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Homemade Pickled Red Onions 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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