Recipes

Easy Pickled Red Onions

Serves 8 5 min + overnight
American Condiment VeganGluten-FreeMake-Ahead
Easy Pickled Red Onions

Ingredients

  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1 cup hot water (not boiling)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1½ tsp kosher salt

Steps

Five ingredients, five minutes of work, and by morning you’ve got a jar of bright, tangy pickled onions that make everything better. Keep a batch in the fridge at all times.

  1. Slice the onion as thin as you can — a mandoline is ideal, but a sharp knife works fine.
  2. Pack the slices into a jar or container.
  3. Combine the vinegar, hot water, sugar, and salt in a measuring cup and stir until dissolved.
  4. Pour the brine over the onions, making sure they’re fully submerged.
  5. Cover and refrigerate overnight. They’ll be ready in the morning and keep for up to three weeks.

Notes

  • Overnight is the move — the onions mellow out and the brine really comes together after a full night in the fridge.
  • Want to mix it up? Toss in a smashed garlic clove or a pinch of red pepper flakes before adding the brine. Both are worth trying.
  • This recipe doubles easily. Just make sure your onions stay fully submerged.
  • Works with any thin-skinned onion — shallots are especially good.
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