Pickled Onions Recipe: How Do You Make Pickled Onions at Home?

Looking for an easy way to elevate your sandwiches, tacos, or grain bowls? This pickled onions recipe is quick, flavorful, and a must-have for any home cook. If you’ve ever asked yourself how do you make pickled onions that taste as good as restaurant versions, you’re in the right place.

Jar of homemade pickled red onions
Quick pickled onions in a mason jar

Pickled onions are a delicious, crunchy, and tangy topping that adds color and zip to your meals. They’re ready in minutes and last for weeks in the fridge. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting a backyard BBQ, a jar of pickled onions brings a bright, bold flavor to the table.

Ingredients Lis

Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick and easy pickled onions recipe:

  • 1 large red onion (or 2 small)
  • ¾ cup white vinegar (see tips below for other options)
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • Optional flavor additions:
    – 1 garlic clove, smashed
    – ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
    – Pinch of red chili flakes
    – Few sprigs of fresh thyme, dill, or oregano

Step-by-Step Instructions

This method is simple, beginner-friendly, and takes less than 10 minutes of hands-on time.

1. Slice the Onion

Peel and thinly slice the red onion into rounds or half-moons. A sharp knife or mandoline slicer works best for even slices.

2. Make the Brine

In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar and salt dissolve—no need to boil.

3. Pack the Jar

Add the sliced onions and optional flavorings to a clean, heat-safe jar.

4. Pour the Brine

Carefully pour the warm brine over the onions, ensuring they’re fully covered.

5. Cool and Refrigerate

Let the jar sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate. The onions are ready to eat in an hour but taste best after several hours of chilling.

Expert Cooking Tips

✅ Use Red Onions for Best Color

Red onions create that vibrant pink hue, which makes for a stunning garnish. Other onion varieties work, but they won’t deliver the same visual impact.

✅ What Is the Best Vinegar to Use for Pickled Onions?

White vinegar is the most neutral and traditional choice, but apple cider vinegar adds a sweeter, fruity note. Red wine vinegar and rice vinegar also work well depending on the flavor you want.

✅ Don’t Skip the Sugar

A little sugar balances the acidity and rounds out the flavor. You can adjust the amount to your taste or substitute with honey or maple syrup.

✅ Use Glass, Not Plastic

Always store pickled onions in a glass jar to avoid reactions with acidic vinegar. According to Mayo Clinic, acidic foods can leach chemicals from some plastics, which may affect both flavor and safety.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, try these swaps:

  • No white vinegar? Apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or rice vinegar work well.
  • No sugar? Substitute with maple syrup, honey, or a sugar alternative.
  • Out of red onions? Try shallots or thinly sliced sweet onions.

Additional Recipe Info

DetailValue
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes (brine only)
Chill Time1 hour minimum
Total Time~1 hour 15 minutes
ServingsMakes about 1½ cups
StorageKeeps in fridge 2–3 weeks
Freezer-FriendlyNo

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tablespoon)

  • Calories: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Sugar: <1g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fiber: <1g

Pickled onions are naturally low in calories and fat-free. They add flavor without piling on extra calories, making them a great fit for many healthy eating styles. For more on sodium and pickled foods, check out this overview on sodium intake.

FAQs About Pickled Onions

❓ How do you make pickled onions last longer?

Store them in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator. Use clean utensils when serving to avoid contamination.

❓ What is the best vinegar to use for pickled onions?

White vinegar offers the most traditional, tangy taste. Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle sweetness.

❓ How do they make pickled onions in restaurants?

Restaurants typically use a quick-pickle method like this one—fast, reliable, and easy to prep in bulk.

❓ How long should you leave onions to pickle?

They’re ready in 30 to 60 minutes but develop better flavor after several hours or overnight.

The cooking doesn’t stop here!
Try delicious recipes like Homemade Ketchup and Lime Velvet Cake — let the flavors keep surprising you.

Ready to Make Your Own?

Now that you know exactly how to make pickled onions, it’s time to give it a try! This quick-pickled recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for any home cook. Whether you’re topping off a grilled burger or adding a punch to your salad, homemade pickled onions bring vibrant flavor in every bite.

Try this recipe, leave a comment if you loved it, and share your favorite way to use pickled onions in your meals!

Leave a Comment