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Colorful jar of freshly made quick pickled onions next to a beautifully plated dish garnished with sliced onions.

Elevate Any Dish with Quick Pickled Onions

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Discover how to easily elevate your dishes with quick pickled onions. This simple recipe adds vibrant flavor and crunch to salads, tacos, sandwiches, and more, making every meal standout with tangy, crisp goodness in just minutes.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes plus marinating
  • Yield: 1 cup

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: peppercorns, garlic cloves, red pepper flakes for extra flavor

Instructions

  1. Start by peeling and thinly slicing the red onion. Use a sharp knife or a veggie slicer for best results.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil and stir until sugar and salt dissolve completely.
  3. Pour the hot brine over the sliced onions in a clean jar or container, ensuring onions are fully submerged. Seal with a lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Allow the onions to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, let sit for a few hours or overnight.

Notes

  • Use very thin onion slices for optimal texture and quick absorption of flavors.
  • Adjust vinegar type and quantity for different taste profiles.
  • Experiment with add-ins like peppercorns or garlic for personalized flavor.
  • Keep stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for freshness and crunch.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop, Refrigerator
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Keto

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 10 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg