Quick Pickled Red Onions

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Steep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes Difficulty / Intensity: Very Easy (Beginner-friendly) Yield: 1 Pint Jar (Approx. 8 servings) Recipe Overview Metric Detail Primary Method Stovetop quick brine ( refrigerator pickling ) Intensity Level Low heat stove work; precision slicing required Flavor

Ingredients

• 1 medium red onion (sliced thinly into uniform half-moons)
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar, red wine vinegar)
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
• 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt or kosher salt

Optional Flavor Boosters

• 1 clove garlic , gently smashed
• ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 small pinch red pepper flakes (for a kick of heat) ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(116); });
• 1 bay leaf or 1 sprig fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Prep the Onion: Slicing uniformly ensures even pickling. Cut the red onion in half from stem to root, peel away the outer skin, and slice thinly into half-moons (about ⅛-inch thick). Place the sliced onions directly into a clean 16-ounce (pint-sized) glass mason jar along with any optional spices (garlic, peppercorns, red pepper flakes, bay leaf).
2. Make the Brine: In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the water, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved. Bring the liquid to a light simmer—no need to boil vigorously. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(118); });
3. Pour & Submerge: Carefully pour the hot brine into the jar over the sliced red onions. Use a clean spoon to gently press the onions down, making sure they are entirely submerged under the liquid.
4. Steep at Room Temperature: Allow the jar to sit uncovered at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. As the onions steep in the hot brine, they will soften slightly and turn a brilliant pink color.
5. Seal & Store: Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid. Serve immediately or transfer to the refrigerator for cooler, crunchier onions. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(120); });

Nutrition

Calories: 15 kcal · Protein: 0.2 g · Fat: 0 g · Carbohydrates: 3.5 g Dietary · Fiber: 0.5 g · Sugar: 2.5 g · Sodium: 220 mg