Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our privacy policy.
If you’re looking to add a burst of tangy flavor and vibrant color to your meals, you’re in the right spot. These Quick & Easy Pickled Red Onions take just minutes to make and are ready to enjoy in an hour. They elevate all kinds of dishes from tacos, to salads, burgers and more. The best part? No special equipment is needed. All you need are a few pantry staple ingredients and you will be on your way to making your own pickled red onions!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pickled red onions are:
- Quick – Ready in an hour. The prep takes about 5-10 minutes.
- Easy – No special tools or skills needed. Anyone can make pickled red onions!
- Versatile – They’re delicious on all sorts of dishes and adaptable!
- Long-lasting – They store well! They last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Whether you’re meal prepping or just love pickled red onions, these onions will be your new go-to condiment. Side not – they’re delicious on their own. Like enjoying a pickle!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 red onion
- Warm water
- Distilled white vinegar
- Salt
- Sugar
- Optional add-ins: garlic cloves, peppercorns, red pepper flakes or herbs
Instructions
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Make sure to use a sharp knife or a mandolin to get nice even slices.
- Bring the pickles to room temperature before refrigerating. Remember the water is warm which helps dissolve the salt and sugar.
- The longer the onions marinade, the better they will be. Although, you can enjoy them within an hour or pickling.
- Read through the entire recipe before starting so you are prepared to start the process.
Storage Tips
Store pickled red onions in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed the first 7-10 days, but can last up to 2 weeks. See if they last that long!
What do pickled red onions taste like?
They’re taste wonderful! They have a bright, tangy flavor with a balance of sweetness, acidity and mild onion bite. You can totally enjoy them as is. The onion flavor is not strong. The pickling process mellows the onion’s raw pungency, leaving it crisp, vibrant and refreshing. Much like a pickle!
What do I serve pickled red onions with?
Great question! They’re very versatile and go well with lots of dishes. Let’s take a look at some ideas!
Tacos, Burritos & Nachos
- Carnitas, barbacoa, or fish tacos
- Breakfast burritos or veggie burritos
- Burrito bowls
- Beef or chicken nachos
Sandwiches and Burgers
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Grilled burgers (beef, turkey and even veggie)
- Chicken salad , tuna salad or chickpea salad sandwiches
Salads and Bowls
- Grain bowls (quinoa, farro or rice)
- Green salads with creamy dressings
- Pasta salads or potato salads
- Mediterranean bowls with hummus and falafel or chicken shawarma
Egg dishes
- Avocado toast with a poached or scrambled eggs
- Omelet or scrambled eggs
Barbecue and Roasted Meats
- Smoky brisket or ribs
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Lam or chicken gyros or shawarma
Final Thoughts
Pickled Red Onions are one of the easiest kitchen hacks to make your life tastier. They instantly level up several dishes with hardly any effort. In just minutes, you can have a jar of pickled red onions marinating in your fridge ready to be devoured. They’ve definitely become a staple in my refrigerator. I hope this post inspires you to make them a staple in yours! Enjoy!
Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions
These pickled red onions come together in just a few minutes and can be enjoyed within an hour. Serve on your favorite sandwiches, tacos, nachos, scrambled eggs and more!
Ingredients
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced (mandolin helps make even slices)
- 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions
- Mix warm water, vinegar, sugar and salt in a jar. Stir until sugar and salt dissolve.
- Add sliced red onions, soak for 1 hour at room temperature then store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
