Homemade Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Pickled Red Onions are a simple and delicious way to add a tangy crunch to any dish. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can transform everyday onions into a vibrant, flavorful condiment. Perfect on tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more!

Ingredients

• 2 medium red onions
• 4 cups boiling water
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tablespoons honey (or substitute sugar)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel the red onions and slice them thinly. Using a mandoline slicer is ideal for even slices, but a sharp knife works fine too.
2. Step 2: Transfer the sliced onions to a medium-sized bowl.
3. Step 3: Pour the boiling water over the onions and let them soak for at least 5 minutes to soften the sharpness.
4. Step 4: Drain the onions in a colander and let them sit while you prepare the marinade.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, water, honey, salt, and peppercorns. Stir until the honey and salt dissolve completely.
6. Step 6: Add the drained onions to the marinade and let them sit for at least 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
7. Step 7: Transfer the pickled onions and marinade into jars with tight-fitting lids.
8. Step 8: Chill the jars in the refrigerator until very cold before serving. They’ll develop even more flavor after a few hours.

Tips & Variations

• Use red wine vinegar or white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
• Add sliced jalapeños or garlic cloves to the marinade for extra heat and flavor.
• For sweeter pickled onions, increase the honey or sugar slightly.
• To ensure crisp onions, avoid soaking for much longer than 5 minutes in boiling water.

Storage

Store pickled red onions in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 weeks. Use a clean fork when removing onions to prevent contamination. Reheat is not necessary—serve cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions for pickling?

Yes, you can pickle yellow or white onions, but red onions tend to have a milder, sweeter flavor and vibrant color that’s perfect for pickling.

How long before pickled onions are ready to eat?

They can be eaten after about 30 minutes of marinating, but the flavor deepens after a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Homemade Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 150 reviews

This Homemade Pickled Red Onions recipe is a quick and easy way to add a tangy, sweet, and crunchy kick to your meals. Using simple ingredients like red onions, apple cider vinegar, honey, and spices, these pickled onions can be prepared in just a few minutes and chilled to enhance their bright flavor. Perfect for topping salads, tacos, sandwiches or as a flavorful side, these pickled onions are a versatile and vibrant addition to any kitchen.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (soaking time in boiling water)
• Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling time
• Yield: Approximately 2 cups of pickled red onions 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Onions

• 2 medium red onions
• 4 cups boiling water

For the Marinade

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tablespoons honey (or sugar as a substitute)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions: Peel the red onions and slice them thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife for consistent thin slices.
2. Soak the Onions: Transfer the sliced onions to a medium bowl and pour 4 cups of boiling water over them. Let the onions soak for at least 5 minutes to soften their sharpness.
3. Drain the Onions: Drain the soaked onions in a colander and let them sit while you prepare the marinade.
4. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, water, honey, salt, and peppercorns. Stir well to dissolve the honey and salt evenly.
5. Mix Onions with Marinade: Add the drained onions to the marinade and stir to coat all slices thoroughly.
6. Jar the Pickled Onions: Transfer the marinated onions along with the liquid into jars with tight-fitting lids to store.
7. Chill: Refrigerate the jars until very cold, allowing the flavors to meld, ideally for at least an hour or longer before serving for best taste.

Notes

• For thinner, crisper slices, using a mandoline slicer is recommended but not necessary.
• The pickled onions will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Adjust honey amount based on desired sweetness; sugar can be used as a substitute.
• Feel free to add other spices like garlic cloves or chili flakes for extra flavor.
• Letting the onions marinate longer enhances their flavor and color.

Keywords: Pickled Red Onions, Homemade Pickles, Quick Pickles, Easy Condiment, Red Onion Recipe