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Pickled Red Onion Recipe

Quick Pickled Red Onion

5 from 1 vote
Quick, tangy, and flavorful pickled red onions that can transform tacos, sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls. This easy recipe can be made in just 30 minutes or allowed to sit overnight for a deeper flavor. Perfect for adding color, crunch, and a zesty kick to any meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Global
Calories: 15
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large red onions thinly sliced
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or honey/maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon salt non-iodized
  • Optional aromatics and spices:
  • 1 –2 garlic cloves smashed
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • ½ teaspoon peppercorns
  • Fresh herbs thyme, rosemary, or dill

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Medium saucepan
  • Heatproof jar(s) with lid
  • Spoon or tongs

Method
 

  1. Prepare the onions: Peel and thinly slice the red onions. Pack them into a clean, heatproof jar.
  2. Make the brine: In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Add aromatics (optional): Include garlic, chili flakes, peppercorns, or fresh herbs in the brine for extra flavor.
  4. Pour the brine: Carefully pour the hot liquid over the sliced onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  5. Cool and refrigerate: Let the jar cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate. Quick pickling: Ready in 30 minutes for immediate use. Traditional pickling: Allow to sit overnight or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
  6. Serve: Use as a topping for tacos, sandwiches, salads, roasted veggies, or grain bowls.

Notes

  • Slice onions evenly to ensure consistent texture.
  • Keep onions fully submerged in brine to prevent spoilage.
  • Adjust sugar and salt to taste—sweet, tangy, or balanced flavor.
  • Pickled red onions can last up to 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator.
  • Try variations: add extra chili for heat, use honey for sweetness, or ferment for probiotics.
Pickled Red Onion Recipe