The Best Homemade Pickled Onions Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love how quick and easy these pickled onions are to make, with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. They add a tangy, crunchy punch to so many dishes, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
- Bright & Zesty Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and sharp, these onions wake up any meal.
- Versatile & Handy: Toss them on tacos, salads, sandwiches, or even enjoy them straight from the jar.
- Ready in No Time: Just slice, soak, and enjoy—no fancy equipment or long waits needed!
Recipe
Intro:
Pickled onions are a tangy, crunchy condiment that adds a burst of flavor to sandwiches, salads, and more. This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for beginners.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions:
- Pack the sliced onions into a clean, sterilized jar.
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve.
- Pour the hot liquid over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Let cool to room temperature, then seal the jar and refrigerate.
- Allow to pickle for at least 1 hour before using, though flavors develop best after 24 hours.
Notes:
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For a milder flavor, soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before pickling.
Equipment:
- 1-pint glass jar with lid
- Saucepan
- Knife and cutting board
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
Cuisine: International
Serving: Makes about 1 pint.
Nutrition
Pickled onions are a flavorful condiment with minimal calories. They provide small amounts of vitamins and fiber.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 42 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9.3 g |
| Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugar | 7.6 g |
| Protein | 0.9 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Sodium | 485 mg |
| Vitamin C | 5.2 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade pickled onions with classic pairings like tacos or burgers—they add the perfect tangy bite. For something more creative, I’ll toss them on salads or grain bowls to jazz things up. Trust me, these onions can turn almost any dish into something special.
Classic Pairings
Though they might seem like a small addition, homemade pickled onions can totally transform a dish, adding that perfect tangy crunch. I love tossing them into salads—they brighten up greens, grains, or even a simple cucumber salad with their zesty kick. Sandwiches are another no-brainer; piled onto a burger, tucked into a grilled cheese, or layered in a veggie wrap, they cut through richness with their sharp bite. Tacos, hot dogs, or even a humble bowl of beans? Yes, please! These little gems elevate everything, turning ordinary meals into something special with just a spoonful.
Creative Combos
While you might think pickled onions belong only on tacos or salads, they’ve got way more tricks up their sleeve. I love pairing tangy sweet onions with spicy peppers for a flavor explosion—try them on grilled cheese or a loaded baked potato. They’re fantastic with hummus or avocado toast, adding a zesty crunch I can’t resist. I’ve even tossed them into pasta salads or grain bowls for extra pizzazz. Don’t forget about charcuterie boards—they’re a game-changer next to sharp cheeses and cured meats. Trust me, once you start experimenting, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy them!
