It’s time to talk about quick pickled onions.
There is something about summer that makes me want to pile condiments on everything. From flavourful sandwiches, messy burgers, loaded tacos, or pulled pork are just one of my summer favorites. And if you have ever made any of those and thought like they need extra something, I can tell you exactly what it needs.
Pickled red onions.
I always have at least one jar in my fridge. Always. It is one of those things I genuinely cannot live without once I started making them. And today, I am sharing my easy pickled red onions recipe so you can have that same jar as you need it.
Why Everyone Should Make Quick Pickled Onions
Let me make the case, because I think once you try them, you will understand the obsession.
Pickled red onions are not just a pretty purple topping. The quick pickled onions bring bright, tangy crunch that enhances the flavours and balances out heavier ingredients. Just imagine what happens when you bite into a burger or a pulled pork sandwich and everything just clicks together. That is what pickled red onions do.
This easy pickled red onions recipe works so well with burgers, stuffed into tacos, piled into a pulled pork sandwich, scattered across a salad, or tucked into a wrap. They work on grain bowls, on avocado toast, even on a charcuterie board served for your guests.
And beyond the flavour, the red onions are naturally rich in antioxidants and have a lovely subtle sweetness that mellows beautifully when they hit the vinegar. So yes, they taste amazing and they are actually good for you too.
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Why I Love This Easy Pickled Red Onions Recipe
I do not have time for fussy and long processes. I am a full-time working mom juggling real life, and I need recipes that fit into that reality.
This easy pickled red onions recipe fits into that reality so perfectly. And here is why I keep coming back to it:
- It takes about 5 minutes of hands-on work. The rest is just the onions sitting in that brine to absorb the flavour.
- It is budget-friendly recipe. One medium red onion, a splash of vinegar, and few pantry staples. That is genuinely all you need.
- It works so well with many meals without any extra effort. Imagine pulling these out for a BBQ and setting them on the table alongside other easy condiments for guests. Effortless hosting, done.
- One jar lasts up to a month in the fridge. Make it once, enjoy it all week (and the week after).
This is the kind of recipe that quietly becomes a kitchen staple. One day you do not have it, and the next day you cannot imagine not having it.
Red Onion or Yellow Onion?
My clear preference is red onion, and there are a couple of reasons for that.
First, the colour. When red onions hit the vinegar, they turn this gorgeous deep purple-pink that makes everything look more vibrant and amazing. Presentation matters for me, even for a simple burger dinner.
Second, the flavour. Red onions have a slightly more complex, sweet flavour compared to yellow onions. They are a bit more interesting, which is exactly what you want in a pickled red onion recipe.
That said, I made this with yellow onions on days when I ran out of red, and they still taste great. Just less visually dramatic.
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What You’ll Need for Quick Pickled Onions
Red onion – I prefer red onions for colour and flavour. One medium onion is the perfect amount for a standard mason jar.
Salt – Salt is essential for seasoning the brine and helping draw out a little moisture from the onion.
Sugar – Even just a small amount to take the edge off the vinegar and balance everything out.
Coarse black pepper – Nothing fancy, just good old black pepper.
Red wine vinegar – my favourite choice for this recipe. It is not as sharp as white vinegar, and it actually intensifies the beautiful red and purple tones. If you do not have red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a great swap. Both work really well.
Lukewarm water – to dilute the brine slightly and make the flavours a bit more rounded.
A medium mason jar – for storing. A standard 500ml jar works well for one onion.
A mandoline or sharp knife – thin, even slices are the goal here. A mandoline makes this easy and gives you that beautiful even look. If you use one, please be careful and use the safety guard. A sharp knife and a steady hand works just as well if you prefer that.
Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe
Course: condimentsDifficulty: Easy1
medium jar5
minutes5
minutesQuick pickled red onions ready in just 5 minutes! This easy pickled red onion recipe is budget-friendly, delicious and perfect for tacos, burgers and more.
Ingredients
1 medium red onion
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 cup red wine vinegar
½ cup lukewarm water
Directions
- Peel one red onion and slice it into thin, even circles. A mandoline slicer gives the most consistent slices, but a sharp knife works well too.
- Layer the sliced onion into a mason jar, pressing them in gently.
- Add the black peppercorns on top of the onion slices.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the red wine vinegar, salt, sugar and lukewarm water. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.
- Pour the brine over the onions in the jar. They should be mostly or fully submerged. If needed, press them down gently.
- Seal the jar and place it in the fridge. Let the onions sit for at least 2 hours before serving. They get better the longer they sit.
That is genuinely it. Ten minutes, one jar, and you have a condiment that will make your meals so much more interesting.
How to Store the Quick Pickled Onions
Store the jar in the fridge with the lid sealed. They will keep well for up to one month.
I would not recommend leaving them at room temperature for extended periods since this is a quick pickle method, not a traditional canning method. The fridge is where they thrive longer. If you are interested in proper long-term preservation, that is a whole separate process and I have covered that method separately.
One jar typically lasts me about two weeks because I use them on just about everything.
How to Use Pickled Red Onions
This is honestly my favourite part to talk about because the options are so good.
Tacos – This pickled red onion recipe for tacos is non-negotiable in my house. Whether it is chicken, beef, fish, or a veggie taco, pickled onions bring that perfect tangy crunch that takes the whole thing to another level.
Burgers – Pickled red onion in burgers is one of those small upgrades that feels like a big deal. Stack them right on top of your patty with some cheese and sauce and try not to be impressed.
Pulled pork sandwiches – Pickled red onion for pulled pork is classic for a reason. The acidity cuts through the flavour pork in the most satisfying way. If you are hosting a backyard BBQ, this is your secret weapon.
Salads – Toss a few slices onto your favourite salad instead of raw onion. Same crunch, so much more flavour and depth.
Grain bowls and wraps – they work so well here as well. Anything that needs a little brightness and acidity benefits from a few pickled onion slices on top.
A simple sandwich – Even something as everyday as a turkey or cutlet sandwich goes from fine to genuinely good with a layer of these quick pickled red onions.
Quick Pickled Onions FAQ
Can I use a different vinegar? Yes! Apple cider vinegar is my usual swap for red wine vinegar. White wine vinegar also works. Plain white vinegar is a bit sharper, so if you use it, you might want to add a touch more sugar to balance it out.
How long before I can eat them? At minimum, 2 hours in the fridge. But honestly, overnight is even better. The longer they sit, the more flavour develops and the more tender they become.
Can I add other seasonings? Absolutely. A few dried chilli flakes, a garlic clove, or even a bay leaf can add interesting layers. The base recipe is simple by design, but feel free to experiment.
My onions are not very pink. Did I do something wrong? Not at all. The colour depends on the specific onion and the vinegar you used. Red wine vinegar gives the most vibrant pink-purple colour. Apple cider vinegar will give a slightly more golden tone. But both taste great.
Can I use this recipe for yellow onions? Yes, you can. The process is exactly the same. The colour will be different (golden rather than pink-purple), but they will still taste great.
Make Them This Week
Quick pickled red onions are one of those simple things that genuinely make cooking feel more fun and a little more elevated without adding stress to your week. One jar, 5 minutes, and you are set for weeks of better meals.
If you make this quick pickled red onion recipe, I would love to know how you used them. Drop a comment below and tell me what you put them on first. Was it tacos? A burger? Hot dog? Did you go straight to the salad? Let me know! I love seeing how you make these recipes your own.
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Hi, I’m Biba, the creator of Chick in Apron! As a busy mom and food blogger, I am passionate about making cooking fun and stress-free. I share simple, delicious recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, along with helpful kitchen hacks to save you time.
So, let’s turn cooking into something you enjoy with tasty meals and handy tips to make kitchen tasks a breeze! ✨
