Ginger Free Classic Pickled Red Onions
Tangy, jewel-bright, and impossibly easy to make, these pickled red onions are the kind of condiment that quietly transforms everything they touch — tacos, grain bowls, sandwiches, cheese boards, you name it. The brine is a clean, straightforward mix of apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt, which means there's no mystery about what's going into the jar. Many store-bought pickled products sneak in spice blends that can include hidden ingredients, so making your own gives you full control over every element. The optional red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but the recipe works beautifully without them if you prefer to keep things mild. Black peppercorns round out the flavor with a subtle warmth that doesn't overwhelm the natural sweetness of the onion. Within an hour or so, those pale slices turn a stunning fuchsia pink — proof that something this gorgeous really can come together with almost zero effort. Keep a jar in the fridge and you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 1 large red onion, very thinly sliced into rings or half-moons
- ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pack the sliced red onion into a clean 16 oz mason jar, pressing gently so the slices fit snugly without crushing them.
- 2
Combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and kosher salt in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
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