My Go-To Pickled Red Onions Recipe

If you’re searching for one condiment that instantly elevates tacos, salads, burgers, and more, look no further than My Go-To Pickled Red Onions. Vibrantly pink, tangy, and crisp, these quick pickled onions are a regular staple in my fridge — and once you taste them, I guarantee they’ll become yours too! Whether you’re piling them on avocado toast or folding them into a grain bowl, you’ll love the zippy freshness and delicious crunch they bring to almost any dish.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of My Go-To Pickled Red Onions lies in their simplicity. Just a handful of basic ingredients deliver huge punchy flavor, and there’s plenty of room for creative add-ins if you like exploring new twists.

• Red onion: The star of the show—use a mandoline for heavenly thin, even slices and a gorgeous rosy hue.
• White vinegar: The classic pickling backbone, but feel free to swap in apple cider or white wine vinegar for subtle flavor shifts.
• Water: Balances the sharpness of the vinegar and helps mellow out the overall taste.
• Sugar (or maple syrup/honey): Just a hint sweetens the brine for addictively snackable onions; go natural if you prefer.
• Kosher or sea salt: Don’t skimp! Salt is what really transforms the onion’s bite into crave-worthy tanginess.
• Optional add-ins: Whole peppercorns, garlic, red pepper flakes, lime juice, or bay leaf each add their own magic—pick and choose your favorites!

How to Make My Go-To Pickled Red Onions

Step 1: Slice and Pack the Onions

Grab your prettiest red onion, peel it, and slice it paper-thin. A mandoline works wonders here, giving you uniform slices that pickle evenly and look extra enticing on the plate. Once sliced, gently pack the onion rings into a clean pint-size glass jar—you want them snug, but not smooshed!

Step 2: Whip Up the Brine

In a small bowl or saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar (or your sweetener of choice), and salt. Whisk briskly until everything’s fully dissolved. If you’re in the mood for adventure, toss in peppercorns, a couple of garlic slices, or a bay leaf for extra layers of flavor. If you want a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick every time.

Step 3: Pour and Submerge

Slowly pour the brine over the packed onions, pausing as needed to avoid overflow. If the jar gets a little too full, just nudge the onions down gently with a spoon or fork until they’re all submerged. This way, every slice gets marinated in that delicious, tangy bath.

Step 4: Let Them Mingle at Room Temp

Set the jar aside and let it sit uncovered at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This is when the magic happens! You’ll notice the onions start to turn that signature hot-pink shade and soften ever so slightly.

Step 5: Chill and Enjoy

When the brine and onions are cool, seal the jar tightly and pop it into the fridge. The onions will be tasty (and perfectly snackable) after just half an hour, but if you wait a bit longer, the flavors meld and intensify. They’re at peak deliciousness after a few hours, but honestly, My Go-To Pickled Red Onions never last long in my house!

How to Serve My Go-To Pickled Red Onions

Garnishes

Give your favorite meals a lift simply by scattering My Go-To Pickled Red Onions over the top. They add both a pop of color and a bright zing—perfect for tacos, grain bowls, creamy dips, or anything that could use a little pizzazz.

Side Dishes

I love tossing a handful onto salads for extra flavor or serving them alongside roasted meats and veggies. My Go-To Pickled Red Onions also work wonders piled next to hummus, charcuterie boards, or even tucked into wraps for added crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t stop at the classics! Try draping them over avocado toast, mixing into potato salad, or folding a spoonful into tuna or egg salad for a fresh new twist. They even make a fantastic garnish for Bloody Marys if you’re ever hosting brunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about My Go-To Pickled Red Onions is how well they keep in the fridge. Simply store the sealed jar in your refrigerator, and enjoy bright, tangy onions at your fingertips for up to two to three weeks. The flavor just gets better with time!

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing My Go-To Pickled Red Onions, since freezing changes the texture and makes them lose that delicious crunch. Luckily, they’re so easy and quick to make fresh—you’ll rarely have leftovers long enough to worry about it!

Reheating

There’s absolutely no need to reheat these. In fact, My Go-To Pickled Red Onions are best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge. If you do want slightly warmer onions, just leave the jar out at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of onion?

Absolutely! While red onions are my favorite for their color and mild flavor, you can try this recipe with shallots, sweet onions, or even white onions for different results. Just keep in mind the flavor and color will change slightly.

Do I have to use sugar, or can I go sugar-free?

You can swap in honey or maple syrup for a natural touch, or omit the sweetener entirely if you like a sharper, purely tangy profile. Without sugar, the onions will be more sour but still very tasty and versatile.

How soon can I eat My Go-To Pickled Red Onions after making them?

They’re delicious after just 30 minutes at room temperature, but for the best flavor, let them sit in the fridge for a few hours. The longer they marinate, the more thoroughly pickled (and flavorful) they become.

Is it okay to reuse the brine for another batch?

Technically, you can reuse the brine once for a second round of onions, though the vinegar and seasonings may be slightly less potent. I usually make a fresh brine each time for the best (and safest) flavor.

Why did my onions turn a very bright pink?

That beautiful, vibrant blush is actually a sign you did everything right! When acidic brine hits red onions, it draws out natural pigments to create that signature color. The longer they pickle, the brighter and more appealing they look.

Final Thoughts

Once you try My Go-To Pickled Red Onions, you’ll wonder how your kitchen ever survived without them. They’re effortless to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to add fun, tangy personality to any plate. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for them on everything—give them a go and watch your meals come alive!

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