Pickled Red Onions

These pickled red onions are full of flavor and surprisingly easy to make at home. 

How to Pickle Red Onions

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Pickled Red Onions Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this pickled red onion recipe: 

• Onions: One medium red onion should yield about two cups. 
• Vinegar: You’ll need about ¾ cup of white wine or cider vinegar. 
• Seasonings: Add flavor with sea salt and black peppercorns. 
• Sugar: Sweeten things up with a teaspoon of white sugar. 

How to Make Pickled Red Onions

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make these homemade pickled red onions: 

1. Pack the onions into a jar. 
2. Boil the remaining ingredients together. 
3. Pour the brine over the onions and let stand, uncovered.
4. Seal, shake well, and refrigerate.

Test Kitchen Tips

This pickled onion recipe was developed by Allrecipes community member itsvince and tested by our Allrecipes test kitchen experts. Here are a few expert-approved tips for making the very best homemade pickled red onions:

• Transfer the hot brine into a 2 cup glass measuring cup to make it easier to pour the brine over the onions.
• Onions can be cut into traditional half-moon slices and separated or for a different shape and texture. Try cutting the onion from the other direction to get petal-like slices.
• The longer these onions sit, the better they become. They have the best flavor and texture once the brine and onions are all a uniform bright pink color. 
• This recipe can be adjusted according to your taste and how the onions will be used. Try increasing the sugar for a slightly sweeter pickled onion, add some toasted cumin seeds and coriander seeds for a more Mexican feel, add some crushed red pepper flakes or minced fresh habanero for a little spice, or use white vinegar for a sharper acidity.

How to Use Pickled Red Onions

Pickled red onions make a great topping for tacos, chilaquiles, enchiladas, grain bowls, deli sandwiches, barbecue sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, salads, chili, and soups, according to culinary expert and recipe tester Sarah Brekke.

How to Store Pickled Red Onions

Store the pickled red onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. 

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise 

These were good for the first few days, then FREAKING INCREDIBLE after that,” raves Call Me Ishmae. “The color combined with the crispy texture and yummy taste made these a HUGE hit with my family.”

“Easy and delicious,” says LoriJ. “I make sure to keep some in the fridge at all times. Super easy to prepare.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams