These pickled red onions are full of flavor and surprisingly easy to make at home.
How to Pickle Red Onions
You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:
Pickled Red Onions Ingredients
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this pickled red onion recipe:
- Onions: One medium red onion should yield about two cups.
- Vinegar: You’ll need about ¾ cup of white wine or cider vinegar.
- Seasonings: Add flavor with sea salt and black peppercorns.
- Sugar: Sweeten things up with a teaspoon of white sugar.
How to Make Pickled Red Onions
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make these homemade pickled red onions:
- Pack the onions into a jar.
- Boil the remaining ingredients together.
- Pour the brine over the onions and let stand, uncovered.
- Seal, shake well, and refrigerate.
Cook’s Note
Sea salt is minimally processed with few additives, so it works well when making pickles. You can also use pickling salt or table salt. Keep in mind that table salt may have anti-caking additives which can cause brines to be slightly cloudy.
Test Kitchen Tips
This pickled onion recipe was developed by Allrecipes community member itsvince and tested by our Allrecipes test kitchen experts. Here are a few expert-approved tips for making the very best homemade pickled red onions:
- Transfer the hot brine into a 2 cup glass measuring cup to make it easier to pour the brine over the onions.
- Onions can be cut into traditional half-moon slices and separated or for a different shape and texture. Try cutting the onion from the other direction to get petal-like slices.
- The longer these onions sit, the better they become. They have the best flavor and texture once the brine and onions are all a uniform bright pink color.
- This recipe can be adjusted according to your taste and how the onions will be used. Try increasing the sugar for a slightly sweeter pickled onion, add some toasted cumin seeds and coriander seeds for a more Mexican feel, add some crushed red pepper flakes or minced fresh habanero for a little spice, or use white vinegar for a sharper acidity.
How to Use Pickled Red Onions
Pickled red onions make a great topping for tacos, chilaquiles, enchiladas, grain bowls, deli sandwiches, barbecue sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, salads, chili, and soups, according to culinary expert and recipe tester Sarah Brekke.
How to Store Pickled Red Onions
Store the pickled red onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
These were good for the first few days, then FREAKING INCREDIBLE after that,” raves Call Me Ishmae. “The color combined with the crispy texture and yummy taste made these a HUGE hit with my family.”
“Easy and delicious,” says LoriJ. “I make sure to keep some in the fridge at all times. Super easy to prepare.”
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
Ingredients
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1 medium red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
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¾ cup white wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon sea salt
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1 teaspoon white sugar
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5 black peppercorns
Directions
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Gather all ingredients.
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Pack onion slices into a sterilized 1-pint jar.
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Combine vinegar, salt, sugar, and peppercorns together in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Carefully pour brine solution over onions to fill the jar; let stand, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
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Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well. Refrigerate until flavor develops, at least 1 hour or up to 2 weeks, before serving. Keep refrigerated.
From the Editor
Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of pickling liquid. The actual amount consumed will vary.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
8 | Calories |
0g | Fat |
1g | Carbs |
0g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe 16 | |
Calories 8 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 0g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 133mg | 6% |
Total Carbohydrate 1g | 1% |
Dietary Fiber 0g | 1% |
Total Sugars 1g | |
Protein 0g | 0% |
Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
Calcium 6mg | 0% |
Iron 0mg | 1% |
Potassium 21mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.