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How to Make Pickled Red Onions Recipe

4.6 from 114 reviews

Quick and easy pickled red onions that add a vibrant, tangy crunch to any dish. This simple recipe uses a blend of vinegar, sugar, salt, and aromatic spices to create a perfect balance of flavors. Ready in just a few hours, these pickled onions elevate salads, tacos, sandwiches, and more with their zesty punch and beautiful color.

Ingredients

Scale

Pickling Brine

  • 1 1/2 cups distilled white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice
  • 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 red onion
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 small hot red pepper
  • 3 whole garlic cloves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onion: Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. Transfer the onion slices into a pint-sized mason jar or any sealable glass, plastic, or ceramic container.
  2. Make the Brine: In a small saucepan, combine the distilled white vinegar, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved and add the whole black peppercorns, allspice, and cumin seeds. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately remove it from heat.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Carefully pour the hot vinegar mixture over the sliced onions in the jar until the jar is full. Add the fresh rosemary, thyme sprigs, the small hot red pepper, and the whole garlic cloves into the jar.
  4. Cool and Refrigerate: Let the jar cool to room temperature with the lid on. After cooling, seal the jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the onions to pickle for at least 12 hours before using, although flavors deepen with additional time.

Notes

  • Use thinly sliced onions for the best texture and quick pickling.
  • The pickled onions will keep well refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
  • Add other spices like mustard seeds or coriander seeds for variation.
  • Remove the hot pepper if you prefer a milder flavor or replace it with a jalapeño for a different heat level.
  • Use distilled white vinegar for a bright and clean flavor, or experiment with apple cider vinegar for a sweeter tone.

Keywords: pickled red onions, quick pickles, refrigerator pickles, tangy onions, condiment recipe, easy pickled onions, vegan condiment