MSG Free Quick Pickled Red Onions with Turmeric & Ginger
Tangy, jewel-bright, and packed with warm spice, these quick pickled onions are the kind of condiment that makes everything they touch taste more alive. The brine comes together in minutes on the stovetop — apple cider vinegar, honey, turmeric, and ginger whisked into something that smells absolutely incredible before it even hits the jar. Because every ingredient here is whole and straightforward, there's no guesswork about hidden additives or flavor enhancers sneaking into your food. Store-bought pickled onions and many jarred condiments are a minefield for anyone avoiding added glutamates, but this recipe keeps things completely clean and transparent. The turmeric gives the onions a gorgeous golden blush alongside their natural pink, and the optional red pepper flakes add just enough heat to keep things interesting. Pile them onto tacos, grain bowls, sandwiches, or grilled meats — honestly, it's hard to think of a savory dish they wouldn't improve. Once you have a jar of these in the fridge, you'll wonder how you ever cooked without them.
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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.
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