Quick Pickled Red Onions (no cook)

Quick pickled red onions add a punch of tangy flavour and bright colour to just about any dish. This quick pickled red onion recipe is no-cook, meaning there's no need to turn on your stove! With just a few pantry staples and a red onion, you can whip up a jar in minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes with no cooking required.
• Flavor Booster: Adds zing and brightness to tacos, burgers, salads, and more.
• Minimal Ingredients: Made with just 5 simple ingredients.

Quick Pickled Red Onions

Why These Ingredients?

• Red Onion: Offers a bold flavor and stunning pink hue once pickled.
• White Vinegar: Provides the tangy bite that gives pickled onions their signature flavor.
• Boiling Water: Helps dissolve the salt and sugar quickly, even without cooking.
• Salt & Sugar: Enhance the flavor and balance the acidity.

Ingredients

• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup white vinegar
• ½ cup boiling water

Directions / Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slice the Onion: Peel and thinly slice the red onion into half moons.
2. Prepare the Brine: In a heat-safe jar or bowl, add the sugar, salt, and boiling water. Stir to dissolve.
3. Add Vinegar: Pour in the white vinegar and stir to combine.
4. Pickle: Add the sliced onions to the brine and press down to submerge.
5. Wait: Let sit for at least 30 minutes. The onions will turn bright pink and tangy.
6. Enjoy: Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Storage

Store pickled red onions in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavour continues to develop over time!

Equipment

• Sharp knife or mandoline
• Cutting board
• Heat-safe jar or bowl
• Measuring spoons and cup

Tips for Delicious No-Cook Pickled Red Onions

• Slice the onion thinly for best flavor absorption.
• Let the onions sit for at least 30 minutes before using.
• Add spices like peppercorns, garlic, or bay leaf for extra flavor.

Substitutions, Variations, and Dietary Restrictions

• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar.
• Add-ins: Try garlic cloves, chili flakes, or mustard seeds.
• Low-Sodium: Reduce salt to ¼ teaspoon if preferred.

FAQs: Quick Pickled Red Onions

More on Onions

1. Pickled White Onions Recipe
2. Are Pickled Onions Good for You?

Recipe

Juliana Crimi, RD

Quick Pickled Onions

Quick pickled red onions add a punch of tangy flavour and bright colour to just about any dish. This quick pickled red onion recipe is no-cook, meaning there's no need to turn on your stove! With just a few pantry staples and a red onion, you can whip up a jar in minutes.

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Servings: 10

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup white vinegar
• ½ cup boiling water

Method

 

1. Slice the Onion: Peel and thinly slice the red onion into half moons.
2. Prepare the Brine: In a heat-safe jar or bowl, add the sugar, salt, and boiling water. Stir to dissolve.
3. Add Vinegar: Pour in the white vinegar and stir to combine.
4. Pickle: Add the sliced onions to the brine and press down to submerge.
5. Wait: Let sit for at least 30 minutes. The onions will turn bright pink and tangy.
6. Enjoy: Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.