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Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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