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–+ servings
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Overhead close-up of bright pink pickled red onions in a clear glass jar with black peppercorns, next to a small white bowl of peppercorns, a piece of red onion, and a white towel with black stripes.
4.91 from 11 votes

Quick Pickled Red Onions

Tangy, crisp, slightly sweet, and ready in about 30 minutes, these quick pickled red onions add the perfect bright, zippy bite to tacos, burgers, sandwiches, salads, rice bowls, eggs, and more.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time2 minutes
Resting Time30 minutes
Total Time37 minutes
Servings: 2 cups (approx)
Calories: 66kcal
Chef: Jessica Randhawa

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Peel the red onion and slice it as thinly as possible using a sharp knife or mandoline. Transfer the sliced onions to a clean glass jar.
  • Add the white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and peppercorns to a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve. Do not boil.
  • Carefully pour the warm vinegar mixture over the sliced onions in the jar.
  • Use a spoon or fork to gently press the onions down so they are covered by the brine.
  • Let the onions sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Use right away, or cover the jar and refrigerate. The onions will continue to soften, turn brighter pink, and become more flavorful as they sit.

Notes

  • Thin slices pickle faster, soften more evenly, and are easier to add to tacos, burgers, sandwiches, bowls, and salads. Thicker slices will still work, but they need more time in the brine.
  • These onions can be used after 30 minutes, but they taste best after about 1 hour. For softer, more flavorful onions, refrigerate them overnight.
  • Storage: Store in a clean, sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. Keep the onions fully submerged in brine and use a clean fork or spoon when serving.
  • Not for canning: This is a quick refrigerator pickled onion recipe and is not intended for water bath canning or room-temperature storage.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 66kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1171mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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