Description

Quick Pickled Red Onions are a vibrant and tangy condiment made by soaking thinly sliced red onions and jalapeños in a warm mixture of apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and spices. This speedy pickling process infuses the onions with bold flavors in just 30 minutes, making them a perfect zesty addition to tacos, sandwiches, salads, and burgers.

Ingredients

Scale

Pickling Mixture

1 cup apple cider vinegar
3 Tablespoons water
1 Tablespoon granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 bay leaf

Instructions

Slice the Onion: Peel the red onion and cut it into thin slices using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for uniform thickness.
Prepare the Jar: Pack the onion slices tightly into a clean glass jar or heatproof container along with the sliced jalapeño, whole peppercorns, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf to layer in the aromatics.
Heat Pickling Liquid: In a small pot over medium heat, combine apple cider vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir continuously until the sugar and salt dissolve completely, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour Hot Brine Over Onions: Remove the pickling liquid from heat and immediately pour it over the onions and spices in the jar, ensuring the onions are fully submerged.
Press Down Onions: Use the back of a spoon to gently press the onions down if necessary, making sure all contents are covered by the liquid.
Cool to Room Temperature: Leave the jar uncovered at room temperature until the mixture cools, allowing flavors to meld.
Seal and Refrigerate: Once cool, seal the jar tightly and refrigerate. The onions will develop flavor in about 30 minutes but improve further after several hours.
Store and Serve: Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Use as a tangy topping for tacos, sandwiches, salads, and burgers to enhance any dish.

Notes

For a milder heat, reduce or omit the jalapeño and red pepper flakes.
Use a mandoline slicer for even onion slices which will pickle more uniformly.
Let the onions marinate longer for more intense flavor; overnight is ideal.
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar can be a substitute but the flavor will be slightly different.
Store pickled onions in the refrigerator and always use a clean utensil when removing to prolong freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: pickled onions, quick pickled onions, red onions, condiment, taco topping, sandwich topping, spicy pickled onions, easy pickles