Quick Refrigerator Pickled Red Onions Made in Minutes Recipe

For years, pickled red onions have been an indispensable ingredient in my kitchen. I first learned how lush and gorgeous they become from my grandfather Jack, who simply loved to make them. With a brief brine in seasoned vinegar, raw red onions transform into something absolutely tangy, yet still crunchy and sweet. The bright pink to vibrant pink hues they take on as they pickle create a fun pop of color, reminding me of Jack. I keep a jar in the fridge to toss into salads, sandwiches, grain bowls or really anything that needs an extra layer of sharp, lively flavor. Their versatility and beauty make them a staple ingredient that brightens up so many meals with just a few slices. A simple, quick pickled onions recipe is indispensable to have on hand throughout the year.

Easy Pickled Red Onions Recipe

It’s time to go ahead and start making Easy Pickled Red Onions Recipe. Using simple ingredients, you’ll have a crisp, tangy condiment ready in minutes for adding big flavor to tacos, sandwiches and more.

How Does Pickling Work? 

There are two main types of preserving foods using the pickling process – vinegar pickling and fermentation or fermenting. The latter involves preserving foods in a brine solution for a long period of time through the process of fermentation. This can last for weeks or months. Vinegar pickling is a rather quick method of pickling that only requires immersing vegetables like red onions in a vinegar solution instead of relying on natural bacteria to do the preserving work over time. 

By submerging the fresh food in the acidic liquid, it preserves it and allows it to last much longer than if left at room temperature. An added benefit of pickling red onions is that it can reduce their harsh, sometimes spicy taste raw. For quick pickling, the method is to simply immerse the veggies like onions in a warm vinegar mixture overnight. The traditional technique involves immersing them in a room temperature liquid for weeks.

Quick Pickled Red Onions Ingredients

1. Red Onions: For the Red Onions, I recommend using a large red onion, or two small red onions, sliced vertically and thinly – a mandoline makes quick work of this and is great to put to use.
2. Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is commonly used but feel free to experiment with alternately rice vinegar, white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or a combination of vinegars – each will impart its own unique flavor profile.
3. Sweetener: Traditionally in Mexican cooking, white sugar or granulated sugar is called for, but you could feel free to swap in maple syrup, honey, agave or another natural sweetener to your liking.
4. Salt: Add just a touch of salt – kosher salt or table salt – to help bring out the delicious flavors, starting with less, about half, and you can enhance the other flavors.
5. Water: Consider adding a bit of water to the brine for a milder flavor if desired, or par-blanch the onions in hot water before brining.
6. Garlic Cloves: A few garlic cloves adds great flavor to the tasty recipe.

What Kitchen Tools Will I Need For This Quick Pickle Recipe?

1. A sauce pan will be needed for boiling the pickling liquid.
2. A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for thinly slicing the onion. Be sure to use protective gloves while slicing if you want thin onion slices without fearing for your fingers.
3. Two cup mason jars with wide mouths are ideal for storing and fermenting the pickled onions. Mason jars are inexpensive and allow you to see the pickled onions curing over time.

While a mandolin can help create uniformly thin onion slices with ease, be sure to use protective gloves if you get scared using one to avoid any cuts to your fingers during the prep time. A sharp knife on a cutting board is a safe alternative if you prefer to cut the red onion by hand.

Vinegar for Quick Pickled Red Onions

While apple cider vinegar was mentioned as most commonly used for quick pickled red onions, the type of vinegar really comes down to personal preference and what works best for your family’s recipes and tastes. Vinegar types absolutely vary in flavor, so it’s worth experimenting to see which you prefer. Both white and red wine vinegars were also mentioned and would work great in this recipe. For those wishing to use apple cider vinegar but finding the intense taste a bit strong, seeking out an all natural brand may be ideal, so the flavor is a little more diluted. Any type of vinegar will work to pickle the onions, so feel free to use what your family enjoys most.

Onions to Use

While this recipe obviously calls for red onions due to their subtle sweet taste being perfect for a great quick pickle recipe, it is also said that other types of onions will work too depending on personal preference. White or yellow onions could really work great in this recipe and are a really great depending on what you have available and your tastes. For those looking to experiment, pickled sweet onions like Vidalia onions would make a delicious addition either in salads, sandwiches or wherever you may want to use the pickled onions. Shallots are another lovely option to consider pickling, as they take on a light pink color that will brighten any dish. 

Slicing Onions

Thinly slicing the onions is one of the key components to achieving the best pickled red onion recipe that are soft and delicious. While a mandoline can quickly slice onions very thin, it is not a necessary step. For those wanting to slice by hand, using a very sharp knife is the long best method. With a sharp knife, one is able to slice the onions just as thinly as if using a mandoline. The goal is to end up with pickled onion slices that are perfectly translucent and tender after being submerged in the brine. With some knife skills, this can be accomplished without the need for the mandoline slicer. 

What to Add to Pickled Red Onions

There are different things you can throw in to add varying layers of flavors to quick pickled red onions. A classic favorite is simply adding a few fresh sliced garlic cloves, which are loved for the mellow background flavor they provide. Some other ideas are throwing in a few whole peppercorns, red pepper flakes, or a fresh bay leaf depending on preference for spice. You could also include fresh herbs like oregano, thyme or rosemary for a fragrant aromatic pop. With so many options, have fun experimenting with various additions to truly make the pickled onions your own flavorful creation.

Easy Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Recipe by Carmen FoodieCourse: CondimentCuisine: American

Yield

2

cups

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

23

kcal

Total time

25

minutes

Pickled onions are a versatile condiment used to add flavor and nutrition to many dishes. With a simple process of slicing onions and cooling in vinegar brine, they make a tasty complement enjoyed in a variety of cuisines.

Ingredients

• 1 large red onion, peeled and very thinly sliced

• 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1–2 tablespoons sweetener

• 1-2 garlic cloves

Directions

• Slicing Onions: When cutting the onions, it is recommended to cut straight down the side of the stem going down, and then to remove and peel the outer layers of skin. Thinly slicing the onions is important to achieving the end result of thin, ribbony slices that will maximize the surface area absorbing the vinegary goodness. A mandoline makes for quick and uniform slicing, but a sharp knife works well too in the opinion.
• Pickling Brine Preparation: To make the pickling brine, combine the vinegar, water, salt and sweetener of your choice along with any additional seasonings like peppercorns or herbs in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stove top, or heat in the microwave, and stir until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved, about 1 minute.
• Pickling Onions: Once hot, add the sliced onions to your chosen container, such as a mason jar or glass jar. Metal containers should be avoided as they can react with the vinegar and affect the taste of the final product. Add a few sliced garlic cloves as well. Cover and shake gently, then let rest for 30 minutes, checking that the onions are completely submerged. The onions will be bright pink and tender within an hour or overnight, depending on thickness. During this time, press down on the onions with a spoon to keep them submerged in the vinegar mixture.
• Serve & Store: Once pickled, the red onions are ready to serve or can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

• Storage: Pickled red onions can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: You can slice the onions, place them in freezer safe bags, and freeze for up to three months without needing to blanch them first. When ready to make a batch, simply thaw the sliced onions and add them to the brine. Proceed with the full recipe.

How to Use Pickled Onions?

When it comes to adding pickled onions to foods, they really are delicious on nearly everything. Having an open jar of pickled onions in the fridge allows you to add an extra punch of flavor and tang to any meal. 

Mexican Dishes: Some classic Mexican dishes they pair with perfectly are tacos, tostadas, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, chimichangas, flautas, nachos and sopes. Highly recommended with these grilled baja shrimp tacos.

Breakfast Foods: Pickled onions also shine paired with breakfast foods like eggs, chilaquiles and sandwiches. 

BBQ Dishes: Sweet pickled onions recipe is a standard go-to side especially for fatty meats like brisket, ribs and pork belly burnt ends where their acidic bite balances the rich meat. They also make a great accompaniment to meat and seafood like chicken, pork, steak and fish. 

Side Dishes: Some favorite side dishes like beans, rice, roasted veggies and salads are elevated with pickled onion garnish. Even taco soups, curries, falafel and pizza can be topped with a few slices. 

Storage Tips

As mentioned above, the pickled red onions can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Freezing the pickled onions is also easy if you want to store a lot of onions for later use. You can slice the onions, place them in freezer safe bags, and freeze for up to three months without needing to blanch them first. 

When ready to make a batch, simply thaw the sliced onions and add them to the brine. Proceed with the full recipe. The texture after freezing may not be as crisp, but the flavors will remain fresh for several months of storage in the freezer.

Possible Variations

1. For a mellower flavor, the onions can be par-blanched by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil, placing the raw onions in a fine-mesh strainer in the sink, and slowly pouring the hot water over the onions to evenly cook them slightly before combining with the vinegar brine.
2. If preferring a bit more crunch, note that thicker onions may need to sit in the pickling marinade for at least twice the amount of time.
3. For extra spice, freshly sliced hot peppers like habanero could be added for a little Mexico kick. For milder heat, feel free to add a sliced jalapeño or two, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
4. A peppery twist can come from adding a few whole peppercorns or a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper.
5. Herby variations pair sprigs of fresh herbs or a pinch of dry herbs/seasonings, with bay leaves being a classic favorite seasoning for pickled onion recipes.
6. Traditional Yucatecan recipes use citrus as the base instead of vinegar, often Seville sour orange juice. You could substitute 3/4 cup freshly squeezed Seville orange juice or 1/2 cup each freshly squeezed orange and lime juice if Seville oranges are not available.
7. Consider using different colored onions, like white or yellow onions, for variety in appearance.

Final Thoughts From Carmen Foodie

In conclusion, pickled red onions make a versatile accompaniment that adds bright flavor and aromatic notes to many dishes. With just a few basic ingredients and some time in a tangy brine, you can have a fridge full of these tasty condiments to enjoy for weeks. The process couldn’t be easier, allowing anyone to make a fresh batch of pickled onions at home to liven up meals. With endless possibilities for customization too, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your culinary arsenal.

_____________________________

Common Recipe Questions

What can I use instead of white vinegar?

You can use cider vinegar, red or white wine vinegar. Rice vinegar or citrus juice like lemon or lime is also a good acidic alternative.

How long will pickled onions last?

Properly sealed and refrigerated, pickled onions will last 2-3 weeks. You can also freeze sliced onions in an airtight container for 3-6 months.

Why do some people boil the liquid for pickled onions?

Boiling the pickling liquid helps the salt and sugar dissolve fully. It also kills any bacteria that could cause spoilage in the fridge.

Are pickled onions gluten-free and/or dairy-free?

Yes, pickled onions are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. They only contain onions, vinegar and seasonings—no ingredients containing gluten or dairy.

What are the best onions for pickling?

Red onions are most commonly used due to their mild sweetness. But yellow, white and shallots also work well. For extra sweetness, consider Vidalia or Walla Walla onions.

Are pickled red onions good for?

Pickled red onions are low-carb and high in flavor. The probiotics may promote digestion. The antioxidants support heart and brain health.

Can I leave out the sugar?

Yes, you can leave out the sugar. The onions may not soften as quickly, but will still pickle and become tart. Start tasting after a day or two.

Can you pickle white onions instead of red?

Yes, white onions can definitely be pickled too! Their flavor will be milder but they’ll still soften nicely in the brine.

How long do red onions take to soften?

Red onions usually take 1-2 days to soften completely in the brine, though thicker slices may take longer.

How long can you leave onions in vinegar?

Onions can be left in the vinegar for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. For longer storage, you can seal and freeze for 3-6 months.

What vinegar is best for pickling?

White or cider vinegar have the mildest flavors. Other options like red or rice vinegar work too depending on your preferred taste.

What are pickled onions used for?

Pickled onions add flavor to sandwiches, burgers, salads, tacos, quesadillas, and more. They brighten up appetizers, barbecue dishes and charcuterie boards.

What are the health benefits of eating pickled onions?

Pickled onions provide vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. The probiotics from fermentation also support gut and immune health.