This super easy Pickled Onions Recipe using only 3 ingredients is the perfect condiment for burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Made in minutes and no fancy equipment needed.
Do you like pickling and canning? I am not into all the involved steps, so this quick pickled onions recipe is perfect. In fact, you can even eat these pickled onions the same day! This is also a great way to make pickled zucchini too!
Quick pickles are great to have in the fridge during grilling season. The perfect topping to lots of great burgers, like in this homemade burger roundup.
Recently I shared a salad recipe, and I had a visitor comment that they would like the recipe for the onions I used in the post. So here it is, the secret pickled onions recipe used in my Best Cucumber Salad.
If you are like me, for the most part, I love things to be relatively simple when it comes to cooking. Yes, I do experiment and spend hours in the kitchen sometimes. Those are the days that I am trying out a new cuisine or technique.
Sometimes I will venture into the kitchen and make bread or pasta from scratch. Now, that did not take my baba all day to do. If she was still here, she would run circles around me. I will never be as speedy as she. How those ladies did what they did still amazes me to this day.
My mom was ALL about pickling and canning. The cold room was full of glass jars. Fruit, jams, pickles, sauerkraut, and even pickled eggs. It was quite the ordeal watching her get everything ready. Wash and sterilize the jars, make the brine, fill the jars and then seal them.
Weeks of work during harvest kept the shelves stocked all winter long with delicious, homemade preserves. Canned tomatoes for pasta sauce and soups, jam for your toast and my hubby’s favourite, pickled beets to eat with a meal.
HOW TO MAKE THIS PICKLED ONIONS RECIPE
I do miss all those wonderful foods my mom made. Unfortunately the “canning thing” did not rub off on me. I am all for “quick pickling”. This pickled onions recipe is just that, QUICK.
My husband’s family was from England, and as you know they do love their pickled foods. My first experience was with pickled onions made in brine. I am not a fan of malt vinegar, so although he liked these very much, they were not my cup of tea.
Raw onions can be a bit hard to eat, even red ones. Hubby does not like raw onions at all, so I wanted a quick and easy way to pickle onions. I didn’t want to involve any special equipment.
This pickled onion recipe is super fast, and you can even eat the onions in about 15 minutes if you like. The longer you keep them, the vinegar will turn a beautiful pink colour, and the onions will soften slightly. They will always be crisp and have a nice tang to them, even after weeks in the fridge (if they last that long).
You will need 3 ingredients:
- red onion
- rice wine vinegar
- sugar
You can even turn this into 2 ingredients if you omit the sugar. I like to balance out the flavour a bit, so adding the sugar helps with that.
These pickled onions are made in minutes, I am not kidding. I just use a plain old sharp knife to slice the onions. If you want perfect slices, by all means use a mandolin. I am all about the simple here. No equipment, no cooking brine, no fuss!
All you do is:
- thinly slice the onion
- pack the slices in a glass jar
- mix the rice vinegar and sugar in a measuring cup
- pour over the onion slices
- put on the lid
- DONE!
BEST ONIONS AND VINEGAR FOR MAKING PICKLED ONIONS
We like red onions, so that is what I used in this recipe. I think any onion would work. As for the vinegar, go ahead and experiment. Perhaps you like one type over another. I have used red wine vinegar to quick pickle a cucumber. Experiment and come up with some tasty combinations. I need to try these in my Snap Pea Salad Recipe. I bet they would be awesome.
You can see why this easy Pickled Onion Recipe has become a staple. With BBQ season here, they will be flying out of the fridge into salads and burgers all summer long.
Do you have a quick pickle recipe you make all the time?
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Pickled Onion Recipe Only 3 Ingredients
Ingredients
- 10 ounces red onion (1 onion)
- 1 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Get a glass jar with good fitting lid. I used a mason jar.
- Peel the onion and thinly slice.
- Place the onion slices into the jar.
- Mix the vinegar and sugar in a measuring cup until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour over the onion slices.
- Put on the lid.
- Place in the fridge till ready to use.
- ENJOY!
steve
August 6, 2018 at 5:24 AMHi
I’ve never pickled onions before and this looks like the easiest recipe ever. I have grown a lot of onions this year so I’m looking to pickle quite a few, could you tell me how long they will keep and do I have to store them in the refrigerator?
Thanks
Homemade & Yummy
August 6, 2018 at 8:09 AMYES they have to be put in the fridge. I have had them for a few weeks, but they will not last as long as actually “canned” pickles. These are meant to be used in a short time.
steve jones
August 7, 2018 at 1:03 PMOK thanks very much … I don’t suppose it’ll be too much of a hardship to eat a load at a time lol
Homemade & Yummy
August 8, 2018 at 7:55 AMENJOY….I’m sure you will get through them quickly enough!!
Calleigh Keibler
May 27, 2018 at 10:40 PMI fell in love with pickled onion the first time I tried it in Porto’s. I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Homemade & Yummy
May 28, 2018 at 9:04 AMOMG these are SOOOO easy to make. We always have a jar in the fridge.
Julia
May 20, 2018 at 10:12 PMI very recently had breakfast with a friend at a jewish restaurant and the platter of food came with some pickled onions which were delicious! I kept thinking that I need to try and do my own pickled onions so I am very glad I saw this recipe. It looks so easy! I am definitely going to try them. How long will they keep in the fridge?
Homemade & Yummy
May 21, 2018 at 5:01 PMOMG these are SUPER easy. You really have to give them a try.
Stephanie Simmons
May 14, 2018 at 11:25 PMThese do sound so easy to make! And they would be perfect to keep on hand for salads
Homemade & Yummy
May 15, 2018 at 8:45 AMWe use them in salads, on burgers, in tacos….we always have a jar in the fridge.
Sara
May 14, 2018 at 1:09 PMI have never had a pickled onion, but these look and sound good! I am going to have to try pickled onions on a burger or a hotdog this summer!
Homemade & Yummy
May 15, 2018 at 8:47 AMOMG these are so good. And super easy to make too.
Femi. O
May 14, 2018 at 10:27 AMCan’t wait to try these with some of the burgers we’re planning on testing our homemade bread with! This sounds like it will be a major flavor bomb!
Homemade & Yummy
May 15, 2018 at 8:47 AMYES…these are perfect for burgers. Just had some on a burger last night.
Julie
May 14, 2018 at 12:31 AMI love quick pickled veggies! Agree with you that canning isn’t my forte, but anything that can be done in the refrigerator is a great way to use all those summer veggies!
Homemade & Yummy
May 14, 2018 at 9:57 AMI know….we have a jar of these in the fridge ALL the time.
Jessica
May 14, 2018 at 12:06 AMMy grandma has always been a huge pickled jar fan. I wish that is one thing I carried on from her. I miss her pickled onions and well be trying this recipe in summer when our onions come in!
Homemade & Yummy
May 14, 2018 at 9:58 AMWell my mom and aunts were HUGE canners….however that did not get passed down to me. This is my version.
prasanna hede
May 13, 2018 at 1:09 PMI love pickled veggies and fruits, and always keep a jar in refrigerator. They work great for salad and sandwiches,your recipe is easy and awesome!
Homemade & Yummy
May 13, 2018 at 4:38 PMI always have these in the fridge. We put them in salads, sandwiches, burgers…and even eggs.
Meredith
May 13, 2018 at 11:21 AMI love pickled onions on salads and with falafel, but I never remember to make them ahead of time! I love that your recipe can be enjoyed the same day… can not wait to try them tonight with our burgers. Thank you!
Homemade & Yummy
May 13, 2018 at 4:40 PMENJOY….these are super easy an delicious.
anna
May 12, 2018 at 3:32 AMI love making pickled onions at home, one of my favourite condiments ever! It’s such a simple way to jazz up any dish, and my favourite is to add it to sandwiches and salads.
Homemade & Yummy
May 12, 2018 at 10:39 AMWe always have a jar in the fridge. A must for BBQ season…perfect for burgers!!
Sara
May 11, 2018 at 10:31 PMYes! I am digging deep into salads this summer, and pickled red onions are a definite must for my list of ingredients. I love that you kept it super simple and to the point, too! And I love the balance in your life of sometimes making fresh pasta / sometimes going for super quick and easy recipes. I can’t wait to make these and keep these in the refrigerator for all of my summer salads!
Homemade & Yummy
May 12, 2018 at 10:40 AMI know…these are the best. We don’t like RAW onions…so this is the answer to being able to enjoy them. Super easy too.
michele
May 11, 2018 at 11:10 AMI loved the recipe and was so happy you mentioned we could leave out the sugar! I will now always have a jar of this on hand! They were the bomb!
Homemade & Yummy
May 12, 2018 at 10:43 AMYUP…but all means leave out the sugar….you can’t go wrong making these. ENJOY!!
Paige
May 10, 2018 at 10:21 PMWell, I’m a canner and love doing it..so I’ll add this recipe to my list! These look great and super easy too!
Homemade & Yummy
May 11, 2018 at 10:52 AMWell either way….these are delicious….and so easy to make. Happy canning!!
Amanda
May 9, 2018 at 5:43 PMA cafe near me makes the most amazing roast beef sandwich with pickled onions. One of my favorite things to order for lunch. I never realized that pickled onions were so easy to make at home! I’m going to have to make a batch of these for our salads and sandwiches this summer!
Homemade & Yummy
May 10, 2018 at 10:15 AMI just had some on a wrap today…so delicious.
Kate
May 9, 2018 at 9:40 AMWhat a fantastic idea. These would so delicious on all of those veggie burgers that I am planning on making this summer! 🙂
Homemade & Yummy
May 9, 2018 at 11:55 AMYES…I always have a jar in the fridge and use them on so many things.
Amy Nash
May 9, 2018 at 8:54 AMI love pickled onions and that these are so easy you can make them and eat them on the same day! We always eat them with carnitas, but I like your suggestion of putting them on burgers. That sounds so good.
Homemade & Yummy
May 9, 2018 at 11:55 AMOMG burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads…the list goes on and on.
Donna
May 8, 2018 at 11:57 AMI love having pickled onions on hand for burgers and other dishes. Loving this quick version! I am all about canning and spend hours in the kitchen canning everything, it will be nice to have a quick and easy recipe for a change 🙂
Homemade & Yummy
May 9, 2018 at 11:56 AMWell enjoy these however you choose to make them.
Veena Azmanov
May 7, 2018 at 5:34 PMI have got to make pickled onions soon. I love pickles and I often make the basic cucumber and veggies but I have never done it myself but I know I will love it cause I love red onions. Can’t wait to do this soon. Saving it for later.
Homemade & Yummy
May 7, 2018 at 9:37 PMWell these are perfect for so many things…and so easy to make. Hope you give them a try.
Natalie
May 7, 2018 at 12:31 PMI always wanted to try pickled onions. It always sounded so good and so flavorful. This recipe is so easy and onion look so delicious. Can’t wait to make this.
Homemade & Yummy
May 7, 2018 at 9:38 PMIt really doesn’t get easier than this. Hope you give this recipe a try.
Dana
May 7, 2018 at 11:10 AMYes! I absolutely love pickled onions, especially on tacos. I usually make instant pickled onions by simmering them in cider vinegar and a smidgen of sugar. But it would be great to have a jar of these gems ready to go in the fridge. They add such big flavor and beautiful color.
Homemade & Yummy
May 7, 2018 at 9:39 PMI always have a jar of these in the fridge. Perfect for so many things.
Carmy
May 7, 2018 at 10:10 AMOkay, the fact that this came out pink means I’ll have to try it. If it’s pink, I’ll try it at least once! I don’t think I’ve ever pickled onions before so it’ll be interesting to try.
Homemade & Yummy
May 7, 2018 at 9:40 PMYes…the colour is so pretty….and these are so easy to make.
Sarah
May 7, 2018 at 9:34 AMI make quick pickled veggies all summer long! They’re so delicious, and a lot less complicated than canning. These onions are so pretty and pink!
Homemade & Yummy
May 7, 2018 at 9:41 PMYes the quick pickle method is for me….so easy to do.
Calleigh
May 7, 2018 at 2:14 AMI love pickled onions. I use these on my sandwiches because they add more flavors and crunchiness.
Homemade & Yummy
May 7, 2018 at 9:07 AMThe are perfect for burgers, sandwiches and salads.
Tina
May 7, 2018 at 1:26 AMI love quick pickles too. When we have an abundance of a certain crop, usually fruit, we go straight to canning and freezing. But whenever I can, i like the quick pickling method. Your easy method is really perfect. I don’t like the sharpness of raw onions so your recipe sounds like it really cuts the sharpness out of it. Saving this!
Homemade & Yummy
May 7, 2018 at 9:08 AMYes this takes the sharpness out for sure.
swathi
May 6, 2018 at 11:39 PMI am planning to make pickled onions for this grilling season, your recipe is perfect I need to try it. great with burger or sandwiches.
Homemade & Yummy
May 7, 2018 at 9:08 AMENJOY….I always have a jar of these in the fridge.
Catherine
May 6, 2018 at 8:12 PMPickling is so easy and delicious…I need to do it more often! I love this idea for pickled onions…it’s perfect for summer grilling season. This would go with so many dishes!
Homemade & Yummy
May 7, 2018 at 9:10 AMA must for grilling season for sure.
Arlene Mobley
May 5, 2018 at 11:49 AMPickled onions are great in so many recipes.
Homemade & Yummy
May 5, 2018 at 11:54 PMI know, and I love how easy these are to make too.
Kathy McDaniel
May 4, 2018 at 11:02 PMI love red onions and pickled red onions even better! I love the fact that this is a quick an easy recipe too. Maximum flavor with little effort is my kinda recipe! A must try for sure!
Homemade & Yummy
May 5, 2018 at 11:54 PMHope you give this super easy recipe a try. I always have a jar of these in the fridge.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
May 4, 2018 at 9:11 PMI love pickled onions and I always take a huge heap of it when eating at Indian restaurant. It is so simple to make and I love the flavor and the color of the red onions. It looks absolutely gorgeous. I can’t wait to try it.
Homemade & Yummy
May 5, 2018 at 11:55 PMThese are super easy to make….and delicious too.
Veena Azmanov
May 4, 2018 at 5:31 PMI must admit I have never pickled onions. I have eaten them but never thought of doing it myself. So easy I must try soon. I love pickle so would be great to have on hand.
Homemade & Yummy
May 5, 2018 at 11:57 PMYou really have to give this recipe a try. So easy….you will always have a jar in the fridge for sure.
Marisa Franca
May 4, 2018 at 9:18 AMI love to can — at least I used to. When we lived out in the country I canned so many jars of veggies and fruit I couldn’t wait to move and not have to. Now, I miss it. I love the idea of having jars and jars of preserved foods. I even canned broths and soups. Well, with all the canning I did, I never pickled onions. We enjoy eating onions so this is definitely a recipe I have to try.
Homemade & Yummy
May 4, 2018 at 9:54 AMWell I am NOT a canner…..so these quick pickle things work best for me. These are super easy to make….and a must for BBQ season. We use them all the time.
Pavani
May 4, 2018 at 8:34 AMI am not a big fan of raw onions or making elaborate pickled ones. So this recipe is just perfect for me. Using rice vinegar sounds interesting.
Homemade & Yummy
May 4, 2018 at 9:55 AMI totally agree. Honestly it does not get easier than this!! Hope you give this recipe a try.
Claudia Lamascolo
May 4, 2018 at 8:33 AMI can think of so many great ways to use these onions. I have never tried anything like this. I just love how pretty they look to and to have on hand for garnishing. I bet they are perfect for any salad toppings!
Homemade & Yummy
May 4, 2018 at 9:56 AMWe use them all the time. Perfect for salads, burgers, sandwiches, pizza…the list goes on. Hope you give them a try.
Lizzie
May 3, 2018 at 1:04 PMFunny, I made pickled onions/cucumbers just before I came across your post!. I do basically the same thing, but add a tiny — repeat tiny — amount of pickling spice. We love this combo with pickled herring, Ry-Krisp, potato salad with lots of dill, and Aquavit. Yummy!
Homemade & Yummy
May 4, 2018 at 9:57 AMHAHAH….well there you go….you know how easy and delicious they are. ENJOY!!
Sandi
May 2, 2018 at 12:26 PMI love all of the easy to follow directions. This will be perfect for our summer BBQs.
Homemade & Yummy
May 3, 2018 at 10:54 AMWell it certainly does not get easier than this.
Danielle
May 2, 2018 at 11:54 AMWe love making these every year. They are perfect on a BBQ burger.
Homemade & Yummy
May 3, 2018 at 10:55 AMA total must for BBQ season, I totally agree.
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy
May 2, 2018 at 10:58 AMI’ve always wanted to make pickled onions at home and now I know how! Thanks so much!
Homemade & Yummy
May 2, 2018 at 11:34 AMWell here is the easiest recipe ever. ENJOY!!
Sue|theviewfromgreatisland
May 2, 2018 at 10:42 AMYum, I love pickled onions! They really are so versatile. This looks like such a great simple method!
Homemade & Yummy
May 2, 2018 at 11:34 AMI never liked them….TILL I made these.