Quick-Pickled Red Onions

Quick-Pickled Red Onions

Make this easy recipe for pickled onions, then use them to garnish a week's worth of meals; they're the ideal condiment for tacos, grain bowls, and more.

Ingredients

  • apple cider vinegar
    ½ c
  • sugar
    1 tbsp.
  • diamond crystal or ¾ tsp. morton kosher salt
    1 ½ tsp.
  • red onion

    thinly sliced

    1

Directions

  1. 1

    Whisk ½ cup apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar, 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt, and 1 cup water in a small bowl until sugar and salt dissolve. Place 1 red onion, thinly sliced, in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid; pour vinegar mixture over. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
    Do Ahead: Pickled red onions can be made 2 weeks ahead. Cover and chill. Drain onions before using. 

    Editor’s note: This recipe for pickled onions was first printed in our June 2012 issue. Use up your stash with our best sandwich recipes →

Quick-Pickled Red Onions

Quick-Pickled Red Onions

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About this Recipe

Tired of bland meals and looking for an effortless way to inject vibrant flavor? Discover how these Quick-Pickled Red Onions can transform your cooking, offering a tangy, bright counterpoint that's ready in just 5 minutes of cook time and perfect for a week's worth of dishes.

This recipe is a true kitchen hero, delivering impressive results with minimal effort. Its genius lies in its simplicity: a handful of common pantry staples quickly create a condiment that's both striking in color and bold in flavor. The brief cooking process means you're just minutes away from elevating everything from your favorite tacos to hearty grain bowls, making it an indispensable part of your meal prep routine.

Prepare for a delightful sensory experience with these quick-pickled red onions. Each bite offers a satisfying crisp-tender texture and a vivid, eye-catching pink color that brightens any plate. The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sharp tanginess from the apple cider vinegar, balanced by a subtle sweetness, creating a refreshing zest that cuts through richer foods beautifully. They are incredibly versatile, enhancing everything they touch, and are naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and nut-free, making them suitable for nearly all dietary needs.

While this simple recipe yields perfect results as is, you have a precise choice when it comes to seasoning: utilize either Diamond Crystal or Morton Kosher salt, adhering to the specified measurements for optimal flavor balance. Furthermore, the thickness of your red onion slices can subtly alter the final texture—thinner slices will soften more quickly and offer a delicate crunch, while slightly thicker rings provide a more pronounced bite, allowing you to tailor them to your preference.

These quick-pickled red onions are the ultimate versatile garnish. Use them generously to add a vibrant pop of color and zesty flavor to classic tacos, elevate a nourishing grain bowl, or provide a bright finish to sandwiches, salads, and even grilled meats. They're an easy yet impactful way to make every meal feel a little more special.

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