfast quesadillas, or for dinner, stick them into a gyro wrap. Oh, and don’t forget burgers — they are amazing with pickled red onions!

Bowls

I love how easy it is to make a bowl and layer a whole bunch of ingredients inside! I really enjoy adding fresh pickled onions to my burrito bowl, Hawaiian poke bowl, and egg roll in a bowl.

Salads

Add pickled onions to any of your favorite salads. This simple garden salad really goes to the next level with the tangy crunch of an onion.

Sides/Dips

Pickled onions can be a side of their own, but they’re also great mixed into other side dishes and dips. Add them into guacamole or pico de gallo!

Toppings

Top a variety of dishes with pickled red onions for a tangy, vibrant flair. Carne asada street tacos, avocado toast, and smoked salmon toast all come out superb with a pickled onion topping!

Storing Pickled Onions

When I say make a big batch, I mean it. These onions keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator in an airtight container (I like small mason jars). Plus, I personally think they get better with time. The longer they soak in the pickling liquid, the more flavorul they are!

More Pickled Veggies

• Marinated Mushrooms – Tangy mushrooms in 15 minutes
• Giardiniera – Picked carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli
• Marinated Tomatoes – Tangy tomatoes that are great as a side
• Pickled Cucumbers – Dill & garlic flavored pickles

Recipe

Quick Pickled Onions Recipe

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Servings

12 Servings

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin

These tangy, pickled red onions take only 5 minutes to put together — no hot brine needed. Make a big batch and use them for a million different things!

Ingredients

• 1 large red onion
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp peppercorns

US Units – Metric

Instructions

• Gather all the ingredients for the recipe.
  
• Prepare the marinade by placing all ingredients (except onions) into a bowl or jar. Stir to combine until the salt and sugar dissolve. Slice the onions into half rings.
  
• Break the onions apart and place them into the jar. Pour the marinade over the onions and make sure they are fully covered. Seal the jar and refrigerate.
  
• Marinate for 1-2 days. Serve and enjoy!
  

Nutrition Facts

Quick Pickled Onions Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 11 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Sodium 389mg16%

Potassium 26mg1%

Carbohydrates 2g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin C 0.7mg1%

Calcium 4mg0%

Iron 0.1mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.