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Easy Pickled Onions Recipe

Easy Pickled Onions Recipe

These crisp, tangy quick-pickled red onions come together in minutes with pantry staples—perfect for tacos, burgers, salads, bowls, and sandwiches.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 large red onion thinly sliced
  • 0.75 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 0.75 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 clove garlic smashed
  • 0.5 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 leaf bay leaf optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Peel the red onion and slice it very thinly (about 0.125 inch). Pack slices into a clean pint jar, leaving a little room at the top.
  • In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, garlic, peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve.
  • Carefully pour the hot brine over the onions until fully submerged. Tap the jar gently to release air bubbles and press onions down if needed.
  • Let cool uncovered at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then seal and refrigerate. Ready to eat in 30 to 60 minutes; best after 1 day.
  • Store in the refrigerator and use clean utensils to serve. Consume within 2 weeks.

Notes

For sweeter pickles, use 2 tablespoons sugar. Swap apple cider vinegar with white vinegar for a sharper bite. Add extras like coriander seeds, a strip of orange peel, or sliced jalapeño for flavor variations. Do not can this recipe; it is intended for quick refrigeration only.