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Pickled Red Onions

Pickled Red Onions


  • Author: Anthony
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: About 2 cups 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This easy Pickled Red Onions recipe delivers perfectly crisp, tangy, and vibrantly colored onions that brighten up salads, sandwiches, grilled veggies, and snacks. Made with simple pantry essentials including red onions, apple cider vinegar, natural sugar, salt, and water, this quick recipe creates a versatile and flavorful condiment that keeps well in the fridge for days. Perfect for adding a fresh, zesty pop to your meals with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium red onions, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon natural sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Optional Spices

  • 56 whole peppercorns
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Peel the red onions and slice them as thinly as possible using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for consistent, delicate slices that absorb the brine quickly.
  2. Make the Pickling Brine: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, natural sugar, and salt. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar and salt completely dissolve to form a warm, balanced brine.
  3. Combine and Let Sit: Place the sliced onions into a clean heatproof jar or container. Pour the warm brine over the onions ensuring they are fully submerged. Add optional spices like peppercorns, bay leaf, or chili flakes if desired. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
  4. Refrigerate to Pickle: Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor and maximum tanginess, let the onions pickle for 2 to 3 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

  • Choose firm, bright red onions for optimal crunch and sweetness.
  • Slice onions thinly to allow faster absorption of the brine and tender texture.
  • Use a clean jar or container to prevent unwanted bacteria and preserve freshness.
  • Adjust the amount of natural sugar to match your preferred sweetness level.
  • Always keep pickled onions refrigerated to maintain crispness and food safety.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: International

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 15
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: pickled red onions, quick pickled onions, tangy onions, easy condiment, colorful garnish, gluten free