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Pickled red onions are a 15-minute refrigerator condiment that turns sharp raw onion slices into bright pink, tangy ribbons after 2 hours of chilling. Made with vinegar, salt, sugar, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for tacos, burgers, sandwiches, and rice bowls.
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Keyword easy pickled red onions, homemade pickled onions, pickled onions recipe, pickled red onions, quick pickled red onions, refrigerator pickled onions
In a medium saucepan, combine the distilled white vinegar, water, sugar, and kosher salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the sugar and salt fully dissolve. Remove from heat.
While the brine heats, slice the red onions and garlic. Peel the onions, cut each in half from root to stem, and use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice each half ⅛-inch thick. Thinly slice the garlic cloves.
Pack the sliced onions, sliced garlic, and herb sprigs into a clean 16-ounce mason jar, layering as you go.
Carefully pour the hot brine over the onions until they're completely covered. Use a clean spoon to gently press the onions down so they stay fully submerged in the brine.
Let the jar cool to room temperature on the counter, about 30 minutes. Seal it tightly with a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Stored properly in a sealed jar, these keep for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
Notes
Chill time
After packing the jar, let it cool on the counter for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for atleast 2 hours before serving. Overnight chilling produces the deepest color and most balanced flavor. ! Chill time is not included in the total time as it might vary.
Vinegar acidity
For food safety, use vinegar labeled 5% acidity (check the bottle).
Jar prep
Sterilize the jar before filling by running it through a hot dishwasher cycle or boiling it for 10 minutes.