Easy Pickled Onions
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
2 mins
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Additional Time
30 mins
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Total Time
37 mins
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Servings
2 cups
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Calories
80 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Easy Pickled Onions
Description
This recipe uses red onions sliced to about 1/4 inch thickness and submerged in a warm pickling liquid made from apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt dissolved over heat. Garlic cloves add subtle aromatic notes. After assembling in a jar, the onions rest briefly at room temperature before refrigeration where colors intensify and flavors meld.
The pickled onions become tender and tart with a bright pink hue within an hour. Thickness of slices affects the timing and texture, so uniform slicing is encouraged. The vinegar base provides acidity that preserves the onions while balancing the sugar's mild sweetness.
Pickled onions complement many dishes such as sandwiches, salads, tacos, or grilled meats for added brightness and acidity. They keep well for 2-3 weeks refrigerated, making them useful for quick flavor boosts.
Variations include substituting other types of vinegar or onions, adding spices or herbs, and adjusting the sweetness with honey or maple syrup. Adjust garlic amount or include pepper flakes for customization.
Ingredients
- 1 red onion sliced 1/4 inch thin, approximately 2 cups
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic fresh
Instructions
- Create Pickling Liquid: Add the vinegar, salt, and sugar to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat and stir until the sugar and the salt have fully dissolved. This will take approximately 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prep Onions: Slice the onions 1/4 inch thick with a sharp knife or mandoline.
- Fill Jar: Add garlic cloves to the bottom of your jar and then fill the jar with sliced onions. Pour cooled vinegar into the jar, ensuring all of the onions are covered.
- Rest: Let the onions rest on the counter for about 10 minutes to ensure the liquid has cooled and then store in the fridge. After about 30-60 minutes, once your onions are bright pink and tender, they're ready to enjoy. Store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.
Notes
- Red onions are preferred, but other onion varieties can be used for pickling.
- Apple cider vinegar imparts a milder flavor; white vinegar can be substituted.
- For sweetness, substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
- Add garlic, herbs, peppercorns, or red pepper flakes to customize flavor.
- Slicing onions evenly helps achieve consistent tenderness and pickling time.
- Onions are ready when tender and bright pink, which varies with slice thickness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 80 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 80kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.03g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Sodium | 1174mg | 49% |
| Potassium | 223mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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