Learn how to make quick pickled onions in 30 minutes with 5 basic ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen! I love this recipe because it’s so easy and will liven up any dish you make. The actual process of pickling takes a few minutes. While you wait for them to be ready, you can whip up your meal and once you’re done your quick pickled onions will be ready to enjoy!
I love adding a generous serving of pickled red onions to my sandwiches, soups, salads, burritos, nachos, bowls, curries and more. They’re my favorite topping for avocado toast which I have several times a week. There’s really not much that these quick pickled onions can’t go on. Dare I say they are the perfect accessory to any meal? Anytime I need to add a tangy zing of flavor, these are my go to. Not only are they delicious, they add a beautiful pop of pink, elevating the aesthetics of your dish too. Who doesn’t like to eat pretty food?
Quick Pickled Onions Ingredients
Red Onion. One large red onion very thinly sliced with a mandoline slicer or chef’s knife.
Vinegar. I typically use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar because that’s what’s usually around in the house. Any vinegar will do.
Sweetener. Traditional pickled onions call for white granulated sugar. Feel free to use coconut sugar, maple syrup, agave or any sweetener you prefer.
Sea Salt. Just a pinch will help bring out all the flavors.
Optional: Add some spice. Add heat with jalapeño peppers. Freshly cracked pepper. Fresh herbs or dried seasonings. Minced garlic. This is your opportunity to great creative with flavors you love!
Brighten Up Your Meals
Follow this recipe as a rough guideline of where to start but allow yourself to play with different spices and herbs that compliment with your favorite recipes. These quick pickled onions might be simple to make, but they sure do brighten up any meal!
- 1 large red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup hot water
- ½ cup vinegar (orapple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp sweetener (sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, agave, etc.)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- Thinly slice onion using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Place thinly-sliced onions in a mason jar.
- Boil 1 cup of water or use an electric kettle to heat water.
- Pour the hot water, vinegar, sweetener and sea salt into the jar over the onions. Screw the lid on tightly and shake the onions until everything is mixed. If necessary, press onions down so they are submerged under the vinegar mixture.
- Let the onions marinate for about 30 minutes.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate the pickled onions for up to 2 weeks. For the best flavor, let them brine for 24 hours.
