Easy Pickled Red Onions Recipe

This recipe transforms simple red onions into a bright, tangy delight perfect for elevating any dish. A zesty infusion of apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt lends a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with tacos, avocado toast, and more. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant twist on your favorites!

I love sharing my easy pickled red onions recipe cause it’s so fast and simple to make. I start with a medium red onion, thinly sliced, then I mix in 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon salt.

This quick pickled red onions recipe only takes five minutes to prepare and its nutritional benefits are pretty neat. Red onions offer antioxidants while the vinegar brings vitamin C into your diet.

I’ve used similar methods in my Picked Red Onions Canning and Fermented Red Onions recipes so you know it works well. The process is exactly like making any Quick Pickled Onion or Quick Pickled Onions Red that I have tried over time.

I keep them in the fridge and they make a great topping for tacos, avocado toast or even salads. Its a straightforward recipe that add flavour without tons of calories and it’s perfect for anyone who loves easy, tasty pickled veggies.

Why I Like this Recipe

I’ve always been a fan of this pickled red onions recipe for several reasons. First off, it’s super quick and simple to make so I can always whip it up with stuff I already have in my kitchen. I love the tangy flavor that adds just the right kick to my tacos and avocado toast. It also looks really pretty in a jar, which makes serving my dishes extra fun. Lastly, since it only takes five minutes to prep, it’s a real lifesaver when I’m in a rush but still want a tasty topping.

Learning how to make quick pickled red onions is so easy! You just peel and thinly slice a medium red onion into rings. Then you mix apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan and heat it up until everything dissolves and starts to boil. Next, you pour that hot liquid over the onions in a jar or bowl, making sure all the slices get soaked. After letting it cool to room temperature, you stick it in the fridge for at least half an hour. For a stronger tangy flavor, leaving them for a few hours or even overnight works best. I really dig having a jar of these in the fridge for a quick, tasty boost to any meal!

Ingredients

• Red onion: Provides fiber and antioxidants, adding a tangy crunch that livens up dishes.
• Packed with antioxidants to fend off free radicals and support overall health.
• Apple cider vinegar: Gives a sour, zesty kick and helps boost digestion naturally.
• Aids digestion and supports healthy gut bacteria for a happier tummy.
• Water: A neutral base that helps all the ingredients meld together smoothly.
• Sugar: Adds light sweetness, balancing out the vinegar’s tartness perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and draws moisture out during the pickling process.
• Helps bring all the flavors together in a simple, satisfying way.
• Every ingredient works together to create a balanced, delicious pickled flavor on burgers and salads.
• It tastes amazin on tacos, sandwiches and wraps, so try it now!

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

How to Make this

1. Peel and thinly slice 1 medium red onion into rings.

2. In a small saucepan, mix 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon salt.

3. Heat the vinegar mixture over medium-high heat until the sugar and salt completely dissolve, bring it to a boil.

4. Place the sliced onions in a clean jar or bowl that can hold them comfortably.

5. Carefully pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions, making sure all the slices are submerged.

6. Let everything cool down to room temperature before sealing the jar or covering the bowl.

7. Once cool, pop it in the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes.

8. The onions will develop a more tangy flavor if left for a few hours or even overnight.

9. Enjoy your pickled red onions on tacos, avocado toast, and more any time you want a zesty boost!

Equipment Needed

1. A sharp knife and cutting board for peeling and slicing the red onion
2. Measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar and salt
3. A small saucepan to heat up the vinegar mixture until the sugar and salt dissolve
4. A clean jar or bowl that can comfortably hold the sliced onions and hot liquid
5. A spoon or spatula for stirring and mixing the ingredients

FAQ

Easy Pickled Red Onions Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Red Onion: you can substitute it with a sweet onion or even a white onion if red ones aren’t available, though the flavor might be a lil different
• Apple Cider Vinegar: if you don’t have that on hand, white vinegar or rice vinegar works fine as well, just know they can alter the tang a bit
• Water: you might replace some of the water with a mild broth or even a splash of beer to add a little extra zing
• Granulated Sugar: you can swap it out with honey, brown sugar, or even a bit of maple syrup if thats all you have
• Salt: instead of table salt, try using kosher salt or sea salt, but remember to check the measurements as they might be a little more potent

Pro Tips

1. If you can, try using a mandoline or really sharp knife to slice the onion evenly so they pickle at the same rate, it’ll help with the flavor distribution.
2. Always make sure your jar or bowl is super clean by giving it a quick rinse with boiling water, that stops any unwanted bacteria from messing with your pickling process.
3. Don’t be afraid to mix in a few extra spices like peppercorns or a clove of garlic if you’re looking to add a little extra kick to your flavor.
4. Let the onions chill in the fridge for more than the recommended 30 minutes, even overnight if you got the time, because the longer they sit the tangier they get, trust me its worth the wait.