Quick Pickled Red Onions

Why You'll Love This Recipe

If you love pickled veggies, then you're going to love these Quick Pickled Red Onions! They're easy to make with just 5 minutes of prep time before popping them in the refrigerator to pickle.

The first time I made quick pickled onions was when I made tacos from a meal-kit service a few years ago. Ever since then, I've been hooked. I've perfected the recipe and am so excited to share it!

They're the perfect topping to add flavor and a pop of color to so many dishes. I especially love them on tacos, grain bowls, burgers, and salads. Try them on these sweet potato taco bowls or these turkey veggie burgers.

Ingredients

• Onion: A thinly sliced red onion. You could substitute for yellow or white onions for a different flavor.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar gives these some added sweetness and tang. You could substitute for white vinegar or even red wine vinegar for a different taste.
• Hot Water: No need to boil the water. Just some hot tap water will do!
• Sugar: Granulated sugar to balance out the vinegar brine. You could substitute for honey or maple syrup (see note in variations below.)
• Sea Salt: Fine sea salt to bring out the flavor and help create the brine.

*The full ingredient list with amounts is in the recipe card below.

How to Make Quick Pickled Onions

1. Place the onion slices in a jar. Add the vinegar, hot water, sea salt, and sugar. Using a fork, gently toss the onion slices and give it all a good stir. Alternatively, place the lid on the jar and gently shake it until the brine covers the onions.
2. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving with your favorite recipes.

Variations

• Spicy pickled onions: If you love spicy food as much as I do, consider giving these onions a kick. Depending on your desired spice level, add some habanero, Fresno, serrano, or jalapeño slices. You could also add a few dashes of crushed red pepper.
• Sugar-free: Although the sugar balances out the vinegar brine, you could leave it out if you want to make it sugar-free. You could also substitute for a less processed sugar like honey or maple syrup. To do this, stir it with the hot water to help it dissolve before adding it to the jar with the onions.
• Add more flavor: Add in some whole peppercorns, a garlic clove, or your favorite fresh herbs for some extra flavor.
• Yellow or white onions: Instead of red onions, try using a different color onion, like yellow or white onions.

Serving Suggestions

These easy pickled onions are a great topping to many Mexican dishes, like tacos, nachos, fajitas, and enchiladas. They're also great on sandwiches, burgers, falafel, and grain bowls.

Need a pop of color with your breakfast? They pair great with eggs and are a delicious topping on avocado toast or bagels.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: These onions are perfect for meal prepping for the week because they go great on so many different things! Though this recipe is not shelf stable, and is not suitable for canning, they will last in the fridge for a couple weeks.

To Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

More Topping Recipes

Looking for more toppings for your tacos, bowls, and salads? Try one of these favorites.

• Roasted Tomatoes on the Vine
• Pico De Gallo with Avocado
• Classic Guacamole

To get even more recipes straight to your inbox, sign-up for the Fresh Apron Weekly Newsletter.

If you make this recipe, don't forget to come back and leave a 5-star rating and a comment below