Who doesn’t love a little zing in their meals? I know I do! That’s where my homemade pickled red onions come in. They’re ridiculously easy to make, and they add that perfect pop of flavor to just about anything—think tacos, burgers, salads, or even a humble grilled cheese. Plus, they look super fancy with their vibrant pink color, but trust me, they’re as simple as it gets. Ready to whip up a jar of tangy goodness? Let’s get slicing!
Try my Easy Homemade Tomato Salsa recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Super Quick & Easy – It takes just 10 minutes to prep, and the rest is simply letting those onions soak up all the tangy goodness.
→ Budget-Friendly – Simple pantry staples, no fancy ingredients, and you get a whole jar of deliciousness.
→ Flavor Explosion – These pickled onions add a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy kick to anything you pair them with.
→ Versatile – Tacos, burgers, salads, wraps—you name it, these onions make everything taste better!
→ Lasts for Weeks – Make a batch and enjoy them for up to two weeks. It’s like having a flavor boost on standby!
→ Looks Fancy – Let’s be honest, that vibrant pink color is pure eye candy. Perfect for impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Try my Sun Dried Tomato Red Pesto Recipe
What You’ll Need To Make
Key Ingredients Breakdown
→ Red Onions 🧅 – The star of the show! Red onions are perfect for pickling because they have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances beautifully with the tangy brine. Plus, they turn this gorgeous pink color when pickled—hello, food styling goals!
→ White Vinegar – This is what gives the onions that tangy kick. I use white vinegar because it keeps the flavor clean and lets the natural sweetness of the onions shine through. You can swap it with apple cider vinegar if you want a hint of fruitiness.
→ Cane Sugar – Just a bit of sugar helps balance the acidity and gives the onions a mellow sweetness without overpowering the tang. Don’t worry—it’s not too sweet!
→ Salt – Salt doesn’t just enhance the flavor; it also helps soften the onions and preserve them. Go with regular table salt or kosher salt—whichever you’ve got on hand.
→ Whole Peppercorns – These little guys add a subtle peppery warmth that makes the flavor pop. They’re optional, but I highly recommend tossing a few in!
→ Garlic 🧄 – Because everything’s better with garlic, right? One clove is enough to infuse a gentle garlicky undertone without overpowering the onions.
These simple ingredients work together to create a jar of crunchy, zesty goodness that’s seriously addicting!
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 10 mins
How to Make Homemade Pickled Red Onions – Easy Peasy! 🍴
- Slice and jar it up!
Grab those red onions and slice them nice and thin. Toss them into a mason jar along with the peppercorns and garlic. It’s already smelling like something magical, right? - Simmer the good stuff
In a small pot, pour in 8 fl oz of white vinegar and 8 fl oz of water. Add the sugar and salt, then stir it all up. Heat it over medium heat for about 3 minutes—just until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved. - Cool and pour
Let that hot vinegar mix chill for a few minutes (no one likes a boiling surprise), then carefully pour it over the onions. Make sure those onions are fully covered by the liquid. - Seal the deal
Leave the jar to cool down to room temp before popping on the lid. Once it’s cool, stick it in the fridge. - Ready to munch
If your onions are sliced super thin, they’ll be good to go in about an hour. Got thicker slices? Let them pickle overnight for the best flavor. These beauties will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks—if they last that long! 😉
Enjoy your tangy, crunchy pickled red onions on tacos, sandwiches, salads, or straight out of the jar (no judgment here)!
Glycemic Index: 45 (low) Glycemic Load: 3 (low)
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Recipe Swaps:
- Onions – No red onions? No problem! You can use white or yellow onions for a milder flavor, or try shallots for a slightly sweeter, more delicate twist.
- Vinegar – Swap white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a fruitier tang or use red wine vinegar to enhance the color and add a deeper flavor.
- Sweetener – Out of cane sugar? You can use brown sugar, honey, or even maple syrup for a richer, slightly caramelized flavor.
- Spices – Add a bay leaf or a few chili flakes for extra depth or a hint of heat.
Tweaks:
- Citrus Kick – Add a few slices of lime or lemon to the jar for a bright, zesty twist.
- Herb Infusion – Throw in a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for an herby aroma.
- Extra Crunch – Want more texture? Add thinly sliced carrots or radishes to the mix.
- Sweeter Finish – Prefer sweeter pickles? Just increase the sugar slightly for a more candied vibe.
These swaps and tweaks make it easy to customize the recipe to your taste or whatever you have in your pantry. Have fun experimenting!
Helpful Tips for Success
1| Slice Evenly – Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to get even, thin slices. This ensures the onions pickle evenly and quickly.
2| Don’t Overheat the Brine – Just heat the brine enough to dissolve the sugar and salt. Boiling it can dull the flavor and make the onions too soft.
3| Pack the Jar Tightly – Pack the sliced onions snugly into the jar. This helps them stay fully submerged in the brine for better pickling.
4| Weigh Them Down – If the onions keep floating, use a small clean jar or a weight to gently press them down and keep them covered in the brine.
5| Experiment with Flavors – Want to mix it up? Add whole spices like coriander seeds, mustard seeds, or a cinnamon stick for a unique flavor twist.
6| Patience Pays Off – While thinly sliced onions are ready in about an hour, they taste even better after sitting overnight. The flavor deepens, and they get that perfect pickle crunch!
7| Keep It Clean – Make sure your mason jar is clean and dry before adding the onions and brine. This helps prevent any unwanted bacteria and keeps your pickles fresh longer.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a batch of vibrant, flavorful pickled red onions that’ll elevate any dish!
Serving Ideas
1| Tacos 🌮 – Top off your favorite tacos—whether it’s beef, chicken, or veggies—with a few slices of pickled red onions. The tangy crunch is the perfect balance to savory fillings!
2| Sandwiches & Burgers 🍔 – Add a pop of color and flavor to sandwiches or burgers. These pickled onions are a great alternative to regular pickles and give that extra zing.
3| Salads 🥗 – Toss them on top of any salad for a burst of flavor. They pair especially well with leafy greens, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
4| Cheese Boards 🧀 – Serve them as part of a cheese board for a tangy contrast to creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese. They’ll add a crunchy bite to the mix!
5| Grilled Meats 🍖 – Pickled onions are the perfect sidekick to grilled meats like chicken, steak, or sausages. They cut through the richness with their tartness and bring freshness to the plate.
6| Rice & Grain Dishes 🍚 – Add a few slices to rice dishes, grain bowls, or even fried rice. They’ll add a burst of flavor and color, making your meal even more vibrant.
7| Avocado Toast 🥑 – Give your classic avocado toast a pickled punch by adding a few rings of these onions on top. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
These pickled red onions are super versatile, and once you start adding them to your meals, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Storage Options
Refrigerator Storage – The best place to store your pickled onions is in the fridge. Once the jar has cooled to room temperature, seal it and pop it in there. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks—though I’m sure they won’t last that long!
Airtight Containers – If you don’t have a mason jar, an airtight container works just as well. The key is to make sure the onions stay submerged in the brine to keep them crisp and flavorful.
Use a Smaller Jar – If you’re not sure you’ll go through a full jar of pickled onions in two weeks, divide the batch into smaller jars and store them separately. That way, you’ll always have a fresh jar ready to go!
Label & Date – Always label your jar with the date you made the pickled onions. That way, you’ll know how long they’ve been sitting in the fridge and won’t forget when they’re nearing the 2-week mark.
Freezing (Optional) – Though not ideal for the texture, you can freeze pickled onions for long-term storage. Just pop them into a freezer-safe container. They won’t have that same crisp crunch once thawed, but the flavor will still be good for cooking or adding to dishes later.
Proper storage keeps your pickled onions tasting fresh and flavorful for as long as possible!
Final Thoughts
And just like that, you’ve got yourself a jar of crunchy, tangy pickled red onions! Whether you’re sprucing up your lunch or impressing dinner guests with your “fancy” toppings, these onions are a total game-changer. Plus, they’ll hang out happily in your fridge for a couple of weeks, ready to jazz up any dish at a moment’s notice. Give them a try—I promise they’ll become a regular in your kitchen lineup!
Recipe Card
Homemade Pickled Red Onions
These quick pickled red onions are my go-to for instant flavor magic! 🧄🥣 Sweet, tangy, and ready in no time, they’ll take your favorite dishes to the next level. Plus, they stay fresh for weeks!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the onions:
Thinly slice the red onions and place them in a mason jar. Add the whole peppercorns and peeled garlic clove to the jar.
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Make the pickling liquid:
In a small pot, combine 8 fl oz of white vinegar, 8 fl oz of water, 2 tablespoons of cane sugar, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved (approximately 3 minutes).
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Combine the ingredients:
Allow the pickling liquid to cool slightly before pouring it over the onions in the jar. Ensure that the onions are fully submerged in the liquid.
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Cool and Store:
Let the jar sit at room temperature until it has completely cooled, then seal it tightly with a lid. Store the jar in the refrigerator.
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Read to serve:
The pickled onions will be ready to enjoy within 1 hour if they are thinly sliced. For thicker slices, allow them to rest in the refrigerator overnight for optimal flavor. These pickled onions can be stored for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
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Have fun!
These tangy pickled red onions are perfect for adding a bright, zesty touch to your favorite dishes!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 52kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Protein 1g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
