10-Minute Crispy Pickled Red Onions with Apple Cider Vinegar
Jul 26, 2023 (Last updated May 22, 2026) by Hannah Sunderani
Hiya friends! If you’re looking to add a burst of flavour to every meal, whip up these Quick Pickled Red Onions! Made with red onions and apple cider vinegar. They’re the perfect combination of tangy and subtly sweet and one of my favourite condiments to keep in the fridge at all times.
Trust me when I say this recipe is simple enough for the ultimate beginners and newbie cooks. It’s a simple recipe using pantry ingredients that’s takes 10 minutes to prepare – and all you need is a cutting board, a sharp knife (or mandoline), and a glass jar! I like to top these pickled red onions on my Vegan Lentil Burger Patties, Vegan Tacos and my Black Bean Quinoa Salad with Mango to add some crunch!
Now, let me show you how easy it is to make these pickled onions so you can make them pronto!
Ingredient Notes
- Apple cider vinegar is the base of the pickling solution and is what gives these onions the best, tangy flavour. I prefer to make my quick pickled onions with apple cider vinegar as opposed to regular white vinegar because it is slightly less acidic and has a milder, sweeter flavour. If you prefer a sharper, more pungent flavoured quick pickled red onion recipe, feel free to use regular white vinegar.
- Black peppercorns add spiciness and compliments the acidity and subtle sweetness in the quick pickling liquid.
- A single bay leaf is key for adding a sweet and earthy aroma, and complex depth of flavour.
- Salt adds savouriness that enhances the flavour and helps keep the onions crisp!
- Agave adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity in the vinegar. No white sugar or granulated sugar needed! You can also substitute agave for maple syrup.
How to Make Quick Pickled Red Onions
Learning how to make quick pickled onions at home is so much easier than you think! Here’s what you’ll do:
I hope this post has helped you learn how to make quick pickled red onions at home! And I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! If you do make this recipe, please let me know in the comments below what you think and check out The Two Spoons App for more easy plant-based and vegan recipes like this! I truly love hearing from you, and I’m always here to answer any questions you might have.
And of course, tag me on Instagram with your pictures using the hashtag #twospoons. Nothing makes me happier than to see your recreations.
10-Minute Crispy Pickled Red Onions with Apple Cider Vinegar
Ingredients
- 1 medium red onion
- 1/2 tsp peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/4 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp agave
Instructions
- Slice the onions into very thin rings or half moons using a knife or mandoline.
- Add the sliced onions to a mason jar (I used a large 750ml jar) with peppercorns and one bayleaf. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, pour in the vinegar, water, salt and agave and bring to a low simmer. As soon as you starts to see bubbles turn off the heat (Alternatively, place the ingredients in a glass bowl, stir to combine and warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Allow to cool for 1 minute).
- Pour the vinegar mixture into the jar of onions. Gently press down on the onions with a spoon to make sure the onions are under the liquid. Screw on the lid.
- Place the pickled onions in the fridge and let marinade for at least 30 minutes before using. (I like to leave them overnight so they go super pink. The longer you leave them the more vibrant they will be).
- Serve these pickled onions as a topping for your favourite burgers, sandwiches, wraps, burritos and tacos.
Notes
Approvals
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