Easy Zesty Pickled Red Onions

Tangy and vibrant pink quick-pickled red onions made with lime juice, vinegar, and a hint of sweetness.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 5 min
Total Time: 15 min
Servings: 4
MexicanLatin AmericanContemporaryVegetarianVeganPescatarianDairy-FreeGluten-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeFish-FreeSesame-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 large red onion, very thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.25 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1.5 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 0.5 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Slice the red onion thinly using a mandoline or a sharp chef's knife, then pack the slices firmly into a clean 16-ounce glass mason jar.

  2. 2.

    In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, fresh lime juice, sugar, fine sea salt, smashed garlic clove, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes.

  3. 3.

    Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until the liquid simmers and the sugar and salt have fully dissolved (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat immediately.

  4. 4.

    Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions in the jar, ensuring the onion slices are completely submerged. Press down gently with a spoon if necessary.

  5. 5.

    Allow the jar to cool uncovered at room temperature for 25 to 30 minutes, during which time the onions will soften and turn a vibrant bright pink.

  6. 6.

    Tightly seal the jar with a lid and place in the refrigerator. Use immediately or chill before serving over tacos, salads, grain bowls, or sandwiches.

Tips

  • 💡Using a mandoline gives you uniform, razor-thin slices that pickle rapidly and maintain a crisp-tender bite.
  • 💡The addition of fresh lime juice elevates the citrus zest and complements rich foods like carnitas, grilled meats, and avocado toast.
  • 💡Keep refrigerated in a sealed glass container; they will stay fresh, crisp, and vibrant for up to 3 weeks.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by Shannon Williams