Paraben Free Classic Pickled Red Onions
Tangy, jewel-bright, and endlessly versatile, these pickled red onions are the kind of condiment that quietly upgrades everything they touch — tacos, grain bowls, sandwiches, grilled meats, you name it. Store-bought pickled products can be a minefield when you're avoiding synthetic preservatives and additives, but this brine is built from nothing but apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and a few whole spices. Every ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify, which means you stay in full control of what goes into the jar. The hot brine method is simple and fast, and within about an hour you'll have a stunning jar of fuchsia-pink onions ready to pull from the fridge. A gentle heat from optional red pepper flakes adds just enough kick without overwhelming the bright, lightly sweet tang of the brine. These keep beautifully in the refrigerator, so you can make a batch ahead and reach for them all week long.
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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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