This quick pickled onions recipe is easy to make in less than 5 minutes and is the perfect addition to so many different foods. They have a light tangy taste so they provide a hint of zingy freshness to each bite!
Quick Pickled Onions are one of my favorite condiments to make and something you will always find in my fridge.
They are super easy to make and are the perfect addition to so many different foods, not to mention the gorgeous pop of pink color they bring. One of my favorite combinations is on a piece of avocado toast with a sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning... YUM!
You can also add them to burgers, tacos , sandwiches, etc!
This recipe is quick, hence the name, taking only 5 minutes to make. No need to simmer the pickling liquid either!
They're also vegan and gluten-free too!
Table of Contents
Ingredients to make Quick Pickled Onions
- 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 or even apple cider vinegar. I wouldn’t recommend balsamic 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 if you like them spicy!
What to Eat with Quick Pickled Onions
Some of my favourite things to add them to are:
- Avocado on toast with Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Salads such as my Tahini Kale Salad
- Wraps and Sandwiches
- Fritters
- Burgers
- Falafel
- Tacos
- Quesadillas
The list can go on and on as they really taste great with everything!
How to make Pickled Onions
Making pickled onions at home is easier than you think. Here are my simple steps to make them in 5 minutes.
- Prepare the onions by peeling and slicing into thin slices and place in a mason jar (you can use a mandolin here for consistency)
- Pour over warm water along with vinegar
- Add salt and maple syrup then close the lid and give it a shake so it mixes together
- Place the jar in the fridge to set for at least 1 hour before eating. For best results, wait a few hours or overnight.
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 an hour of pickling, however, the longer they are left the better they will taste. Personally, I love them after a few days.
FAQs
How long do pickled onions last?
They will last about a month in the refrigerator in an air-tight mason jar. Well that’s if they last that long!
Which vinegar is best for pickling?
I prefer to use white vinegar but you can also use white wine vinegar or even apple cider.
More Easy Sides
- Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
- White Bean Dip
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Baked Sweet Potato Slices
- Cauliflower Steaks
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
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.
Debbie
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
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
Nikita
Hey Ayeh,
Just wanting to find out how many mls is the jar that you use?
Bita M
Super easy to make, so tasty. Everyone loved it. Thank you so much dear Ayeh for your amazing recipes.
Ayeh
So happy you all like them Bita, you're so welcome xxx
Faith
Is there a way to actually can this recipe, like you do for pickles for the following season?
Shirin
I make every week at least 1 jar and my kids loves it too
Ayeh
Yay love that your kids love it too xxx
Anna
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Ayeh Manfre
Sure thing!
Tegan Hinchey-Gerard
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
Oh love that you had it on a cheese board, I must try that too!
Cat
What size is the mason jar that you use?
Thanks so much!
Danna
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
So happy to hear! Im quietly obsessed and add them to everything hehe xx
Tony Knighton
This is the easiest recipe to make and tastes soooooooooo good. I'm addicted to this. Thankyou
Ayeh
Hehe me too! So happy you like them
Nurcan Delaney
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
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
Its my number 1 fav combo with Avocado! So glad you like them too
Ayeh
So happy to hear! Hehe im the same im quietly obsessed 🙂
Sumeeyae
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
Haha love it!!
Rhianna
These pickled onions are insane, I could eat a whole jar, so easy to make and go with everything!
Ayeh
Hehehe I feel the same and add them to everything! xxx
Shashi
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
I'm totally obsessed too! great to hear I'm not the only one hehe xxx
Samantha
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
So happy you like them lovely! If your Nan loves them too, its the ultimate compliment!!
Mlies
So so good!
Ayeh
Yay 🙂
Natalie
Made this last night and it was so quick and easy, tastes great too! Thanks for the recipe.
Ayeh
So glad you like them! xx
Bella
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
Yum the perfect combo!
Bellabee
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
Yum the perfect combo!
Che
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
Me too! the colour brings life to any dish doesnt it x
Anita
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
Yay!! So happy you're here too xx
Delilah
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
Awww thank you so much! These are a staple in my fridge too hehe xx
Shilo
So easy and addictive! Thank you sharing the recipe and tips.
Ayeh
Hehe im addicted to them too! xx
Mandy
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
They are so good in sandwiches and even tacos 🙂 Enjoy lovely x
Eléonore BERTHREU
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
Oh yummy I must try it with carrots too! xxx
Anahita
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
Hehe yay! Love that you love it so much too xxx
Leen
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
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
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
Oh yummy sounds great!! you are most welcome lovely xx
Danielle
This is SO good. Great color and similar taste.. I just put it on everything now. ☺️
Ayeh
Love that Danielle! Im totally addicted too hehe
Popo
One word: life-changing!
Ayeh
So happy you love them so much too!
Hannah
Hi just wondering how long these would last for in the fridge?
Ayeh
About 4 weeks dear , if they last that long, hehe x
Su
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
Oh yum love that!
Amy
Quick, simple, delicious with every meal!
Ayeh
They're so good right! So happy you love them too Amy x
Caitlin V
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
Yay so happy you love these too! Im so glad you found my page too, plenty more easy recipes to come xxxx
Meeeriams
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
Heheh this is so sweet!!!
Natalie
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
Yay love this! Haha they're so addictive right 🙂
Melinda A
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
The same amount lovely 🙂 Honey also works too x
Brandi
Where the rest of the recipe? What did u cook tbe egg in? It was red?
Ayeh Manfre
Hi Brandi! I cooked the egg in a red chili pepper oil paste xxx
Brian
Can the white vinegar be replaced with either wine or apple cider? Spirit vinegar is very difficult to find in Spain?
Ayeh Manfre
Yes it definitely can 🙂 I have them noted in my substitutions xxx
Muddy
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
Hehe love this!!!! They're so addictive right
Muddy
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
Oh yum ginger vinegar sounds delish! So glad you liked the recipe xx
Tammy
Made them!!! Love them!!!!!
Ayeh Manfre
Yay so happy to hear Tammy!
Whitney Boyett
What can't she do? Literally obsessed with this woman!
Ayeh Manfre
Aw thank you!!!!