Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Introduction

Quick pickled red onions add a bright, tangy crunch to any dish and are incredibly simple to make. With just a few basic ingredients, you can transform ordinary onions into a flavorful condiment in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 medium red onion (sliced very thin)
• 2 garlic cloves (sliced)
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 3/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pack the thinly sliced red onion and sliced garlic cloves into a clean mason jar.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the hot water, white vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
3. Step 3: Pour the vinegar mixture over the onions and garlic, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the jar with a lid.
4. Step 4: Let the jar rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
5. Step 5: Enjoy the pickled onions immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 weeks.

Tips & Variations

• Slice the onions very thin using a sharp knife or mandoline for the best texture.
• Add peppercorns or chili flakes for a spicier kick.
• Use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for different flavor profiles.
• Let the onions sit longer for a more intense pickle flavor.

Storage

Store the pickled onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 4 weeks. Serve chilled or at room temperature. If the onions lose some crunch, a quick rinse with cold water can help refresh them.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions for pickling?

Yes, you can use white, yellow, or sweet onions, but red onions offer the best color and slightly sweeter flavor for quick pickling.

How long do quick pickled onions need to marinate?

They start to develop flavor after 30 minutes but taste best if left for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe

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4.9 from 135 reviews

Quick Pickled Red Onions are a vibrant and tangy condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Thinly sliced red onions are soaked in a mixture of white vinegar, water, garlic, sugar, and salt, creating a crisp and bright pickle that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Perfect for topping tacos, salads, sandwiches, or grilled meats, this easy-to-make recipe enhances your meals with a delicious, zesty crunch.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 1 cup pickled onions 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pickling Mixture

• 1/2 cup hot water
• 3/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Vegetables

• 1 medium red onion, sliced very thin
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onion and Garlic: Thinly slice the medium red onion and garlic cloves to ensure they absorb the pickling liquid quickly. The thin slices will also make the pickled onions optimal for topping dishes.
2. Combine Pickling Liquids: In a bowl, whisk together the hot water, white vinegar, sugar, and salt until both sugar and salt have completely dissolved. This hot mixture helps to speed up the pickling process.
3. Pack the Jar: Place the sliced onions and garlic into a mason jar or other clean container, packing them tightly but gently to maximize the pickling surface area.
4. Pour Pickling Mixture: Pour the vinegar mixture over the onions and garlic, making sure they are fully submerged. This ensures even pickling and prevents spoilage.
5. Rest and Refrigerate: Cover the jar with a lid and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the onions to pickle quickly. Afterward, store the jar in the refrigerator where the pickled onions will keep well for up to 4 weeks.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Use the quick pickled red onions as a flavorful topping for tacos, sandwiches, salads, grilled meats, or any dish that benefits from a tangy crunch.

Notes

• Using thinly sliced onions accelerates the pickling process and improves texture.
• You can adjust the sugar level based on your sweetness preference; reducing sugar makes it tarter, while adding more softens the acidity.
• Store in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and crispness for up to 4 weeks.
• Adding sliced garlic cloves infuses a subtle garlicky flavor, but you can omit if desired.

Keywords: quick pickled onions, red onions recipe, refrigerator pickled onions, easy pickled onions, onion condiment