The most delicious and easy recipe you will ever make for red pickled onions. It uses 4 simple ingredients, makes 1 jar of 500ml (17 fl oz) and it literally takes less than 10 minutes to make. I have also included a video to show you just how easy it is to make this delightful jar of pickled red onions!

One of my most exciting food discoveries this year has been pickled red onions. Tangy, tart, crunchy and of course, colourful, ou can eat them with nearly everything!!
How did I not discover you earlier! I have had a recipe printed out for what feels like years and just never got around to making it. Then, this year I wanted to add the onions to burgers so finally got my butt into gear and made the recipe which I have since tweaked to my preferred jar size.
So let’s make them shall we? And whilst you are in the homesteading mood, make an extra batch and stash it in the fridge or…..and this is the option I really love….make a jar for a friend!

The 4 Ingredients Needed to Make Pickled Red Onions:
- Red Onions (obvs)
- Warm water
- Vinegar – use white vinegar, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or a mixture of your favourites
- Sugar
Optional Ingredients:
Peppercorns, herbs, garlic cloves, spices
What jars to use for pickling?
Use any glass jar with a well-fitting lid. This recipe will fit perfectly with a 500ml jar (17 fl oz).
What vinegar to Use for pickling red onions?
I just use standard white spirit vinegar BUT you can also use a mixture of white wine and rice vinegar or even apple cider vinegar and white vinegar, or just apple cider vinegar on its own. Try them out and see what you think!

Do you need a mandoline to slice the onions?
Absolutely not – you can slice them thinly with a sharp knife. I do however have a mandoline so I use it just because it is quick and easy and I love kitchen gadgets.
What do you eat Red Pickled Onions with? Everything!
- Tuna Mayonnaise Sandwich (Yummy!!)
- Beef Burgers
- Avocado Toast
- Cream Cheese Toast
- Pastrami Sandwich
- In salads, especially pasta salads, chickpea salad, cucumber salad, broccoli salad
- In a rice bowl like Bang Bang Chicken
Video of How to Make Red Pickled Onions:
How to Customise your Red Pickled Onions:
- Try different vinegars and see what you like
- Add Red peppercorns for fun, or even mustard seeds or cumin seeds
- Try adding a garlic clove or two – whole or sliced
- Add some chilli flakes if you like things spicy
- Chop the onions thicker or even use a different kind of onion
- Add more or less sugar to adjust the sweetness to your liking
- Add some fresh herbs like dill or thyme or rosemary.

Easy Pickled Red Onions {with video}
Description
The easiest and most delicious recipe for quick pickled red onions! This recipe makes 1 x 500ml jar. Double up if you like – if you love them like my family does, then they will disappear quick!!!
Ingredients
-
- 3 small red onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup white spirit vinegar
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- ½ tsp black peppercorns (whole) (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, whole (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the red onions thinly and pack them into a 500ml jar – really squish them all in!
- Add the garlic slices and peppercorns.
- In a small bowl or jug, mix together the hot water, vinegar and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are fully submerged.
- Let cool slightly, then seal and refrigerate. They’ll be ready in about 30–60 minutes, and taste even better after a few hours or even overnight.




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