How to Make Pickled Red Onions
- Mystie Tanner
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
Pickled red onions are one of those magical little condiments that can completely transform a dish. Tangy, slightly sweet, and beautifully vibrant, they add brightness and crunch to tacos, grain bowls, sandwiches, salads, and more. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make at home, requiring just a few pantry ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep.
Why Pickled Red Onions?
Besides their bold flavor, pickled red onions bring a pop of color that instantly makes any plate more appetizing. They’re also versatile—you can tweak the seasonings to make them sweeter, spicier, or even more aromatic depending on your taste. Once you start keeping a jar in the fridge, you’ll find yourself reaching for them daily!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
2 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 1/4 cup white vinegar (apple cider vinegar works well, too)
1 1/4 cup water
2-3 tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet you like them)
1 tablespoon salt
Optional add-ins: garlic clove, peppercorns, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, fresh herbs (like thyme or oregano)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Slice the Onion
Peel your red onion and slice it thinly into half-moons. The thinner you slice, the quicker the onions will pickle and soften.
2. Make the Brine
In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium until the sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat.
3. Pack the Jar
Place your sliced onions in a clean jar. If you’re using extra flavorings (like garlic or spices), tuck them in with the onions.
4. Pour the Brine
Carefully pour the hot brine over the onions until they are fully submerged. Use the back of a spoon to press them down if needed.
5. Cool and Store
Let the jar sit uncovered until it reaches room temperature. Once cooled, seal with a lid and refrigerate.
When Are They Ready?
You can start enjoying them in as little as 30 minutes, but for best flavor, let them sit at least 2–4 hours. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Ways to Use Pickled Red Onions
Tacos: The tang cuts through rich fillings like beans, jackfruit, or seitan.
Salads & Bowls: Adds a zippy crunch to grain bowls and leafy greens.
Sandwiches & Burgers: A great alternative to raw onion—less harsh, more flavorful. Try it with this delicious tofu "deli meat"
Breakfast: Sprinkle them over avocado toast or tofu scramble.
Final Thoughts
Once you see how easy and delicious homemade pickled red onions are, you’ll never want to be without them. A simple jar in your fridge can take everyday meals from ordinary to restaurant-worthy with almost no effort.
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