With only 5 ingredients and tons of flavor, these quick pickled red onions are a must make topping for tacos, nachos, burgers, salads, and more!
You’ve probably seen these pretty pickled red onions on a boatload of my recipes around here over the years.
I always thought it was too simple a recipe to share, but after seeing how crazy popular my pickled onion reel was on Instagram, I decided these bad boys really do need their own post on P&C!
These ultra-vibrant onions are the perfect combination of crisp and tangy and they’re such a fantastic way to add a bright and refreshing flavor boost to your dishes.
My husband and I are obsessed with them and try to keep a fresh jar on hand each week. They’re easily one of our favorite condiments and add a perfect pop of color and tartness!
Pickled Red Onions Serving Suggestions
This rockin’ red onions are so wonderfully easy to make and they add fantastic flavor to everything you add them to.
- tacos
- burritos
- burrito bowls
- nachos
- pizza
- quesadillas
- enchiladas
- tostadas
- salads
- grain bowls
- hot dogs
- burgers
- veggie burgers
- sandwiches
- wraps
There are zillions of other uses for them too! Paul likes adding them to a bagel with cream cheese and sliced jalapeños and I’m a huge fan of adding them to everything from avocado toast to stuffed sweet potatoes.
Red onion… purple onion… whatever you call it, grab one and let’s get pickling!
Ingredients Needed
- 1 medium red onion
- 3/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1-1.5 TBSP sweetener, to taste
For the sweetener (it cuts the bite of the vinegar a little and is totally optional) Paul likes to use white sugar when he makes them. Honey and maple syrup are also excellent options. I’m guilty of skipping the sweet stuff entirely and adding black pepper instead. I like them tart!
Optional Extras
Black Peppercorns are a popular add-in if you have some handy.
You can also take things to the next level with some thinly sliced jalapeño *chef’s kiss* — I love this tasty add-in! You can also add crushed red pepper flakes to add some fire to your pickled red onions.
What type of vinegar should I use?
Most pickled onion recipes call for plain white vinegar. The same kind you can use for a zillion uses around the house/kitchen. There are plenty varieties you can play around with though for slightly different flavors.
I love using white wine vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar. All are great options and you can mix and match too for a totally custom jar of pickled onions.
How to pickle red onions
- Peel and slice a medium red onion super thin.
- Heat the vinegar, water, salt and sweetener or choice in a saucepan until bubbly and pour over onions in a mason jar.
- Then simply marinate for 30 minutes and enjoy!
For only 10 minutes or so of effort you’ll have the most delicious condiment for all your tasty eats.
These quick pickled red onions are fantastic right away (such glorious crispness!) and great over the next week or so too. Keep them in an airtight jar (mason jars and weck jars work great) in the fridge and pop these pretties on everything!
Quick Pickled Red Onions
Grab a red onion and meet me in the kitchen for this super speedy recipe!
You’ll be sure to have this recipe memorized in no time, but here’s an easy-print recipe card if you need it to get you started. Enjoy!
Quick Pickled Red Onions
Ingredients
- 1 medium red onion
- ¾ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1-1.5 TBSP sweetener to taste (sugar, honey, or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp salt
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- black peppercorns for peppery flavor
- thinly sliced jalapeño for a kick
- crushed red pepper flakes to make them spicy
Instructions
- Peel and slice a medium red onion. Slice super thin for softer onions and thicker if more crunch is desired. Add to a jar with a tight fitting lid.
- Heat the vinegar, water, salt and sweetener or choice (sugar, honey, maple syrup) in a saucepan until bubbly and pour over onions in a mason jar.
- Add any optional extras from the list above then allow onions to marinate for 30 minutes.
- They’re fantastic right away (such glorious crispness!) and great over the next week or so too. Add them to anything and everything your heart desires. They're great on burgers, salads, tacos and more!
Notes
Nutrition
What else can I pickle?
Nearly all vegetables taste *awesome* with a little quick pickled magic (and traditionally pickled too of course!) and I’ve blogged a bunch of my favorite recipes.
- Quick Fridge Pickled Jalapeño Peppers
- NEW! Pickled Sweet Mini Peppers
- Quick Fridge Pickled Vegetables
- Quick Pickled Banana Peppers
- Curry Fridge Pickled Jalapeños
- Quick Refrigerator Pickled Peppers
Pickled cauliflower is next on my list and possibly some pickled carrot spears too. Love them so!
If you get a chance to try these quick pickled red onions, let me know!
You can leave me a comment here (I LOVE checking those daily!) or tag @PEASandCRAYONS on Instagram so I can happy dance over your creations. I can’t wait to see what you top them on!
Hungry for More?
- Spicy Sriracha Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
- Easy Sheet Pan Nachos with Queso
- NEW! Turkey Taco Bowls
- Crispy Chickpea Taco Salad
I can’t wait to make these!