Easy Pickled Red Onions: The 5-Minute Topping You’ll Use on Everything

This Pickled Red Onion Recipe couldn’t be simpler. All you need are thinly sliced red onions and a few pantry staples. Just toss them in a jar, give it a shake, and let it sit. These tangy and vibrant onions will transform your meals!

Author’s Note: My Secret Weapon in the Kitchen

I’m absolutely obsessed with pickled red onions. They grace almost everything I eat, which is why there’s almost always a jar in my fridge. Running out of them is a full-blown meal prep emergency!

These onions take just minutes to prepare but elevate every meal. My approach to meal prep isn’t about cooking complete meals in advance. Instead, I focus on preparing a few versatile components that I can mix and match throughout the week. Think perfectly cooked brown rice, deliciously roasted sweet potatoes, a flavorful sauce, and, of course, a fresh batch of these incredible pickled onions.

What makes this recipe truly amazing is its ease. Everything goes straight into a jar, you give it a quick shake, and then it’s off to the fridge. It’s minimal effort with a huge payoff, and honestly, they are a fridge staple I can’t live without.

Choosing the Perfect Red Onion

Selecting the right red onion is key to achieving the best flavor and texture in your pickled creation. Here are some easy tips to help you pick the perfect onion:

Look for firm onions that are free from soft spots or blemishes.
Choose onions with shiny, smooth skin and avoid those that appear wet or moldy.
Pick onions that feel heavy for their size, as this is a good indicator of freshness and moisture content.
Avoid onions with a strong or unpleasant odor, as these may not be ideal for creating long-lasting and delicious pickled onions.

Quick Tip: Jar Sterilization

Quick pickling doesn’t require sterilizing jars since the onions will be consumed relatively quickly. Just ensure your jar is clean!

Pickled Red Onions Recipe: Essential Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s break down the key components and discuss potential substitutions and tips for each.

Ingredient	Swaps or Tips
Red onion	Slice as thin as possible for the best texture and quick pickling. A mandoline slicer is your best friend here!
Red wine vinegar	If you don’t have red wine vinegar, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar will work just fine. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Water	Adjust the amount of water to control the intensity of the vinegar flavor. Use more water for a milder taste.
Salt	Fine salt dissolves the fastest and ensures even distribution throughout the onions.
Sugar	Start with a small amount of sugar and adjust to taste. You can also use other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

How to Use Your Homemade Pickled Red Onions

These versatile pickled red onions are a fantastic addition to a wide variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to incorporate them into your meals:

Tacos: Pile them onto chicken tacos for a quick burst of tangy flavor that complements the richness of the meat and other toppings.
Salads: They’re a great addition to a Mexican salad, tuna salad, or Chipotle chicken salad. Their acidity cuts through creamy dressings and adds a delightful crunch.
Sandwiches: They’re especially good on a turkey bacon avocado sandwich, providing a bright counterpoint to the savory flavors.
Burgers: Add them to burgers for an extra layer of complexity and a welcome contrast to the richness of the patty and cheese.
Bowls: Stir them into grain bowls, Buddha bowls, or a buffalo chicken bowl for something tangy and fresh that balances out the heartier ingredients.

Variations: Spice It Up!

Get creative and customize your pickled red onions with spices like peppercorns, a clove of garlic, or fresh herbs like thyme or dill for added depth of flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also bring a touch of heat.

Storage Tips for Freshness

This quick pickled red onions recipe will keep well for up to 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld even further, creating an even more delicious topping over time.

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Homemade Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Quick Pickled Red Onions are a game-changer! Slice onions, add vinegar, salt, sugar, and water to a jar. Shake, sit, and enjoy tangy, crunchy magic on everything!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 cup

Equipment

Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
Jar with lid

Ingredients

1 cup red onion, very thinly sliced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, add to preference

Instructions

Trim the ends off the onion, slice it in half, and remove the outer layer.
Using a Mandoline Slicer set to a very thin setting, thinly slice the onion. (If you don’t have a slicer, use a sharp knife to slice as thin as possible.)
Place the sliced onions in a jar along with the rest of the ingredients.
Secure the jar’s lid and shake well to mix the ingredients. Let the onions marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.
Use the pickled onions as desired. Store leftovers in the fridge for 1 (up to 2) weeks.

Recipe Notes

How to Use Pickled Red Onions:

Tacos: Add to healthy tacos or chicken tacos with rotisserie chicken.
Salads: Brighten up salads like a Mexican salad or a chipotle chicken salad.
Sandwiches: Great on a turkey bacon avocado sandwich.
Burgers: Elevate your burgers.
Bowls: Mix into grain or Buddha bowls.

Storage: Store leftover onions in the fridge for up to 1–2 weeks.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Enjoy this recipe? Leave a comment below!