Quick Pickled Red Onions: The Secret Weapon in Your Kitchen

Today, I’m thrilled to share my secret weapon in the kitchen – Quick Pickled Red Onions! These tangy, sweet, and crunchy lovelies have been elevating my dishes for years. I’m so excited to share them with you! Whether you’re a sandwich aficionado, a taco enthusiast, or a salad lover, these Pickled Red Onions are about to become your new BFF.

So, what makes them so special? For starters, they add a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. The tangy sweetness of the onions perfectly balances the savory flavors of your favorite dishes. And let’s not forget the pop of color they add! A vibrant red that adds visual appeal to any plate.

But the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and a quick 30-minute pickling process, you’ll have a jar of these ready to go anytime. No more boring, bland onions – just sweet, tangy, crunchy goodness waiting to elevate your meals.

So, how can you use them? The possibilities are endless! Add them to your favorite sandwiches for a flavor boost, use them as a topping for tacos or salads, or even use them as a condiment to add a tangy kick to your meals. The options are limitless, and I can’t wait to see how you get creative with them!

The Magic of Pickling

Pickling is a simple process that involves soaking ingredients in a brine solution (usually vinegar or lemon juice) to preserve them and add flavor. In the case of Quick Pickled Red Onions, we’re using a combination of vinegar, sugar, and spices to create a tangy, sweet, and crunchy snack. The acidity of the vinegar helps to break down the onions, making them soft and pliable. Meanwhile, the sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the flavor.

Quick pickled red onions

Discover the secret weapon in the kitchen: Quick Pickled Red Onions! These tangy, sweet, and crunchy onions add depth of flavor and a pop of color to any dish, making them a perfect addition to sandwiches, tacos, salads, and more. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick 30-minute pickling process, you'll have a jar of these flavorful onions ready to elevate your meals.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Cooling Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Condiment

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 35 kcal

Equipment

• 1 small sauce pan
• 1 Jar or other heat safe container with a lid.

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium red onion, sliced thin, rounds or half rounds
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup vinegar, any type will work, or a mixture. I prefer apple cider.
• 1 tablespoon sweetener of choice, maple syrup, honey, sugar, etc.
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flake, optional

Instructions

 

• Combine all ingredients except the onions in a small saucepan on medium heat.
  ½ cup water, ½ cup vinegar,, 1 tablespoon sweetener of choice,, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flake,
• Meanwhile, add sliced onions to a jar, place in the sink or inside a bowl to catch any spills.
  1 medium red onion,
• Once the mixture has simmered for just a few minutes, remove from heat and pour over onions in the jar. Smoosh down the onions with a spoon to make sure they're all submerged in the vinegar mixture.
• Let cool to room temperature before using or refrigerating. Add to anything you like! Use within a few days, will keep for a week or 2 if sealed in the refrigerator.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with the brine, using a different vinegar or mixture of vinegars will change the flavor.

Additional add-ins like whole peppercorns, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, caraway seeds or other whole spices (don’t use powdered/dried.)

You can also add in smashed garlic cloves, sliced jalapeños, bay leaves, or a sprig of a fresh herb. 

Keyword pickled, red onion