Simple and Easy Quick Pickled Red Onions
By: Merritt Allen
This quick pickle recipe is super easy and adds great flavor to many dishes. It can be ready in as little as 2 hours and can be stored for a couple of weeks in the fridge. My favorite application for these are on top of burgers, they add a light vinegar taste that is more subtle than a traditional pickle. Another great way in which to use quick pickled onions is in salad. They are crunchy and light and pair well with most dressings. You can even use the vinegar solution to create a dressing!
Quick pickled red onions are a really easy recipe that are hard to mess up and will be a great addition to any meal you choose to add them to!
Notes and Tips For Quick Pickled Red Onion
I use a mixture of apple cider vinegar and rice wine vinegar in my solution. If you are using a vinegar with a higher or lower acid content, you might have to adjust the water content accordingly. A solution with too much acid can make a really strong acid flavor but can be diluted with a little extra sugar and water.
Seasonings add a lot of flavor to the pickle brine. I use mustard powder and ground coriander. I have also used dried dill and turmeric. Let me know what seasonings you like in the comments below!
Sweetener helps create a more mild and balanced flavor. I have used both maple syrup and white sugar but you could try mirin, or even honey.
Common Questions For Quick Pickled Onions:
Does the Vinegar and Other Ingredients Need To Be Heated?
Boiling the vinegar with the sugar and water prior to adding the onions helps bloom the flavors and mellow the vinegar. It also helps dissolve the sugar and the spices together. Though you technically do not have to boil the vinegar prior to adding the onion, I highly recommend this step. It helps create a mild and delicious pickle flavor.
Can I Quick Pickle Other Vegetables?
Quick pickled red onions are my favorite vegetable for quick pickling. You can add or try a lot of other vegetables, however! Adding cucumbers, garlic cloves, asparagus or even jalapeños are great options for trying new flavors or foods with your pickling brine.
Do I Need A Mandolin To Cut My Onions?
A Mandolin a great kitchen tool for getting your onions or vegetables really thin. They can be relatively cheap but if you do not have one then you can just cut your red onions with a good ole’ knife and cutting board! The thicker the onions, the longer it may take for the vinegar to take effect, but will still be great.
What To Serve With Quick Pickled Red Onions:
I love using my quick pickled red onions with a lot of different dishes! You can top your tacos, salads, or rice bowls with these quick pickled red onions!
Try adding pickled red onions some Burger Bowls! These are a great meal prep dish that could use some pickled red onions.
Top some Lemon Basil Rice with Pickled Red Onions! It will have a great contrast to the creamy rice and supplement the lemon flavor.
Ingredients For Quick Pickled Red Onions:
Recipe
- 1 red onion See notes above for other vegetable options
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar You can use white wine vinegar or even red wine vinegar.
- 3/4 cup Rice wine vinegar You can use a full cup of rice wine vinegar if you prefer. Rice wine vinegar is more mild and a little sweeter than other vinegars.
- **1/4 cup water, plus more as needed ** You may need more water to make sure your onions are covered when you add the brine to cover your onions.
- 2 Tbs white sugar sugar helps balance the acid.
- 1 tsp salt
- **1/2 tsp ground coriander ** Optional but flavorful
- 1/2 tsp mustard seed Optional but flavorful
How To Make Quick Pickled Red Onions:
Thinly cut or slice your red onion and add to a large container or jar.
To a small pot, add the vinegars, sugar, water, and spices.
Bring to low boil, turn the heat to low, and let simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
Add the brine to the jar with onions.
Allow to cool before capping and storing in the fridge.
Enjoy after minimum of 2 hours of “pickling”!
How To Store Quick Pickled Red Onions:
Quick pickled red onions can be stored for a couple of weeks in a sealed container or jar in your fridge. The brine of the quick pickles can be used for salads or sautéing even after the pickles are gone!