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Quick-Pickled Red Onions

Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Quick-Pickled Red Onions

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Quick pickled red onions are my favorite condiment! You may be thinking that pickled onions are so simple to make that they don’t need a recipe, but I would disagree!

Even though there are a million recipes for pickled onions, I’m partial to this one. I always have a jar in my fridge and use them as a topping on so many dishes. Throw them on avocado toast, breakfast tacos, actual tacos, Mediterranean food, and really where any dish could use a little brightness and acidity.

pickled onions

How to make Pickled Onions

Making pickled onions is the easiest thing ever! All you need is red onion, some red wine vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. THAT’S IT. I like to add a little oregano and ground cumin to mine as I most often use them on Mexican food, but it’s optional!

You’ll start with a sanitized mason jar. Slice your onion and place the slices in the jar. Add the oregano and cumin to the jar, if using. In a small saucepan, warm the water, vinegar, salt, and sugar until just warm and the salt and sugar have dissolved.

You’ll then pour the warm liquid over the onions in the jar and boom, you’re done! Put the lid on and shake it up to disperse the spices and let it chill in the fridge until ready to use.

what type of onion is best?

I personally am partial to red onions because of their color, sweetness, and flavor. You could use shallots or another sweet onion if you really wanted to!

do you have to use red wine vinegar?

No, but I think it has the best flavor. I would say red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar. Balsamic is too strong and white vinegar doesn’t have the right flavor.

how long do pickled onions last in the fridge?

Pickled onions will easily last 2-3 weeks in the fridge. Once you’ve finished the onions, that pink pickling liquid is gold! Use it anywhere that you’d use a splash of vinegar–marinades and vinaigrettes are all the better for it.

how thin should you slice the onions?

You don’t want them to be paper-thin, otherwise, they’ll turn to mush. I opt for about 1/8″ thick.

More Recipes to Try

caramelized onion and bacon mashed potatoes

classic congee with pork belly

the best 5-ingredient guacamole

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Condiments

Quick Pickled Red Onions

Quick pickled red onions are a staple in my fridge! You can add them to so many dishes for a punch of flavor.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Makes: 16 oz jar

Ingredients

  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin optional

Instructions

  • Wash and sanitize a pint-sized glass mason jar. Fill the jar with the sliced onions and top with the oregano and cumin, if using.
  • In a small saucepan, heat the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar together until just warm and the sugar and salt have dissolved. Cool the liquid for 5 minutes.
  • Pour the warm liquid over the onions. Place the lid on the jar and shake gently to disperse the spices. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to use. Will keep for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.

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  1. 5 stars
    This is so simple to make and great to use on so many things. I first made it for my pulled pork tacos. Delicious. The uniqueness of oregano and cumin really elevate this recipe without being overbearing. I even added some jalapeños to give it a kick!

  2. 5 stars
    Simple and delicious! The spices are a really subtle, unique touch. I use these with so many different dishes for a little extra tang and these are perfect. Plus they keep for a long time in a good container!

  3. 5 stars
    This worked great. It was the 4th one I tried. I had to throw out the others, the bang of vinegar would knock you out. Thanks very much from Ireland.