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Crisp Sweet and Tangy Refrigerator Pickled Red Onions

refrigerator pickled red onions - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crisp, sweet, and tangy pickled red onions that add vibrant flavor and crunch to tacos, sandwiches, salads, and grilled meats. Ready to enjoy in just a few hours and perfect for last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • 1 garlic clove, smashed (optional)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 2 medium red onions about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 bay leaf, and optional smashed garlic clove.
  3. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar and salt dissolve completely (about 3-4 minutes). Do not boil vigorously; just a gentle simmer. Remove from heat.
  4. Place sliced onions into a clean quart-sized glass jar, filling about three-quarters full. Press down lightly to remove air pockets but do not crush.
  5. Pour the hot brine over the onions until fully submerged, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top. Press onions down gently if needed to keep submerged.
  6. Screw the lid on tightly and let the jar cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes). Then place in the refrigerator.
  7. Let the onions pickle for at least 2 hours before tasting, best after 24 hours. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

For extra crispness, soak onions in ice water for 10 minutes before pickling. Heat brine gently to dissolve sugar and salt and release spice flavors. Keep onions fully submerged in brine to avoid sogginess or mold. Shake jar gently every day to redistribute spices and maintain flavor. Variations include adding jalapeño for heat, fresh herbs for aroma, or reducing sugar for low-sugar version.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled red onions, refrigerator pickles, quick pickled onions, sweet and tangy pickles, easy pickled onions, homemade pickled onions

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/crisp-sweet-and-tangy-refrigerator-pickled-red-onions-easy-homemade-recipe/