Quick Pickled Onions
Brighten up your dishes with a tangy, flavorful batch of Quick Pickled Onions! This simple, no-cook recipe transforms crisp red onions into a zesty condiment in just 10 minutes of prep time. Infused with white vinegar, a touch of sugar, and a hint of peppery spice from whole peppercorns—and optionally red chili flakes—these onions add a pop of color and bold flavor to tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more. The addition of lightly crushed garlic enhances the depth of the brine, creating a savory-sweet balance that’s irresistible. Whether you’re topping off a burger or assembling a charcuterie board, this versatile, refrigerator-friendly favorite elevates any meal effortlessly. Perfect for make-ahead meal prep, these pickled onions last up to two weeks, with flavors that deepen over time.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 medium red onions
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- 1 large garlic clove
- 0.25 teaspoon optional: red chili flakes
Instructions
Peel and thinly slice the red onions into rings or half-moons, depending on your preference.
Peel and lightly crush the garlic clove with the flat side of a knife.
In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Do not let the mixture boil.
Place the sliced onions into a clean glass jar or bowl. Add the garlic clove, whole peppercorns, and optional red chili flakes for extra heat.
Carefully pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Let the onions cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the jar or bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors will deepen as they sit.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
221 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2381 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43.2 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.2 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.5 g | ||
| Protein | 3.8 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 106 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 648 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
