Honey Free Classic Pickled Red Onions
Tangy, jewel-bright, and endlessly versatile, these pickled red onions are the kind of condiment that makes everything taste more intentional. The brine is built entirely from apple cider vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and kosher salt — no sweeteners beyond a single tablespoon of plain sugar, which means anyone avoiding bee-derived ingredients can dig in without a second thought. Black peppercorns add a subtle warmth, and a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the whole jar a gentle kick if you're into that. The process is almost embarrassingly simple: dissolve, pour, wait. Within an hour you've got a jar of vivid pink rings that are ready to pile onto tacos, grain bowls, sandwiches, or anything that needs a bright, acidic lift. Store-bought pickled onions can be sneaky about added ingredients, so making your own from scratch means you know exactly what's in the jar. Keep a batch in the fridge and you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!