Carrageenan Free Quick Pickled Red Onions with Turmeric & Ginger
Thinly sliced red onion transforms into something almost magical when it meets a warm brine of apple cider vinegar, honey, and warming spices — turning a vivid, jewel-toned pink that makes every dish it touches look like it came from a restaurant kitchen. The turmeric and ginger add a gentle depth that goes way beyond your average pickled onion, with just enough heat from the black pepper and optional red pepper flakes to keep things interesting. Many store-bought pickled products and condiments sneak in stabilizers and thickeners that can be hard to spot on a label, so making your own from scratch means you know exactly what's going into the jar. The brine comes together in just a few minutes on the stovetop, and the onions are ready to eat after a short rest in the fridge — no canning equipment, no complicated process, no surprises. Pile them onto tacos, grain bowls, sandwiches, or grilled proteins and watch them disappear. The flavor continues to mellow and deepen over the next day, so if you can resist eating them all immediately, they only get better.
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 half-moons
- ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pack the sliced red onion into a clean 16 oz glass jar, pressing gently so the slices fit snugly.
- 2
Combine the apple cider vinegar, water, honey, salt, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the honey and salt are fully dissolved, about 2–3 minutes. Do not boil.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!