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 AmericanVegetarianVeganPescatarianDairy-FreeGluten-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeFish-FreeSesame-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 large red onion, 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 kosher salt
  • 1 clove garlic clove, peeled and smashed
  • 0.5 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Thinly slice the red onion using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, then pack the slices tightly into a clean 16-ounce glass mason jar.

  2. 2.

    In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, fresh lime juice, granulated sugar, kosher salt, smashed garlic clove, and whole black peppercorns.

  3. 3.

    Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved and the liquid comes to a gentle simmer (about 2 to 3 minutes).

  4. 4.

    Carefully pour the hot pickling brine over the onions in the jar, making sure all the onion slices are completely submerged. Use a spoon or fork to press down any floating onions.

  5. 5.

    Allow the jar to sit uncovered at room temperature for 30 minutes to cool and develop its signature bright pink color. Seal with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate until ready to use.

Tips

  • 💡Use a mandoline for perfectly thin and uniform onion ribbons that pickle quickly and evenly.
  • 💡The onions are ready to enjoy after just 30 minutes, but the flavor becomes deeper and more vibrant after 2 to 3 hours in the refrigerator.
  • 💡Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
  • 💡For a spicier kick, add half of a thinly sliced jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the jar before pouring the brine.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by Shannon Williams