Simple Pickled Onions

By Chuck Underwood @brandnewvegan

These simple Pickled Onions are just the thing to add a tangy crunch to your potatoes, tacos, or salads.

I went to a restaurant for the first time in AGES to celebrate my step-daughter's birthday. Fortunately for my wife and I, they had a few vegan options, including a rice & bean bowl that was topped with a lot of salad fixings as well as these pickled red onions.

And they were SO GOOD.... that I decided to make some when I got home.

They take a little while to "pickle", but the actual recipe comes together in minutes and basically only needs 3 easy ingredients.

These tangy onions make the perfect condiment to add a little crunch to your salads, burrito bowls, or even as a baked potato topper.

Hope you enjoy them.

Chuck

Ingredients for Simple Pickled Onions

  • 1 red onion - about 12 oz
  • 1 cup red wine vinegar (any vinegar will work, or lime juice)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Any additional garnishes you would like to include
    • whole peppercorns
    • garlic cloves
    • pickled jalapeno slices
    • red fresno chile slices

The vinegar and salt make up the "brine" and is what "pickles" the onions. Some people like to add sugar as well so sweeten it. I'll leave that up to you.

Instructions for Making Simple Pickled Onions

  1. Thinly slice the onion and add it to a large pot or bowl
  2. Cover the onions with VERY HOT water to soak for 20 minutes
  3. Drain thoroughly and stuff the onions into a 1 qt. Mason or Ball Jar
  4. Add any garnishes you might like, I added 1 clove of peeled garlic and a few slices of pickled jalapenos.
  5. Whisk salt into the vinegar until it is completely dissolved
  6. Carefully pour the brine into the jar to cover the onions. You can top off the jar with water if there is not enough brine to cover the onions.
  7. Attach the lid and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

FAQ

  • Can I use any other vinegar?
  • Yes, even lime or lemon juice. It's all about the acid.
  • Can I sweeten them?
  • Sure - a lot of people do. 1 teaspoon of sugar or maple syrup should do.
  • Do I have to use salt?
  • YES, it's part of the process and not just for flavoring
  • Do I need to heat the vinegar?
  • Not in this method, no. Just keep them refrigerated after opening.
  • How long will they last in the fridge?
  • A solid week for sure, after that I'd keep an eye on them.
    "When in doubt, throw it out"
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Simple Pickled Onions

★★★★★ 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Chuck Underwood
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 0 min
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 quart
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

These simple Pickled Onions are just the thing to add a tangy crunch to your potatoes, tacos, or salads.  Only 3 ingredients too!

Ingredients

Units
  • 1 red onion, about 12 ounces
  • 1 cup red wine vinegar (other kinds of vinegar and lime juice work too)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • garnish with a clove of garlic, pickled jalapenos, or whole peppercorns
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Instructions

  1. Thinly slice the onion and add it to a large pot or bowl
  2. Cover the onions with VERY HOT water to soak for 20 minutes
  3. Drain thoroughly and stuff the onions into a 1 qt. Mason or Ball Jar
  4. Add any garnishes you might like, I added 1 clove of peeled garlic and a few slices of pickled jalapenos.
  5. Whisk salt into the vinegar until it is completely dissolved
  6. Carefully pour the brine into the jar to cover the onions. You can top off the jar with water if there is not enough brine to cover the onions.
  7. Attach the lid and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Notes

Like This Recipe?  Your Tips & Donations Are Always Appreciated!

Keywords: pickled onions

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