1. Prepare the Onion
Peel the red onion and cut off the ends.
Slice it into very thin rings or half-moon slices. Thin slices absorb the pickling liquid more quickly and become pleasantly tender while retaining some crunch.
Separate the onion pieces with your fingers and place them into a clean glass jar.
2. Prepare the Pickling Liquid
Add the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt to a small saucepan.
If you’re using garlic, peppercorns, bay leaf, or red pepper flakes, add them as well.
3. Heat the Mixture
Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Heat until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved.
You don’t need to boil the liquid vigorously.
4. Pour Over the Onions
Carefully pour the warm pickling liquid over the sliced onions.
Press the onions down gently with a clean spoon so they are mostly submerged.
If necessary, add a little more vinegar-water mixture to cover them.
5. Cool
Leave the jar uncovered or loosely covered until the contents have cooled to room temperature.
As the onions sit in the vinegar mixture, they will gradually become softer and brighter pink.
6. Refrigerate
Once cooled, seal the jar and place it in the refrigerator.
The onions can be enjoyed after about 30 minutes, but the flavor becomes better after several hours.
For the best texture and flavor, allow them to pickle overnight.
How to Serve Pickled Red Onions
These bright, tangy onions are delicious with:
- 🌮 Tacos and burritos
- 🍔 Burgers
- 🥪 Sandwiches and wraps
- 🥑 Avocado toast
- 🥗 Salads
- 🍗 Grilled chicken
- 🥩 Grilled beef
- 🐟 Fish and seafood
- 🫘 Rice and bean bowls
- 🥙 Mediterranean-style dishes
Storage
Keep the pickled onions refrigerated in a clean, covered container and use clean utensils when serving.
This is a quick refrigerator-pickle recipe, not a shelf-stable canning recipe, so don’t store the jar at room temperature.
If the onions develop an unusual odor, mold, bubbling that isn’t expected from the original preparation, or other signs of spoilage, discard them.
Easy Flavor Variations
Spicy Pickled Onions
Add red pepper flakes or a sliced fresh chili.
Garlic Pickled Onions
Add one smashed garlic clove for a deeper savory flavor.
Extra Tangy
Replace part of the water with additional vinegar.
Slightly Sweet
Add another teaspoon of sugar if you prefer a sweeter pickle.
Final Tip
For beautifully vibrant pink onions, use a sharp knife and slice the onion very thinly. The thinner the slices, the faster they absorb the pickling liquid.
These homemade pickled red onions are an easy make-ahead topping that can instantly make simple meals taste brighter, fresher, and more flavorful.
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