What is the easiest way to make pickled red onions?

Slice red onions thinly and place in jars. Heat a mixture of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Pour over onions, let cool, then refrigerate. They will be ready to enjoy in about 1 hour for thin slices, or overnight for fuller flavor. This quick process yields delicious pickled onions with minimal effort.

What ingredients do I need to make quick pickled red onions?

Basic ingredients include red onions, white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder taste), water, cane sugar (or honey/maple syrup), and sea salt. Optional ingredients like garlic cloves, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes enhance flavor.

How long do pickled red onions last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight container with brine covering the onions, pickled red onions remain fresh for up to two weeks. Look out for signs of spoilage such as off smells, mold, or cloudy brine, and discard if these appear.

Can I reuse pickling liquid for another batch?

Reusing pickling liquid is generally not recommended for food safety because it's been exposed to raw vegetables and bacteria. It's best to prepare a fresh brine each time to maintain taste and safety.

Pickled Red Onions: Easy, Quick Recipe For Any Meal

Ingredients

Scale

2 small red onions, thinly sliced (use a mandoline for uniform slices)
2 cups white vinegar
2 cups water
1/3 cup cane sugar (can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness)
2 tablespoons sea salt
Optional: 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon peppercorns, or other seasonings like red pepper flakes, fennel, or cumin seeds

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Instructions

1. Slice the red onions as thinly as possible and divide them between two jars. Add garlic and peppercorns if using.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve, approximately 1 minute.
3. Let the brine cool slightly, then pour it over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.
4. Allow the jars to cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate. Onions will be bright pink and tender in about 1 hour for thin slices or overnight for thicker slices. Pickled onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Last Step:

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Notes

🔪 Use a mandoline for quick, uniform slices and experiment with different vinegar combinations for varied flavors.
🍯 Adjust sweetness with sugar substitutes like honey or maple syrup, and add spices for an extra kick.
🫙 Store in clean, recycled jars with lids to save space in your fridge.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Pickling
Cuisine: Global
Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

Serving Size: Serves 4
Calories: 12
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg