Side Dishes > Pickled & Fermented Sides > Pickled Vegetables > Pickled Onions Recipe

Quick & Easy Pickled Red Onions

Add a vibrant pop of color and tangy flavor to your dishes with these quick and easy pickled red onions. Perfect as a topping for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more! This recipe delivers delightfully crisp and tangy pickled onions in just a few hours, or even faster if you prefer a softer texture. They are a versatile condiment that brightens up any meal.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Servings
About 2 cups
Ingredients
  • 2 medium Red Onions
  • 1 cup White Vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon Optional: Red Pepper Flakes

Preparation

Begin by slicing the red onions thinly. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving uniform thickness, but a sharp knife works just fine. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick. This will help them pickle quickly and evenly.

Brine Preparation

In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, bay leaf, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Once boiling, remove from heat.

Pickling Process

Place the sliced red onions in a clean glass jar or heat-safe container. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. If necessary, gently press down on the onions to release any trapped air. Let the mixture cool slightly.

Refrigeration

Once the mixture has cooled down a bit, cover the jar or container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The longer they sit, the more pronounced the pickled flavor will become. For the best flavor, let them sit overnight.

Serving and Storage

Once pickled to your liking, these red onions are ready to use! They are fantastic on tacos, salads, sandwiches, grilled meats, or anywhere you want a bit of tangy flavor. Store the pickled red onions in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Please note that this is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 50-60
Carbohydrates: 10-12g
Sugar: 8-10g
Protein: Less than 1g
Fat: Less than 1g
Sodium: Varies depending on amount of salt used.

Other Considerations for Nutrition

The nutritional content is relatively low in terms of calories and fat. The sugar content is primarily from the added sugar used in the pickling brine. Reducing the amount of sugar will significantly decrease the sugar content. Be mindful of sodium intake due to the added salt.

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FAQ

  • Can I use different types of vinegar?

    Yes, you can experiment with other vinegars like apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile. Adjust the sugar level as needed based on the vinegar's acidity.
  • How long do pickled onions last?

    Properly stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, pickled red onions can last for up to 2-3 weeks.
  • Can I add other spices or herbs?

    Absolutely! Feel free to customize the brine with other spices or herbs like mustard seeds, coriander seeds, garlic cloves, or fresh thyme.
  • Are pickled onions good for you?

    Pickled onions offer some nutritional benefits. Onions are naturally rich in antioxidants. However, be mindful of the sugar and sodium content, as these are often added during the pickling process.