Quick Zippy Pickled Red Onions

Bright pink, tangy quick-pickled red onion ribbons made with apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and spices.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 5 min
Total Time: 15 min
Servings: 4
MexicanAmericanVegetarianVeganPescatarianDairy-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
  • 2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1.5 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed
  • 0.5 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Tightly pack the thinly sliced red onions into a clean 16-ounce heatproof glass jar along with the smashed garlic clove, black peppercorns, crushed red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.

  2. 2.

    In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, fresh lime juice, sugar, and sea salt.

  3. 3.

    Heat the brine mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved and the liquid begins to gently simmer (about 2 to 3 minutes).

  4. 4.

    Carefully pour the hot pickling brine over the onions in the jar, pressing down lightly with a spoon to ensure all the onion ribbons are fully submerged.

  5. 5.

    Allow the jar to sit uncovered at room temperature for 25 to 30 minutes. The onions will soften slightly and quickly turn a bright, translucent magenta-pink.

  6. 6.

    Seal with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the refrigerator to chill before serving on tacos, burgers, bowls, or salads.

Tips

  • 💡Use a mandoline slicer to achieve paper-thin, uniform ribbons that pickle and soften evenly.
  • 💡For a slightly sweeter pickled onion, increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons, or swap it for mild honey or agave nectar.
  • 💡These pickled red onions can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight glass container for up to 3 weeks.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by Shannon Williams