Pickled Onions

Pickled onions are a versatile and flavorful condiment that can add a tangy, sweet, and slightly acidic kick to a variety of dishes. So whether you're topping a sandwich, salad, or taco, pickled onions can elevate the flavors and make your meal even more delicious. This simple recipe for pickled onions is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.

With just some vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and thinly sliced red onions, you can create a jar of pickled onions that will last for weeks in the refrigerator. The process of pickling onions involves infusing them with vinegar and sugar mixture, which helps to soften and preserve them while imparting a delicious flavor.

The result is a condiment that is both tangy and sweet, with a crisp and slightly crunchy texture. So whether you're looking to add a pop of flavor to your favorite dish or experiment with pickling for the first time, this recipe for pickled onions is a great place to start. For more related recipes, check out Curtido, Peruvian Salsa Criolla, and Salsa Criolla Argentina.

How to Make Pickled Onions

Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.

In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking to dissolve the sugar. Add the thinly sliced red onion to the pickling liquid, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the onions have wilted slightly, stirring gently.

Once the onions have wilted, remove the saucepan from heat and let the onions and pickling liquid cool to room temperature. Transfer the pickled onions and the liquid to a heatproof bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Cover the bowl or jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop.

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Recipe

Easy Pickled Onions

by Camila Benitez

Pickled onions are a versatile and flavorful condiment that can add a tangy, sweet and slightly acidic kick to a variety of dishes. So whether you're topping a sandwich, salad, or taco, pickled onions can elevate the flavors and make your meal even more delicious. This simple recipe for pickled onions is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 30 kcal

Equipment

• medium saucepan
• Jar with a tight-fitting lid

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• ▢ 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ▢ 1 medium red onion , thinly sliced into half moons

Instructions

 

• In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking to dissolve the sugar. Add the thinly sliced red onion to the pickling liquid, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the onions have wilted slightly, stirring gently.
• Once the onions have wilted, remove the saucepan from heat and let the onions and pickling liquid cool to room temperature. Transfer the pickled onions and the liquid to a heatproof bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Cover the bowl or jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop.

Watch how to make it

Notes

How to Store

To store pickled onions, transfer them and the pickling liquid to a glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. The jar should be clean and dry to prevent any contamination that could spoil the onions. Close the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to several weeks.

When storing pickled onions, it's important to make sure they are completely covered by the pickling liquid. This helps to preserve the onions and keep them fresh.

How to Make Ahead

Pickled onions can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to several weeks, making them a convenient condiment to have on hand. Here's how to make pickled onions ahead of time:

Follow the recipe for pickled onions as usual, allowing the onions to simmer in the pickling liquid for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly softened.

Once the onions have cooled to room temperature, transfer them and the pickling liquid to a glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.

Cover the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

The pickled onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to several weeks, but make sure they are completely covered by the pickling liquid to prevent spoilage.

When you're ready to use the pickled onions, simply remove them from the refrigerator and drain off any excess liquid. They are ready to use as a condiment or topping for your favorite dishes. Making pickled onions ahead of time is a great way to save time and add a burst of flavor to your meals.

How to Freeze

It is not recommended to freeze pickled onions as freezing can cause changes in texture and flavor. Pickled onions are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to several weeks. 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Easy Pickled Onions

Amount per Serving

Calories

30

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

0.02

g

0

%

Saturated Fat

 

0.01

g

0

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

0.003

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

0.002

g

Sodium

 

390

mg

17

%

Potassium

 

33

mg

1

%

Carbohydrates

 

6

g

2

%

Fiber

 

0.3

g

1

%

Sugar

 

5

g

6

%

Protein

 

0.2

g

0

%

Vitamin A

 

0.4

IU

0

%

Vitamin C

 

1

mg

1

%

Calcium

 

10

mg

1

%

Iron

 

0.1

mg

1

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.