This Quick Pickled Onions recipe is easy to make in less than 5 minutes and is the perfect addition to so many dishes They have a light tangy taste so they provide a hint of zingy freshness to each bite!
These Quick Pickled Onions are one of my favorite condiments to make and something you will always find in my fridge. They're super easy to make and are the perfect addition to so many different dishes, not to mention the gorgeous pop of pink color they bring. One of my favorite combinations is on a piece of avocado toast or a healthy bagel with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning... YUM!
I have a Persian background, and we love to eat pickled vegetables as a condiment on the sides of our main dishes. We call it Torshi, and there are many different varieties, we even pickle whole garlic cloves and you'll always see a bowl on our tables. This pickled onion recipe however is a lot more simpler so one you can enjoy with more dishes. Whilst they are technically raw onions, they don't have a harsh oniony taste.
The pickling liquid is light so it gives the onions a lovely fresh and tangy flavor. You can add these quick pickled red onions to burgers, breakfast bagels, tacos, sandwiches, salads and more. It also has a quick pickling time, hence the name and it only takes 5 minutes to make. No need to simmer or boil the pickling brine either.
They're ready to enjoy after an hour, but the longer they are left in the vinegar mixture, the yummier they become. The beautiful pink color will also deepen the longer it has pickled, I try and leave them overnight for the perfect time. You can of course add more ingredients and flavor such as peppercorns, whole spices, coriander seeds and even fresh herbs or chillies for some heat.
Table of Contents
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Red onions are the best to use for their sweetness and also become so nice and pink once pickled
- White vinegar is my preferred vinegar but you can also use white wine vinegar, rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar. I wouldn’t recommend balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar as the flavour and colour is too strong so it will become overpowering
- Maple syrup brings natural sweetness. You can substitute with agave, honey, or even sugar or sweetener
- Salt brings a balance to the flavors, I preferably always use pink Himalayan sea salt
- You can also add red pepper flakes or peppercorns if you like them spicy!
How to make Quick Pickled Onions
Making pickled onions at home is easier than you think. Follow my simple steps to make them in 5 minutes (note quantities are listed in the recipe card below).
Slice onions thin (you can use a mandolin for consistency)
Place onions in a mason jar
Pour over warm water along with vinegar. Add salt and maple syrup then close the lid and give it a good shake
Place in the fridge to set. For best results, wait a few hours or overnight
What to eat with Quick Pickled Onions
Some of my favourite things to add them to are:
- Avocado on toast with Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Healthy bagels
- Feta Fried Eggs
- Wraps and Sandwiches
- Fritters
- Burgers
- Falafel
- Tacos
- Quesadillas
Tips & Tricks
- Slice the onions nice and thin for the quickest and best pickling results
- Use a mandolin if you want consistency, however a sharp knife will also be suffice
- They will be ready to eat after 1 hour of pickling, however, the longer they're left the better they will taste. Personally, I love them overnight or after a few days
FAQs
They will last about a month in the refrigerator in an air-tight mason jar. Well that’s if they last that long!
I prefer to use white vinegar but you can also use white wine vinegar or even apple cider
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Quick Pickled Onions:
More Easy Condiments
I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to tag @cookingwithayeh and share your Quick Pickled Onions photo on Instagram so I can share the love.
Recipe
Quick Pickled Onions (Made in 5 Minutes)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 medium red onions
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Peel and slice onions into thin slices and place into a clean distilled mason jar
- Pour over the warm water along with the vinegar
- Add the salt and maple syrup, secure the lid tightly and turn it it upside down a few times so all the ingredients are all mixed together evenly
- Place the jar in the fridge to set for at least 1 hour before eating. For best results, wait a few hours or overnight and enjoy your delicious Quick Pickled Onions!
Debbie says
I have been wanting to make pickled onions for awhile, so decided to try your recipe. They turned out great. Your recipe appealed to me because it used a natural sweetener. Have you pickled other veggies with this same recipe?
Ayeh says
So happy to hear Debbie! I havent tried this same recipe however I do have another recipe for pickled veggies in which I will share xxx
Stefano says
I tried your recipe and left them overnight but the onions didn't color. I put warm water, apple cider vinegar and maple syrup and salt. What did I do wrong?
Ayeh Manfre says
Oh no, thats never happened before 🙁
Did you use fresh red onions?
Nikita says
Hey Ayeh,
Just wanting to find out how many mls is the jar that you use?
Bita M says
Super easy to make, so tasty. Everyone loved it. Thank you so much dear Ayeh for your amazing recipes.
Ayeh says
So happy you all like them Bita, you're so welcome xxx
Faith says
Is there a way to actually can this recipe, like you do for pickles for the following season?
Shirin says
I make every week at least 1 jar and my kids loves it too
Ayeh says
Yay love that your kids love it too xxx
Anna says
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Ayeh Manfre says
Sure thing!
Tegan Hinchey-Gerard says
Delicious! We have been eating them with a cheeseboard and today I made some avocado on cruskets topped with pickled onions as Ayeh has shown on her Instagram and it didn’t disappoint!
Ayeh says
Oh love that you had it on a cheese board, I must try that too!
Cat says
What size is the mason jar that you use?
Thanks so much!
Danna says
Hi I love onions and never realize how easy was to make this recipe thanks for sharing. I made it today. Keep you posted
Ayeh says
So happy to hear! Im quietly obsessed and add them to everything hehe xx
Tony Knighton says
This is the easiest recipe to make and tastes soooooooooo good. I'm addicted to this. Thankyou
Ayeh says
Hehe me too! So happy you like them
Nurcan Delaney says
I made this for the first time 2 days ago and I honestly hate myself for not making them sooner. They have been added to most of my meals. Absolutely incredible and so easy!! Thank you so much for the easy recipe, will also mention how incredible the colour of the onions look also!
Kumru Dippel says
I love this recipe especially on my avacado toast so easy to prepare and delicious on top of that. And it doesnt matter how many days it stays crunchy.
Ayeh says
Its my number 1 fav combo with Avocado! So glad you like them too
Ayeh says
So happy to hear! Hehe im the same im quietly obsessed 🙂
Sumeeyae says
I am so obsessed with these. About to make my second batch today, finished the first one within 4 days 😉 so yummmmmmm. Thanks for the recipe.
Ayeh says
Haha love it!!
Rhianna says
These pickled onions are insane, I could eat a whole jar, so easy to make and go with everything!
Ayeh says
Hehehe I feel the same and add them to everything! xxx
Shashi says
I am obsessed with this onion pickle! It is so good and goes well with so many things. I made a huge jar of it and I am sure I will keep making new batches every time it finishes. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Ayeh says
I'm totally obsessed too! great to hear I'm not the only one hehe xxx
Samantha says
These are just so delicious that you cannot believe how easy it is!
My Nan who is always over a pan or pot cooking, preserving or pickling food; loves loves loves them too!
They are just that perfect amount of sweetness! The perfect addition to anything!
Ayeh says
So happy you like them lovely! If your Nan loves them too, its the ultimate compliment!!
Mlies says
So so good!
Ayeh says
Yay 🙂
Natalie says
Made this last night and it was so quick and easy, tastes great too! Thanks for the recipe.
Ayeh says
So glad you like them! xx
Bella says
This is soooo yummy and easy to make, added it to my Ryvita crackers bread with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. Love the colour it adds to the dish ❤️❤️
Ayeh says
Yum the perfect combo!
Bellabee says
This is soooo yummy and easy to make, added it to my Ryvita crackers bread with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. Love the colour it adds to the dish ❤️❤️
Ayeh says
Yum the perfect combo!
Che says
So easy and simple to make, and tastes amazing! I used apple cider vinegar and it's perfect as a side or with salad. It looks great too, I really love the pink color 🙂
Ayeh says
Me too! the colour brings life to any dish doesnt it x
Anita says
Fabulous go to recipe for preserving onions and for saving money. Thank you so much Ayeh, I’m glad I’ve come across your page x
Ayeh says
Yay!! So happy you're here too xx
Delilah says
Great recipe super easy and tastes so good. Used to buy mines at Marks & Spencer's and since I have discovered your recipe I have stopped and was so proud to have made my own red onions pickles. Already did it four times. Thank you so much. I eat them with many things so delicious. Love your account your blog and most of all your personality and your lovely smile. Merci love from Paris France
Ayeh says
Awww thank you so much! These are a staple in my fridge too hehe xx
Shilo says
So easy and addictive! Thank you sharing the recipe and tips.
Ayeh says
Hehe im addicted to them too! xx
Mandy says
These pickled onions were super quick and easy to make and taste great! I am looking forward to having them as part of a sandwich or salad. Thank you for the recipe Ayeh x
Ayeh says
They are so good in sandwiches and even tacos 🙂 Enjoy lovely x
Eléonore BERTHREU says
Hi Ayeh,
I really wanted to thank you for your great recipes ideas. I have done the pickles onions which is amazing in falafel sandwich or wrap ! I also tried another version with carrots.
Many thanks from france
Eléonore « jolis.petits.plats »
Ayeh says
Oh yummy I must try it with carrots too! xxx
Anahita says
Just made my second batch , don’t even know how we finished the first batch so quickly.
I put these little flavorful onions on sandwiches, salad or just have in the side of everything.
Soooo tasty
Ayeh says
Hehe yay! Love that you love it so much too xxx
Leen says
I tried topping my avocado toast with pickled onions and sesame seeds (because I didn’t have everything bagel seasoning) and it was amazing!! So simple yet so delicious!
Ayeh says
Yummy its the best with Avo toast! Also I have a recipe online showing how to make Everything Bagel Seasoning too lovely x
Maria Wallace says
I absolutely love it, on my toast with avo and philly with the sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Thank you Ayeh. Now I'm trying to bake your bagel.
Ayeh says
Oh yummy sounds great!! you are most welcome lovely xx
Danielle says
This is SO good. Great color and similar taste.. I just put it on everything now. ☺️
Ayeh says
Love that Danielle! Im totally addicted too hehe
Popo says
One word: life-changing!
Ayeh says
So happy you love them so much too!
Hannah says
Hi just wondering how long these would last for in the fridge?
Ayeh says
About 4 weeks dear , if they last that long, hehe x
Su says
Tried it and loved it. First time I ever pickled anything and it turned out so good. I added some pepercorns for a slight kick
Ayeh says
Oh yum love that!
Amy says
Quick, simple, delicious with every meal!
Ayeh says
They're so good right! So happy you love them too Amy x
Caitlin V says
These are so so so easy to make and have become a staple in our house. My 3 yr old absolutely loves them. So happy I found this page 🙂
Ayeh says
Yay so happy you love these too! Im so glad you found my page too, plenty more easy recipes to come xxxx
Meeeriams says
Deeeelicoous recipe. My 2 year old son cannot get enough of these pickled onions. They are a must with my daily avo toast for breakfast! So good.
Ayeh says
Heheh this is so sweet!!!
Natalie says
LOVE this !!! my go-to recipe for pickled red onion. balanced flavour of tangy and sweet, it was perfect with the tahini kale salad. I used apple cider vinegar and maple syrup and it was so addictive. my only regret is only pickling 1 red onion
Ayeh says
Yay love this! Haha they're so addictive right 🙂
Melinda A says
Looks wonderful! How much sugar would you use? I’m out of maple syrup and want to use what I have in the pantry. Thank you!!!!
Ayeh says
The same amount lovely 🙂 Honey also works too x
Brandi says
Where the rest of the recipe? What did u cook tbe egg in? It was red?
Ayeh Manfre says
Hi Brandi! I cooked the egg in a red chili pepper oil paste xxx
Brian says
Can the white vinegar be replaced with either wine or apple cider? Spirit vinegar is very difficult to find in Spain?
Ayeh Manfre says
Yes it definitely can 🙂 I have them noted in my substitutions xxx
Muddy says
I made these this morning, and I've already eaten at least a quarter of the jar of them. My heavens, they're good! I'm going to be trying more with different vegetables. I can hardly wait!
Ayeh Manfre says
Hehe love this!!!! They're so addictive right
Muddy says
Absolutely addictive! I used apple cider vinegar for the first batch. I also have some ginger-infused vinegar. I'm going to reuse the onion brine for the next batch and top it up with the ginger vinegar. Thinking I may also add some herbs.
Ayeh Manfre says
Oh yum ginger vinegar sounds delish! So glad you liked the recipe xx
Tammy says
Made them!!! Love them!!!!!
Ayeh Manfre says
Yay so happy to hear Tammy!
Whitney Boyett says
What can't she do? Literally obsessed with this woman!
Ayeh Manfre says
Aw thank you!!!!
Lacie says
I can’t wait to try it!
Ayeh Manfre says
Yay enjoy!
Hend HELLAL says
It tastes awesome! Thank you!
Ayeh Manfre says
Yay so glad you loved them too!!
Cheryl says
I made these and they're delicious but I used a large mason and couldn't fit all the vinegar and water in. What size do you use? Can these be made in another type of container?
Ayeh Manfre says
So glad you loved the recipes Cheryl 🙂 I believe its a 1.2 litre jar. Yes of course, you can use any jar that has an air tight lid xx