Description
These quick-pickled red onions offer a vibrant, tangy crunch that elevates any meal. Prepared in just minutes, they add a bright, zesty kick to tacos, salads, and sandwiches. This easy, sugar-free recipe is perfect for an instant flavor boost to your favorite dishes. They are simple to make and keep well for an instant upgrade to your kitchen condiments.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns (optional)
- 2–3 sprigs fresh dill or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion: Begin by peeling the red onion and slicing it very thinly, either with a sharp knife or a mandoline. Aim for uniform slices, as this ensures even pickling.
- Pack into a Jar: Loosely pack the sliced red onion into a clean, heat-proof pint-sized jar. If using optional aromatics like peppercorns or fresh herbs, tuck them in between the onion layers.
- Heat the Brine: In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, and salt. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the salt is fully dissolved.
- Pour Brine Over Onions: Carefully pour the hot brine over the packed red onions in the jar. Make sure the onions are completely submerged in the liquid. You might need to gently press them down with a fork or a spoon.
- Cool and Store: Let the jar cool to room temperature on your counter. Once cool, secure the lid tightly and transfer the pickled red onions to the refrigerator. They are ready to enjoy after about 30 minutes, but the flavor will deepen over a few hours.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a bay leaf to the brine.
- Always use a clean, sterilized jar to ensure proper food safety and shelf life.
- The onions will turn a beautiful vibrant pink color as they pickle, a visual cue of their readiness.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 20 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: pickled red onions, quick pickled onions, sugar-free pickled onions, homemade pickled onions, red onion recipe, tangy onions, onion condiment, easy pickled onions, savory, gluten-free