Sesame Free Classic Pickled Red Onions
Bright, tangy, and almost shockingly pretty, these pickled red onions are the kind of condiment that quietly upgrades everything they touch — tacos, grain bowls, sandwiches, grilled meats, you name it. The brine is a simple mix of apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and kosher salt, which means every single ingredient is easy to verify and completely free of hidden sesame. That matters more than it sounds, because store-bought pickled vegetables and condiments can be processed on shared lines or finished with sesame-containing seasonings you'd never expect. Making them at home takes the guesswork out entirely. A pinch of black peppercorns and optional red pepper flakes give the brine a gentle kick, and within about an hour the onions turn that gorgeous fuchsia pink that makes any plate look intentional. Keep a jar in the fridge and you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly — it's one of those small additions that makes home cooking feel genuinely restaurant-worthy.
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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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