How To Pickle Red Onions

Easy to make and so versatile as a topper for your meals, pickled red onion should be in your refrigerator.  It’s a tangy and easy little condiment to spice up any dish.

Carol's kitchen veggies

There are so many ways to make pickled red onion, but today I’m sharing a very basic version. If you start making them multiple times, you can make substitutions or additions to make it perfect for your family. Like a sweeter taste? Increase the sugar. Want more punch? Increase the peppercorns. Experiment with the seasonings and spices by adding ingredients like bay leaf, star anise, or red pepper. I personally prefer red wine vinegar, but you can use white vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. **For onions that remain crunchy, pour the boiling vinegar solution over the onions in a non-reactive container (glass, porcelain, or plastic) with a lid.  For soft onions, add the onion and garlic to the sauce pot and allow them to boil in the vinegar for 1-2 minutes before transferring to the container to cool.

Try them on your bagel and cream cheese!

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Pickled Red Onion

An easy pickled red onion to top all your favorite food from salmon to tacos.
Course condiment
Cuisine American
Keyword pickled red onion, red onion
Servings 1 pint

Ingredients

  • 1 medium red onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp peppercorns
  • 1 cup red wine vinegar

Instructions

  • Peel & thinly slice onion and cut into half moons
  • Peel garlic
  • Add all ingredients except onion and garlic into saucepan
  • Heat on medium-high and stir until sugar and salt are dissolved
  • Bring to a boil
  • **For soft onions, add onion and garlic and press into liquid to submerge
  • Boil for 2 minutes
  • Cover with lid and turn off heat
  • Steep for 30 minutes
  • Remove to non-reactive container with lid (glass, porcelain, not metal)
  • Cool and store in refrigerator
  • Pickles can be eaten immediately but taste better the next day
  • Pickles will keep in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks
  • Top all your favorite dishes from salmon to tacos

Add them to your favorite sandwich or sub!

If you like this post, you might like:

Homemade Refrigerator Pickled Carrots

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Carol

I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my small home in the Tampa Bay area and its developing garden. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.

21 thoughts to “How To Pickle Red Onions”

  1. Sounds great Carol. I like the way you come up with new recipes that don’t use a whole lot of new exotic ingredients. We sometimes enjoy lox and bagels (of course with cream cheese) as a special Sunday morning treat … these onions really would be a perfect addition, thanks for that tip!

  2. YUM, I love red onions! Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 9 where I comment on and share on social media if share option is available, open February 1 to 26. My themed party 11 for Handcrafted Jewelry is open February 15 to 25 if you have any appropriate posts.

  3. I have never even heard of pickled red onions! But oh my goodness, I bet they are yummy!

  4. I’ve had these as garnish on so many different foods. . . I’m thrilled to know how to make them myself!

    Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!

I love to make new friends and get to know you.

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