5-Minute Pickled Red Onions
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Rest
30 mins
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Servings
1 cup
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Calories
16 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
5-Minute Pickled Red Onions
Description
This quick pickled onion recipe starts by dissolving sugar and salt in hot water, then adding apple cider vinegar. Thinly sliced red onions are submerged in this pickling liquid inside a non-reactive container and left to soak. After cooling to room temperature, the onions are refrigerated and develop their signature sharp yet mellow flavor within half an hour.
The result is crisp, tangy pickled onions that can add acidity and crunch to a variety of dishes like tacos, salads, or sandwiches. The balance of sweetness and acidity enhances savory foods without overpowering them.
The recipe allows for variations like adding crushed red pepper for heat or garlic clove for pungency. Onions keep well refrigerated for two to three weeks but are best fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- ½ cup water 120 mL, hot
- 1 Tbsp sugar or honey
- 1 tsp salt non-iodized
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar 120 mL
- 1 red onion thinly sliced, 1 heaping cup, large
Instructions
- Liquid: Heat water in either a kettle, the microwave, or on the stove until steaming hot. Stir in sugar and salt until dissolved. Stir in vinegar.
- Onion: Thinly slice the red onion, either with a mandoline slicer (for ultra-thin slices) or by hand (for slightly thicker, crunchier pickled onions).
- Combine: Add onions to a lidded non-reactive container (like a glass jar or ceramic vessel - I used a 16-oz mason jar). Pour liquid over onions so that they are covered (you may not need all of the liquid). Let cool to room temperature, then seal shut and transfer to the refrigerator. (Let pickle for at least 30 minutes before digging in.)
Notes
- Store pickled onions chilled in a sealed container for 2–3 weeks to maintain flavor and crispness.
- Use them as a topping on salads, sandwiches, and tacos to add bright acidity.
- Optional add-ins include crushed red pepper for spiciness and garlic for extra flavor.
- Not suitable for long-term canning; refrigerate and consume within weeks.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1cup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 16 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2Tbsp (⅛ recipe) | |
| Calories | 16kcal | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 3.4g | 1% |
| Protein | 0.2g | 0% |
| Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 292mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 38mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sugar | 2.4g | 5% |
| Calcium | 6mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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