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Ingredients
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1½ tsp salt
Optional Flavor Add-Ins
- 1 garlic clove, smashed
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- A few sprigs of fresh herbs such as dill or thyme
Instructions
1. Prepare the Onions
- Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a clean glass jar or heat-safe container.
2. Make the Brine
- In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
3. Pickle the Onions
- Pour the hot brine over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Add any optional seasonings if desired.
4. Cool
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
5. Refrigerate
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- For the best flavor, let them pickle for several hours or overnight.
Tips
- Slice the onions as thinly as possible for quicker pickling.
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- For a pinker color, allow the onions to sit overnight.
- Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
- These pair especially well with tacos, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
- Store refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2–3 weeks.
Yield
- Makes about 2 cups.
- Prep time: 10 minutes.
- Pickling time: 30 minutes to overnight.