Quick pickled red onions are one of those magical condiments that can instantly elevate any dish, and I’m obsessed with them! Just imagine biting into a taco or salad, and then—bam!—you get that zingy, tangy crunch that brightens everything up. They’re so versatile too; I love tossing them on sandwiches, burgers, or even just snacking on them straight from the jar. I remember the first time I made them—I was hosting a dinner party and wanted to impress my friends. As soon as they took a bite with those pickled beauties, I knew I had a winner! They’re super simple to whip up and add that perfect pop of color and flavor to your meals. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be adding them to everything!
Ingredients List
You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients to make these quick pickled red onions, and I promise, they come together beautifully! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider works great)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
These ingredients are easily found in your pantry and fridge. The combination of vinegar and sugar creates that perfect balance of tangy and sweet, while the salt brings all the flavors together. Get ready to pickle!
How to Prepare Quick Pickled Red Onions
Getting these quick pickled red onions ready is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a jar of tangy goodness in no time:
- Start by combining 1 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of salt in a saucepan. This mixture is the base of your pickling brine.
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. This usually takes just a few minutes—don’t let it boil, though!
- Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the brine cool for about 5–10 minutes. We don’t want to cook the onions!
- While the brine cools, grab your thinly sliced red onion and place it in a clean jar. I like to use a wide-mouth jar for easy filling.
- Now, pour that beautiful vinegar mixture over the onions, making sure they’re all submerged. You might need to give them a little push down with a spoon.
- Seal the jar tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let those flavors meld. You can even leave them overnight for an extra punch!
And just like that, you’re on your way to enjoying your homemade quick pickled red onions. They’re best after a few hours, but honestly, they’re so good you might just dig in early!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Versatile condiment that enhances everything from tacos to salads.
- Adds a vibrant pop of color to your dishes.
- Perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that brighten any meal.
- Low in calories and sugar, making it a healthier choice.
- Customizable—add your favorite spices for a personal touch!
Trust me, once you start using these quick pickled red onions, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Tips for Success
To make your quick pickled red onions truly shine, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- If you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more sugar—just taste as you go!
- For a tangier kick, a splash of lime juice or more vinegar can really amp up the flavor.
- Don’t hesitate to throw in some whole peppercorns, garlic cloves, or even a bay leaf for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make sure the onions are fully submerged in the brine to ensure even pickling.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar like red wine or rice vinegar for unique tastes!
With these little tweaks, your pickled onions will be on another level—enjoy!
Variations
One of the best parts about quick pickled red onions is how adaptable they are! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. For a different flavor profile, try using rice vinegar for a milder sweetness or white wine vinegar for a sharper bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not toss in some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick? You can also mix in spices like mustard seeds or coriander seeds for an extra layer of flavor.
And don’t stop at just onions! You can pickle other veggies like cucumbers, carrots, or radishes using the same brine recipe. Each one brings its own unique twist to your dishes. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make these quick pickles your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your quick pickled red onions is super easy! Just keep them in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. I recommend using a glass jar, as it helps maintain their vibrant color and flavor. Make sure the onions are fully submerged in the brine to keep them crisp and tangy.
As for leftovers, you can enjoy them straight from the jar or toss them into your favorite dishes. Just remember, no reheating needed—these pickled beauties are best served cold!
Nutritional Information
These quick pickled red onions are not only delicious but also guilt-free! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (1 tablespoon):
- Calories: 10
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 200 milligrams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on your specific ingredients and adjustments. But overall, they make for a tasty and low-calorie addition to your meals without any guilt!
FAQs
How long do quick pickled red onions last?
Quick pickled red onions will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they’re stored in a sealed jar and fully submerged in the brine for best flavor and crunch!
Can I use other types of onions?
Absolutely! While red onions give that beautiful color and sweetness, you can use white or yellow onions too. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I adjust the sweetness or acidity?
Definitely! If you prefer a sweeter taste, add more sugar to the brine. For a tangier kick, a splash of vinegar or lime juice can really amp up the flavor. It’s all about finding that balance you love!
What else can I pickle with this recipe?
You can pickle a variety of vegetables using the same brine! Cucumbers, carrots, or even radishes work wonderfully and add a delightful crunch to your meals. Get creative and have fun with it!
Do I need to cook the onions?
Nope! The beauty of quick pickled red onions is that you don’t need to cook them. Just slice them thinly and let the brine work its magic in the fridge. It’s that simple!
For more information on pickling techniques, check out this guide on Serious Eats. You can also learn about the health benefits of onions from this Healthline article.
Print
Quick Pickled Red Onions in 15 Minutes: Easy & Delicious!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 jar 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Quick pickled red onions are a tangy and flavorful condiment that adds brightness to various dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions
- Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan.
- Heat over medium until sugar and salt dissolve.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Place sliced onions in a jar.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the onions.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Notes
- Use within 2 weeks for best flavor.
- Add spices like peppercorns or garlic for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 10
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 200 milligrams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Keywords: quick pickled red onions, pickling, condiment
