Name: Delicious Pickled Onions
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup apple cider vinegar; ½ cup water; 2 tablespoons sugar; ¼ tsp whole black peppercorns; ¼ tsp fine sea salt; 1 bay leaf

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These Delicious Pickled Onions are a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal. With their tangy bite and crisp texture, they make the perfect topping for salads, tacos, sandwiches, or burgers. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and ready in just minutes, adding a burst of flavor to any dish with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick way to elevate your meals, these pickled onions are the answer. The combination of apple cider vinegar, sugar, and spices creates a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. They’re incredibly versatile, adding a pop of color and flavor to everything from Mexican tacos to hearty sandwiches. Plus, they only take 5 minutes to prepare and can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks—so you can always have them on hand for when you need a flavorful topping!

Delicious Pickled Onions

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 large red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
¼ tsp whole black peppercorns
¼ tsp fine sea salt
1 bay leaf

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar and salt dissolve. Set aside.
Add the thinly sliced red onion, bay leaf, and peppercorns into a clean jar.
Pour the vinegar mixture over the onions, ensuring the slices are fully submerged.
You can either heat the vinegar mixture until it’s warm or pour it directly into the jar for a quicker pickle.
Seal the jar and refrigerate. Let the onions sit for at least a few hours, but they’ll develop more flavor after 1-2 days.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 1 jar
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

Add extra spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like mustard seeds, cumin, or coriander for a different flavor profile.
Make it spicier: Add a sliced jalapeño or some red pepper flakes to the jar for a spicy kick.
Use different vinegar: If you prefer a different taste, you can swap apple cider vinegar for white vinegar, rice vinegar, or even red vinegar.
Sweeten it more: For sweeter pickled onions, add an extra tablespoon of sugar or honey.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store pickled onions in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat pickled onions. Simply use them straight from the fridge for maximum freshness and crunch.

FAQs

How long should I let the pickled onions sit before eating?

You can eat them after just a few hours, but for the best flavor, let them sit in the fridge for 1-2 days. The longer they sit, the more the flavors will develop.

Can I use white onions instead of red onions?

Yes, you can use white onions, but red onions are preferred for their color and milder flavor, which is ideal for pickling.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can swap apple cider vinegar with other types such as white vinegar, rice vinegar, or red vinegar, depending on the flavor profile you prefer.

How do I prevent the onions from being too strong?

If you find the onions too strong, you can rinse them briefly under cold water before adding them to the jar. This will help mellow the flavor slightly.

Can I make these pickled onions in advance for meal prep?

Yes, pickled onions are perfect for meal prep! Prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They’ll add a burst of flavor to your meals all week long.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more jars of pickled onions, especially if you’re planning to serve them at a gathering.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can substitute the sugar with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar alternative, depending on your preference.

How long do the pickled onions last in the fridge?

Pickled onions will last for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I use this recipe for other vegetables?

Absolutely! This pickling brine works great with other vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or radishes. Simply follow the same method for pickling.

Can I use a sweeter vinegar for this recipe?

Yes, if you prefer a milder tang, you can use white vinegar or rice vinegar for a slightly less sharp flavor.

Conclusion

These Delicious Pickled Onions are an easy and flavorful way to add a tangy crunch to your meals. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, they’re the perfect condiment to keep in your fridge for enhancing everything from tacos and salads to sandwiches and burgers. The bright, zesty flavor of these pickled onions will transform any dish, making them a must-have for your recipe collection. Try them today and enjoy the burst of flavor they bring to your meals!