Quick Pickled Onions
Brighten up any meal with these quick pickled onions. They offer the perfect balance of crunch and tang, turning vibrant pink in just 30 minutes for a foolproof kitchen staple.
Equipment
- Mason jar (24-ounce wide-mouth)
- Medium saucepan
- Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion thinly sliced - approximately 3/4 to 1 pound
- 2/3 cup white vinegar
- 2/3 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2/3 cup water
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 teaspoons fine sea salt
Instructions
Slice and Pack the Onions
- Slice the red onion as thinly as possible into delicate half-moons, then tuck the slices tightly into a wide-mouth mason jar. They will soften and shrink once the brine is added.
Build the Brine
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the white vinegar, rice or apple cider vinegar, water, maple syrup, and fine sea salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and whisk until the salt and syrup dissolve completely. Let the liquid simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from the heat.
Pour, Seal, and Pickle
- Carefully pour the hot pickling brine over the onions in the jar, ensuring all slices are fully submerged. The onions will immediately begin to turn a vibrant pink.
- Screw the lid on tightly and let the jar sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to become glossy.
Serve or Chill
- The onions are ready for use after 30 minutes. For a colder, more mellow flavor, transfer the jar to the refrigerator.
Notes
Mandoline Safety: For uniform 1/8-inch half-moon slices, use a mandoline slicer but always prioritize safety and proper handling to avoid injury.
Packing Tip: Press the raw onions firmly into the jar before adding liquid, as they will relax and drop in volume as they pickle.
Cooling Rule: Allow the sealed jar to cool at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to avoid temperature shock to the glass jar.
Storage: Stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, these onions keep for up to 2 weeks. Ensure they stay fully submerged in the brine.
Sugar-Free Variation: Omit the maple syrup for a sharper, keto-friendly finish that remains crisp and tangy.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.