Quick Pickled Red Onions

Name: Quick Pickled Red Onions
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 medium red onion; ¼ cup red wine vinegar; ¼ cup white vinegar; ½ cup water; 2 tsp brown sugar; ½ tsp ground black pepper; ½ tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp sea salt

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These tangy and crunchy pickled red onions are ready to eat in 30 minutes and make a great addition to sandwiches, salads, and burgers.

Making pickled red onions is incredibly simple and fast. With just 8 basic ingredients, they’re suitable for vegans, gluten-free individuals, and those with nut and soy allergies.

In the past, I never really cared for onions in any form, until a few years ago. It all changed when I prepared a refreshing salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. From that moment on, red onions became a vital component in our kitchen.

These homemade pickled red onions are submerged in a delightful combination of red wine vinegar and white vinegar. This infusion gives them a tangy flavor that not only enhances the taste of any meal but also adds a pop of color and a satisfying crunch. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand what I’m talking about.

The best part is that they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring no complicated brining or canning processes. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a jar full of delicious pickled onions, ready to enhance any dish you desire.

Let’s get started on the pickling adventure!

What You Need

Red onion
Red wine vinegar
White vinegar
Water
Brown sugar
Ground black pepper
Ground coriander
Sea salt

How to Make Quick Pickled Onions

Prepare the pickling mixture. In a medium saucepan, combine both vinegars, water, sugar, spices, and salt. Bring to a simmer, swirling a couple times to dissolve the sugar.

Thinly slice the onion. Peel the onion and slice into ½- ¼ inch thick rounds. Separate the onion layers slightly and place in a clean glass jar.

Pickling process. Pour the hot pickling mixture over the onion slices in the jar. Cover and allow to cool in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Quick Pickled Onion Tips

Use more brown sugar for more sweet and less brown sugar for less sweet.
Adjust the amount of vinegar for tartness by using less vinegar for less tartness and more vinegar for more tartness.
Try pickling with other spices such as garlic, peppercorns, mustard seeds or bay leaves for a different flavor.
Add chili peppers or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Slice onions thicker if you like more of a crunch but allow to marinade in fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.

onions marinated with pickling mixture in a jar

How to Use Pickled Red Onions

Pickled red onions are so versatile and can be used in many dishes. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use them.

Salads – adds a zesty flavor and pop of color to any green salads or pasta salads.
Burgers and Sandwiches – gives it extra flavor and a bit of crunch. I even like to add them in Pan Fried Vegetable Buns for a nice vegan dish.
Tacos – a complement to the ingredients in tacos and burritos with a tangy kick like these Sweet Chili Lime Chicken Tacos.
Pizza – makes a great topping and unique flavor or any kind of pizza.
Rice Bowls – liven up any kind of rice bowl such as a Teriyaki Salmon Bowl.

FAQs

Can you cook with pickled onions?

Yes, you can cook with pickled onions such as stir-fries, soups or sautéed vegetables.

How long do pickled red onions last?

They last up to 2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator in a clean, airtight container. The longer they sit, the more acidic and soft the onions will become.

How long do pickled red onions take?

Making pickled red onions only takes 30 minutes total which includes the 10 minutes prep time and 20 minutes rest time.

Are pickled onions good for you?

Pickled red onions are great for your digestive system. They are a natural probiotic and can help maintain a healthy gut, however, eating too many pickled red onions can be harmful. If you are at risk for liver disease or have a kidney condition make sure to limit the amount you eat due to high sodium levels.

Can I pickle onions using different types of vinegar?

Yes, you can! The best vinegar for pickling onions are apple cider vinegar, white vinegar and red wine vinegar. Each type of vinegar will give the pickled onions a different flavor.

Can I reuse the pickling liquid?

Yes, you can reuse the pickling liquid for other onions or vegetables you want to pickle but may need to add more vinegar and spices. I would recommend only reusing it once but some say you can reuse it 2-3 times.

Can you pickle white onions instead of red?

Yes, you can pickle white onions instead of red onions. The process is the same but the white onions will offer a slightly milder flavor than the red.

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