Xanthan Gum Free Classic Pickled Red Onions
Tangy, jewel-bright, and ready to elevate just about anything on your plate, these pickled red onions are one of those condiments you'll want to keep stocked in the fridge at all times. The brine comes together in minutes with apple cider vinegar, a touch of sugar, kosher salt, and warm spices — no thickeners, stabilizers, or additives of any kind. That matters more than you might think, because many store-bought pickled products sneak in unnecessary ingredients that can be a real headache to track down on a label. Here, every single component is straightforward and easy to verify, which makes this recipe a genuinely stress-free win. The hot brine works fast, turning the onions a stunning magenta pink as it cools, and a short rest in the refrigerator deepens the flavor beautifully. Pile them onto tacos, grain bowls, sandwiches, burgers, or a cheese board — honestly, the list of things they don't improve is pretty short. Once you make a jar, you'll wonder how your fridge ever functioned without one.
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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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