Pickled red onions are one of those little extras that make a big difference. With just a few minutes of work, you'll have a jar ready to brighten up any meal.
I began making these pickled onions when I wanted something quick to lift up simple meals like grilled chicken or sandwiches. They turned out to be so easy that I now always keep a jar in the fridge. The flavor is sharp yet slightly sweet, and the color alone makes every plate look special.
There's a comfort in knowing you can pull out something homemade that instantly adds freshness and crunch. It's the kind of small kitchen habit that sticks; once you start, it's hard to imagine cooking without them.
Jump to:
⭐Why You'll Love This Pickled Red Onions
- Customizable Flavor: This recipe is easy to adapt; make the onions sweeter, tangier, or add a pinch of chili flakes if you want some heat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These onions can be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge, so a flavorful topping is always ready to add to meals during the week.
🧾Pickled Red Onions Ingredients
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.
- Red Onions: I like using red onions because they pickle beautifully and bring that bright pink color.
- Vinegar & Water: I keep it simple with equal parts white vinegar and water for a clean, balanced brine.
- Sugar & Salt: A spoonful of each is enough to round out the sharpness and make the flavor pop.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Pickled Red Onions
You can find the complete printable Pickled Red Onions recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Slice the red onions thinly and arrange them neatly within a jar.
2. Combine equal amounts of water and white vinegar into the jar.
3. Transfer the contents of the jar into a saucepan.
4. Combine the onion mixture with sugar and salt, stirring over medium heat for 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
5. Transfer the onion mixture into a jar, making sure the onions are fully immersed in the liquid.
6. Place a cover on the jar and allow it to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes. For a richer flavor, refrigerate the mixture.
🍽 What to Serve with Pickled Red Onions
These onions are perfect on tacos, grilled meats, or fresh salads. I also love adding them to sandwiches and grain bowls, or serving them alongside roasted vegetables and a crusty bread.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Use a Wide Jar: I find that a wide-mouthed jar makes it much easier to pack in the onions and pour in the hot liquid without spilling.
Taste Before Storing: I like to taste a small piece after 30 minutes; if I want more tang, I let them sit longer.
Storage Tip: Keep the jar sealed in the fridge. They taste best within 2 weeks while still crisp and bright.
🍛More Appetizer Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite appetizer recipes! Try these:
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.
Recipe
Pickled Red Onions
Ingredients
- 2 Red Onions - Thinly sliced
- Water
- White Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Salt
Instructions
- Thinly slice the red onions and place them in a clean jar.
- Pour equal parts water and white vinegar into the jar with the onions.
- Transfer everything from the jar to a saucepan and place over medium heat.
- Add the sugar and salt, stirring for 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
- Pour the hot mixture back into the jar, making sure the onions are completely submerged.
- Cover the jar and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a stronger flavor.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
Nice idea to make tacos or burgers more delicious