The Best Homemade Pickled Red Onions Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These quick-pickled onions add a bright, tangy crunch to any dish, and they’re so easy to make. You’ll love how they transform simple meals into something special with just a few ingredients.
- Ready in minutes – No waiting for days, these onions are perfect in under an hour.
- Versatile flavor boost – Great on tacos, salads, sandwiches, or even as a snack.
- Simple ingredients – Just onions, vinegar, and a few pantry staples do the trick.
Recipe
Homemade pickled red onions are a simple and versatile condiment that adds a burst of tangy flavor to sandwiches, salads, tacos, and more. This quick recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it a perfect addition to your kitchen staples.
Ingredients:
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
Instructions:
- Place the thinly sliced red onion in a clean glass jar or container.
- In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar and salt dissolve completely, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
- Pour the warm vinegar mixture over the sliced onions in the jar, ensuring the onions are fully submerged.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then seal the jar with a lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. For best results, let them pickle overnight.
Notes:
- Store pickled red onions in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Adjust the sugar and salt levels to suit your taste preferences.
Equipment:
- Glass jar or container
- Small saucepan
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Cuisine:
Universal
Serving:
Makes approximately 1 cup of pickled onions
Nutrition
Pickled red onions add a tangy crunch to dishes while being low in calories. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (1/4 cup):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 15 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 0g |
What To Serve With It
I love adding these pickled red onions to tacos and tostadas—their tangy crunch takes every bite to the next level. They’re also perfect on burgers and sandwiches, cutting through rich flavors with a bright, zesty kick. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to pile them on everything!
Tacos and Tostadas
When I’m making tacos or tostadas, I can’t imagine skipping pickled red onions—they add a tangy crunch that balances everything perfectly. The bright acidity cuts through rich meats like carnitas or chorizo, while the vibrant color makes even simple bean tostadas look festive. I love piling them on fish tacos with a squeeze of lime, or layering them into crispy potato tacos for extra zing. They’re quick to make, but their impact is huge—just a handful transforms each bite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed tacos without that punchy, pickled kick.
Burgers and Sandwiches
Just like tacos and tostadas, burgers and sandwiches shine with the right toppings and sides. I love adding homemade pickled red onions to mine—they bring a tangy crunch that cuts through richness, making every bite feel balanced. On a classic cheeseburger, they’re a game-changer, pairing perfectly with melted cheese and crispy lettuce. For sandwiches, they’re a must on turkey clubs or roasted veggie subs, adding brightness to layers of flavor. Don’t forget sides like fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad; they round out the meal. Trust me, once you try pickled onions here, you’ll wonder how you ever skipped them.
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