Quick Pickled Red Onions

What We're Cooking

Quick Pickled Red Onions

There are a handful of recipes that instantly elevate just about anything you put them on, and Quick Pickled Red Onions are at the top of that list.

Made with just a few pantry staples, these onions add the perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and crunch to sandwiches, burgers, tacos, salads, grain bowls, and more. They’re simple to make, keep beautifully in the refrigerator, and somehow make every meal feel a little more complete.

Once you make a jar, you’ll wonder how your refrigerator ever went without them.

Why We Love Them

Pickled onions are one of those “little things” that make a big difference.

The sharp bite of raw red onion softens as it marinates, transforming into a bright, slightly sweet topping that adds flavor without overpowering the rest of the dish.

They’re colorful, crisp, and an easy way to add freshness to everything from weeknight dinners to backyard cookouts.

Just a Few Simple Ingredients

This recipe comes together with ingredients you probably already have on hand:

  • Thinly sliced red onions
  • Rice wine vinegar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Coarse black pepper

That’s it. Simply add everything to a mason jar, give it a good shake, and let time do the rest.

Give Them Time

While they’re delicious after a few hours, we recommend letting them marinate for 12–24 hours.

That extra time allows the onions to soften while soaking up the sweet and tangy brine, creating the perfect balance of flavor and crunch.

The hardest part of this recipe is waiting.

The Ingredients: produces (1) pint jar

by weight

  • 8 oz Red Onion, thinly sliced
  • 5 oz Rice Wine Vinegar
  • 2 oz Vegetable Oil
  • 1 gram Sugar
  • 1-2 grams Salt
  • Coarse Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • 1. Add the thinly sliced red onions directly to a 16 oz (pint) mason jar.
  • 2. Pour the rice wine vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper over the onions.
  • 3. Secure the lid and shake well to combine.
  • 4. Refrigerate for 12–24 hours.
  • 5. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Not Just for Onions

  • One of our favorite ways to use this same recipe? Fresh jalapeños. Simply substitute sliced jalapeños for the onions and follow the exact same process. The vinegar softens the peppers just enough while keeping their fresh flavor and signature heat. They're incredible on nachos, tacos, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, barbecue, and even avocado toast. One recipe. Two completely different toppings.

From Our Kitchen to Yours

Some recipes are complicated.

This isn’t one of them.

A few simple ingredients, a mason jar, and a little patience are all it takes to create a refrigerator staple you’ll use week after week.

From our kitchen to yours—happy cooking!

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