Ever wondered how to pickle onions? I’ve got you covered! These Quick Pickled Red Onions need only 3 ingredients and are ready in minutes.
Gather This
The list is super short, making these pickled red onions a whiz in the kitchen. Just three ingredients! A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Red Onions- They are the star of the show, aren’t they? Many people ask if you can use a a different kind of onion and the answer is YES, but since each type of onion has a unique flavor, the taste will be slightly different, as will the color.
- Apple cider vinegar
- Coarse kosher salt
- Water
5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – Salt hastens the process and brightens natural flavors, but make sure to use a coarse kosher salt or a coarse sea salt. If using fine salt, reduce the amount by 75%- since the grains are smaller, you’ll need far less for the same impact.
- Seasonings – Throw a few whole peppercorns into the brine. Red, white, black or pink will all give unique peppery undertones. Make sure to remove the whole peppercorns before serving or storing.
- Swaps – Swap the type of vinegar. Replace apple cider vinegar with red wine vinegar, rice vinegar, white vinegar, white wine vinegar or even balsamic vinegar. Switch up the onions or use a combinations of onions for a complex flavor.
- Senses – Crisp and tangy, pickled red onions burst with a zesty vinegar bite, their ruby-pink curls releasing a sharp, mouthwatering aroma and a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Perfect Pairings
What can’t you? They are truly a verstile condiment. This red onion recipe can be served chilled, room temperature or even hot.
Pickled Red Onion is a condiment that can add a little “oomph” to any dish, from salads and sandwiches to tacos. These pickled onions are so easy to make and will become a staple on your condiment shelf, much like kimchi and pickled red beet eggs have.
I love to add these to my burgers and sandwiches but they also add a punch of flavor to salads, both green and mayo-based salads. You can even add them to things like tacos, burritos and nachos! Here they are on my Italian Sausage Sandwich Sliders. Avocado toast or pea crostini are also favorites. And Indian favorites are also fun like Shrimp Biryani or Butter Chicken.
I know some people who will even eat pickled onions straight from the jar with a fork or put them on the plate as their own side dish for a vibrant pop for acidity.
Pickled Red Onion Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 red onion , thinly sliced tp 1/4 or 1/8 inch thick
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water. Bring to a boil.
- Add the onions, apple cider vinegar and salt.
- Continue to simmer until onions are soft, approximately 12 minutes.
- Drain well.
- Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- If you like this recipe, please come back to give it a rating and let us know if you made any adjustments!
Nutrition
Storage & Freezing
Store a jar of these Quick Pickled Red Onions in your fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Pickled red onions can be canned or jarred, but you’ll need to use the pickling liquid, so reserve the liquid and let it cool before placing into a mason jar.
Unfortunately, I do not recommend freezing onions. They tend to thaw slimy and weird.
More Pickled Sides
Whether actual pickles or just pickled vegetables, you can bet I love it! Here are some of my favorites!
Perfect for burgers
Made them this morning and going to make a Gyro salad with them tonight!! Very easy.
Yay! Love to hear that!
I love pickled onions and ask for extras every time I order a salad at Panera so I was thrilled to come across your recipe. They are so easy to make and I’m excited that I can always keep a jar in my fridge to use now.
They are one of my favorite condiments, too!
This came together so quickly and were a perfect topping for the brats we grilled this afternoon– so tender and flavortul! :). thanks!
Woohoo! Sounds like a winning match!