Go Back
Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe - Treat Indulgently

Have you ever tasted something so simple yet so incredibly flavorful that it made your taste buds dance? Quick pickled red onions fall into that category. They’re easy to whip up and can be ready to use in just a few hours. This recipe captures the essence of tangy, sweet, and savory in every bite. With just five basic ingredients, you can have a jar full of zesty goodness. What’s the catch? There isn’t one! When you make your own pickles, the satisfaction multiplies, knowing you crafted something delicious with your own two hands.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 15
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 20
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups lukewarm water
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 medium-sized red onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 small garlic clove, smashed optional, for subtle depth

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Onions
  1. Start by peeling the red onions. Thinly slice them using a sharp knife or mandoline for even cuts. You want the slices to be no thicker than a quarter of an inch. This ensures they soak up all that tangy goodness.
Step 2: Make the Brine
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and sea salt. Stir until the salt dissolves. This brine is what makes the onions zing!
Step 3: Combine and Marinate
  1. Place the sliced onions in a jar or container. Pour the prepared brine over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. If you’re using garlic, toss in the smashed clove at this stage for an added layer of flavor.
Step 4: Let Them Sit
  1. Cover the jar and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. If you want a stronger flavor, refrigerate them for a few hours or even overnight. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.
Step 5: Store Properly
  1. Once they reach your desired level of pickling, transfer the onions and brine to the refrigerator. They’ll last up to three weeks, but let’s be honest: they might disappear much sooner!

Notes

  • Use Fresh Onions: Select firm, fresh red onions. Their quality directly affects the as the flavor and crunch.
  • Try Different Vinesgar: Mix it up! Experiment using white wine vinegar or rice vinegar for a twist.
  • Adjust Sweetness: If you're looking for a sweeter result, feel free to add another tablespoon of maple syrup. Sweetness balances the tang, creating a more rounded flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to your brine if you're feeling adventurous. Spicy pickled onions add pizzazz.
  • Use a Glass Jar: Glass is ideal for storage since it's non-reactive. This means you won’t end up with funky flavors seeping into your onions.