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–+ servings

Pickled Red Onions

Quick pickled red onions add a tangy bite to tacos, burgers, and more. Easy to make, customizable, and ready in minutes.
A glass jar filled with pickled red onions and pink peppercorns sits open on a white surface. A fork rests inside the jar. A floral napkin, a white plate with food, and a small bowl of peppercorns are nearby.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Inactive time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large red onion peeled and thinly sliced
  • 12 pink or black peppercorns
  • 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1½ tablespoons sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1 clove garlic thinly sliced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 sprig thyme
  • ½ teaspoon mustard seeds

Instructions

  • Slice the red onion(s) thinly.
    1 large red onion
  • Add the peppercorns to the bottom of a clean glass jar. Tightly pack the onion slices into the jar. (If using any of the optional add-ins, place them in the jar with the peppercorns before adding the onion slices.)
    12 pink or black peppercorns
  • In a bowl or measuring cup, stir together the vinegar, hot water, sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved.
    1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup hot water, 1½ tablespoons sugar, 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • Pour the vinegar mixture over the onions, making sure they’re all covered. Use the back of a spoon to press them down if they float.
  • Leave the jar uncovered at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the mixture to cool down.
  • Add a tight-fitting lid and store the jar in the refrigerator.
  • Onions are ready to enjoy after a few hours, but are even better after sitting for a day.

Notes

  • These are quick refrigerator pickles and are not shelf-stable. They must be kept cold and have not been tested as safe for canning.
  • The onions are ready after a few hours, but the flavor improves if you let them sit overnight.
  • Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks. Always use a clean utensil to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Sodium: 438mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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