Quick Pickled Red Onions

If thinking it’s a difficult task is what’s keeping you from trying your hand at making these Quick Pickled Red Onions, think again! They’re called QUICK for a very good reason.

Click HERE to save this recipe for Quick Pickled Red Onions!

Easy Pickled Onions Recipe

I made my first jar of these Quick Pickled Red Onions (and posted about it on Instagram) in just about 10 minutes late on a Sunday afternoon while one kid lay sick on the couch and the other ran in an out of the kitchen at least a half a dozen times.

This small feat doesn’t even come close to qualifying me for super mom status because making pickled red onions really is just that easy!

I don’t know that I would have even thought to post the recipe except that these easy pickled red onions were all but inhaled at a cheese party I hosted for some friends a few weeks ago. There were lots of oohs and ahs and requests for the recipe.

What I Love About Pickled Red Onions

I’m really glad that I learned how to pickle red onions because they’ve been a great addition to a lot of recipes.

It just gives the overall flavor of the meal a little extra oomph if you know what I mean.

I paired these quick pickled red onions with thin sliced roast beef and some horseradish cheddar at the cheese party I hosted and there was not a bite left over. I think that classifies this recipe as a winner!

Tools for this Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe

You’ll need a few kitchen tools to prepare this recipe. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before getting started:

• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – for slicing the red onions.
• Mandoline Slicer – Alternatively, use a mandoline slices to cut even, thin onion slices.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – to measure the ingredients for the pickled onions.
• Small Saucepan – to boil the water.
• Large Glass Measuring Cup – to prepare the vinegar solution in.
• 1-Pint Mason Jar with Lid – you’ll place onions, seasonings, and pickling mixture into a glass jar to pickle the onions.
• Funnel – to pour the pickling liquid into the jars.

Pickled Red Onions Ingredients

To make these easy pickled red onions, you’ll need:

• Red Onions
• Red Wine Vinegar
• Malt Vinegar
• Pure Maple Syrup
• Kosher or Sea Salt
• Black Peppercorns
• Allspice Berries
• Fresh Rosemary
• Garlic

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card!

How to Pickle Red Onions

It’s so simple to make quick pickled red onions! Here’s how I made the pickled onions:

1. Combine the vinegars, syrup and salt in a glass measuring cup. Stir to combine and dissolve the salt.
2. Add the remaining seasonings and set aside.
3. Set a small strainer inside a medium bowl. Place the onions in the strainer, then pour the boiling water over the onions.
4. Add the onions to your desired glass container and pour the vinegar mixture over top of the onions.
5. Store the pickled red onions in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for Making The Best Pickled Red Onions

• Make sure you slice the onions thin. I find that a mandoline slicer is easier than using a knife for cutting very thin and even slices.
• Cover the onions completely with the vinegar mixture so that every onion slice gets pickled.
• Let the onions rest in the pickling mixture in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Any shorter time and you won’t get optimal flavor.

Adapting this Recipe to Your Tastes

When making the quick pickled red onions, I had some fresh rosemary on hand so I added a few very small sprigs of that along with some salt, fresh garlic cloves, allspice berries and peppercorns.

When making my batch, I chose to use maple syrup as a sweetener. It was an easy addition since it was already in liquid form. I should also note that sugar isn’t necessary in the quick pickling process, but I think that it helps to balance out the vinegar.

Here are a few ways you can adapt this recipe to your personal preference:

• Adding other seasonings or fresh herbs, such as: mustard seeds, oregano, bay leaf, or sprigs of thyme would work. Get creative!
• Want something spicy? Try adding some dried peppers, red pepper flakes, or jalapeño peppers. Want something holiday-esque? Try dried orange peel and cloves.
• You can try honey, agave, or cane sugar as well (make sure you dissolve that into the vinegar first though).
• If you just want a very basic pickled red onion, simply eliminate the spices and seasonings in the recipe, using only the vinegar, water, maple syrup, and salt.

Recipe FAQ

Got questions about how to make this recipe? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Can I Use Another Type of Vinegar?

In this quick pickled red onion recipe I used a mixture of malt vinegar and red wine vinegar. However, you can experiment with other vinegars as well, such as:

• white wine vinegar
• rice vinegar
• apple cider vinegar

For a lighter flavor, my favorite combination is a mixture of rice vinegar and apple cider vinegar. I would stay away from regular white vinegar and balsamic vinegar as I think both of these would be a little too strong.

Can I Use a Different Type of Onion?

Sure! You can make pickled onions with yellow onions, white onions, or sweet onions if you like.

Do Pickled Red Onions Need to be Refrigerated?

Since you’re not actually canning anything in this recipe, your pickled red onions will need to be stored in the refrigerator after preparation and in between uses.

Quick pickled red onions are best stored in glass containers, such as a mason jar. I love my Weck Jars so I used one of those.

How Long Do Pickled Red Onions Last?

This recipe for quick pickled onions won’t last indefinitely when stored in the refrigerator.

But, with the vinegar’s acidity a batch of pickled onions will last 2-3 weeks — if you don’t eat them sooner, that is!

You’ll need to make sure you don’t inadvertently introduce any bacteria to the jar (by using dirty utensils, using your fingers to remove the onions from the jar, etc.).

Click HERE to save this recipe for Quick Pickled Red Onions!

Ways to Use Pickled Onions

Some of the ways I’ve been enjoying them lately are on deli style sandwiches, on a big crusty roll with shredded BBQ chicken, in salads, as an accompaniment to a cheese tray, and on tacos.

These pickled onions are a great way to add bright flavor to a variety of recipes. Here are some more fun ideas:

• Savory Breakfast Recipes – they make the perfect topping for avocado toast, scrambled egg sandwiches, or Egg and Black Bean Burritos.
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches – I love to thin slices of pickled onions on top of a pork sandwich. Check out our favorite pulled pork recipe.
• Bowls – burrito bowls, breakfast bowls, or chicken quinoa bowls are other favorite way to use this recipe.
• Hot Dogs or Brats – take your hot dog or brat to the next level by adding these onions to your bun.
• Tacos – tacos are another good use! We like these onions on chicken tacos, beef tacos, or shredded pork tacos.

Try this Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe!

Next time you’re looking for an easy pickling recipe, give these pickled sliced onions a try!

Did you think they were the perfect condiment to add vibrant pops of flavor? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this great recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see a photo of your quick pickled onions!

Get More Easy Recipe Ideas via Email

Did you love this recipe for Quick Pickled Red Onions? Sign up to receive Good Life Eats Email Updates and never miss another recipe!

Have you ever pickled onions? How do you like to eat them?

Check out my original post sharing this recipe for Easy Pickled Red Onions on FoodFanatic.