This super easy Pickled Onions Recipe using only 3 ingredients is the perfect condiment for tacos, burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Made in minutes and no fancy equipment needed.
Quick pickling transforms raw red onions into tangy, crisp pretty pink ribbons of marinated onions.
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 pickle recipes are great to have in the fridge during grilling season. The perfect topping to lots of great burgers, like in this homemade burger roundup.
RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for making these pickled red onions can be found at the bottom of this post.
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.
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.
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.
Only 3 Ingredients
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:
- 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.
My husband’s family was from England, and as you know they do love their pickled foods. My first experience was a store-bought variety. 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.
He does however LOVE my Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings.
How To Pickle Onions
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!
Quick Pickling Tips
Be sure to thinly slice the onions. The easiest way is with a (affiliate) mandoline. You can also use a very shape knife. Thinner slices will absorb the vinegar quickly. The thicker the slices, the more time it will take to fast pickle the onions.
I need to try these in my Snap Pea Salad Recipe. I bet they would be awesome.
Choosing different kinds of vinegar. For this recipe, I used rice wine vinegar. Feel free to experiment. Other choices could be distilled white vinegar, sherry vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
I used red wine vinegar in this Smoked Salmon Plate to quickly pickle a cucumber.
Ways to sweeten pickles? In this recipe, I used white sugar. You can also use maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar. Again have a little fun in the kitchen and see what you like best.
Best onions for pickling? I like red onions. Other great choices would be White onions, Spanish, Vidalia, or Sweet onions.
OMG, have you tried my homemade onion gravy from scratch? Seriously it is the best onion gravy in town. Move over HP Sauce, this is the NEW steak topper.
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 herb garden? Give Fresh Herb Salt a try. A fun way to make a homemade seasoning salt. Great as a meat rub, finishing salt and an awesome food gift too.
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
Hi
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
YES 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
OK 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
ENJOY….I’m sure you will get through them quickly enough!!
Calleigh Keibler
I 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
OMG these are SOOOO easy to make. We always have a jar in the fridge.
Julia
I 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
OMG these are SUPER easy. You really have to give them a try.
Stephanie Simmons
These do sound so easy to make! And they would be perfect to keep on hand for salads
Homemade & Yummy
We use them in salads, on burgers, in tacos….we always have a jar in the fridge.
Sara
I 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
OMG these are so good. And super easy to make too.
Femi. O
Can’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
YES…these are perfect for burgers. Just had some on a burger last night.
Julie
I 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
I know….we have a jar of these in the fridge ALL the time.
Jessica
My 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
Well my mom and aunts were HUGE canners….however that did not get passed down to me. This is my version.
prasanna hede
I 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
I always have these in the fridge. We put them in salads, sandwiches, burgers…and even eggs.
Meredith
I 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
ENJOY….these are super easy an delicious.
anna
I 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
We always have a jar in the fridge. A must for BBQ season…perfect for burgers!!
Sara
Yes! 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
I 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
I 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
YUP…but all means leave out the sugar….you can’t go wrong making these. ENJOY!!
Paige
Well, 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
Well either way….these are delicious….and so easy to make. Happy canning!!
Amanda
A 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
I just had some on a wrap today…so delicious.
Kate
What a fantastic idea. These would so delicious on all of those veggie burgers that I am planning on making this summer! 🙂
Homemade & Yummy
YES…I always have a jar in the fridge and use them on so many things.
Amy Nash
I 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
OMG burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads…the list goes on and on.
Donna
I 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
Well enjoy these however you choose to make them.
Veena Azmanov
I 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
Well these are perfect for so many things…and so easy to make. Hope you give them a try.
Natalie
I 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
It really doesn’t get easier than this. Hope you give this recipe a try.
Dana
Yes! 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
I always have a jar of these in the fridge. Perfect for so many things.
Carmy
Okay, 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
Yes…the colour is so pretty….and these are so easy to make.
Sarah
I 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
Yes the quick pickle method is for me….so easy to do.
Calleigh
I love pickled onions. I use these on my sandwiches because they add more flavors and crunchiness.
Homemade & Yummy
The are perfect for burgers, sandwiches and salads.
Tina
I 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
Yes this takes the sharpness out for sure.
swathi
I 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
ENJOY….I always have a jar of these in the fridge.
Catherine
Pickling 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
A must for grilling season for sure.
Arlene Mobley
Pickled onions are great in so many recipes.
Homemade & Yummy
I know, and I love how easy these are to make too.
Kathy McDaniel
I 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
Hope you give this super easy recipe a try. I always have a jar of these in the fridge.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
I 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
These are super easy to make….and delicious too.
Veena Azmanov
I 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
You really have to give this recipe a try. So easy….you will always have a jar in the fridge for sure.
Marisa Franca
I 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
Well 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
I 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
I totally agree. Honestly it does not get easier than this!! Hope you give this recipe a try.
Claudia Lamascolo
I 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
We use them all the time. Perfect for salads, burgers, sandwiches, pizza…the list goes on. Hope you give them a try.
Lizzie
Funny, 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
HAHAH….well there you go….you know how easy and delicious they are. ENJOY!!
Sandi
I love all of the easy to follow directions. This will be perfect for our summer BBQs.
Homemade & Yummy
Well it certainly does not get easier than this.
Danielle
We love making these every year. They are perfect on a BBQ burger.
Homemade & Yummy
A total must for BBQ season, I totally agree.
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy
I’ve always wanted to make pickled onions at home and now I know how! Thanks so much!
Homemade & Yummy
Well here is the easiest recipe ever. ENJOY!!
Sue|theviewfromgreatisland
Yum, I love pickled onions! They really are so versatile. This looks like such a great simple method!
Homemade & Yummy
I never liked them….TILL I made these.