Easy Quick Pickled Red Onions

Whether you're firing up the smoker, grilling, or building the ultimate sandwich, these pickled red onions are the secret ingredient your summer meals need. Just slice, simmer, and pour, then go make dinner. By the time you sit down to eat, they'll be crisp, pink, and ready to go.

Made with just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, this is the easiest pickled red onions recipe I've ever made.

The Easiest Pickled Red Onion Recipe

No fancy jars. No water bath canning. Just a sliced red onion and a quick vinegar brine. They start softening within 30 minutes, but if you can wait a couple of hours, they turn a gorgeous pink and taste even better.

I've been making a batch of these almost weekly, especially in the summer. Add them to tacos, burgers, bowls, or anything that needs a punch of flavor (so… basically everything).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Thinly slice a red onion. The thinner the slices, the quicker they'll pickle. I like to use a mandoline for even thickness, but a sharp knife works just fine.

2. Make the brine. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of white vinegar, ½ cup of water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved-about 1-2 minutes. There's no need to boil it, just a low simmer is enough to dissolve everything.

3. Combine. Add the sliced onion to a clean jar or container. Pour the brine mixture over top, making sure the onions are fully submerged. Press them down with a spoon if needed.

4. Let it sit. Let the onions sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate. They're ready to eat in 30 minutes and even better after a few hours. Store pickled red onions in the pickling liquid in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Flavor Variations

• Add peeled garlic cloves, a few black peppercorns, or a pinch of mustard seeds.
• Drop in a bay leaf or sprig of thyme.
• Add a few red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Use a different sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.

What's the fastest way to pickle red onions?

The fastest way is to slice the onion super thin and pour a hot brine over top. This method softens the onions in just 30 minutes and is the best trick I've found for how to pickle red onions quickly, with no canning required.

How long do pickled red onions last in the fridge?

They'll stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. The flavor gets better after the first day.

Why are my onions turning bright pink?

That's totally normal! Red onions naturally turn vibrant pink when pickled-it's not only safe, it's the sign of a good brine doing its thing.

Can I pickle other vegetables using this same brine?

Absolutely. Try it with veggies like thinly sliced cucumbers, pickled jalapeños, radishes, or carrots.