Quick Pickled Onions Recipe
These Quick Pickled Onions are the perfect crunchy, tangy topping to elevate any dish! Only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes required.
- 2 red onions (sliced thin (about 2 heaping cups))
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 cup water
- 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar* (I did 3)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Place onions and garlic into a glass container (be sure it has a lid). Set aside.
- Place vinegar, water, sugar, and salt into a microwave safe dish and microwave until the sugar and salt have dissolved, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour vinegar mixture over onions and garlic, stir to ensure all the onions are fully submerged, then let cool at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Cover and place in the fridge until ready to use, at least 1 hour.
- Serve as desired and enjoy!
Why you’ll love these
Quick and Easy. 6 ingredients (which includes the water and salt!) to make a delicious topping for any meal.
Versatile. An easy and delicious way to liven up any dish. Serve these tangy onions over tacos, chicken, tofu, salmon, shredded beef, etc.
Red Onions – you’ll need about 2 small onions, sliced thin to make about 2 heaping cups. Use a knife or use a mandolin for more uniform slices.
Garlic – jarred minced garlic or fresh is fine.
Vinegar – white or apple cider vinegar. White vinegar will give you a “punchier” taste and keeps the red onions very vibrant, while apple cider vinegar is slightly sweeter.
Water – no substitutions, this helps balance out the sharp vinegar flavor.
Sugar – granulated sugar will give the cleanest flavor and clearest color. Brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey may also be used but it will affect the flavor and color. 2-3 tablespoons is recommended, but play around with your preferred level of sweetness.
Salt – table salt was used to test the recipe. If using another salt that’s less “salty”, such as kosher salt, you’ll likely need to add more.
Visual walk-through
Place onions and garlic into a container (I like glass tupperware with an airtight lide). Set aside.
Mix together vinegar, water, sugar, and salt and microwave until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved.
Pour over the onions and garlic.
Let cool for 15 minutes at room temperature, then place in the fridge for at least an hour.
How to serve pickled red onions
Pickled onions are such a versatile topping; they’ll add a bright flavor and perfect crunch to any dish!
How to store
Quick pickled red onions will last in a sealed airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
