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  • Pickled Red Onions
Three glass jars of thinly sliced pickled red onions in brine, arranged on a dark rustic surface next to a succulent in a concrete pot.

Pickled Red Onions

Crunchy pickled red onions, perfectly balanced in a delicate blend of apple cider and white vinegar, infused with garlic and black peppercorns. This versatile, tangy condiment is the perfect topping for any dish — from burgers and sandwiches to salads, grilled meats, or bowls. A must-have pantry staple that will become your secret ingredient for adding a gourmet touch to every meal.

Super easy
25 Mins
10–12 Servings
Vegetarian

Ingredients

This recipe is scaled for a 1-liter (1-quart) jar. All proportions are tailored for this size.

  • Red onion
    3 pcs
  • Garlic
    3 Clove/s
  • Black peppercorns
    15-20 pcs

For the Brine

  • Apple Cider Vinegar
    100 mL
  • White vinegar (6% acidity)
    100 mL
  • Water
    400 mL
  • Salt
    1 tbsp
  • Sugar
    1 tbsp

What you should know before cooking

Vinegar Choice

For this recipe, a blend of apple cider vinegar and white (distilled) vinegar is used. The apple cider vinegar adds a natural fruity sweetness, making the brine milder. You can swap the apple cider vinegar with wine vinegar if you like, or use only white vinegar to adjust the balance of acidity to your taste.

The Role of Peppercorns

The type of pepper you use makes a noticeable difference in flavor:

  • Black peppercorns give a classic, crisp heat and a versatile aroma that doesn't overpower the onion flavor.
  • Allspice berries (or whole allspice) bring a warm, complex flavor with hints of clove and nutmeg.

My secret for the perfect result

A mix of both brings the best balance of flavor. For a 1-liter (1-quart) jar, use 5–7 black peppercorns and 2–3 allspice berries.

For extra aroma, lightly toast the peppercorns in a dry pan for 1–1.5 minutes, or gently crush them before adding to the jar.

How to Make Pickled Red Onions

  1. 1.

    Sterilize the jar: Bring water to a boil. Rinse the jar with hot water to warm it, then fill it completely to sanitize. Place the lid in a separate bowl and cover with boiling water.

    A sterilized glass jar ready for pickling red onions.
  2. 2.

    Peel the onions and slice them into thin half-moons. You’ll need about 600g to fill a 1-liter jar.

    Fresh red onions sliced into thin half-moons, ready for pickling.
  3. 3.

    Peel the garlic cloves. Halve them to release more flavor or leave them whole for a milder aroma.

  4. 4.

    (Optional) Toast the peppercorns in a dry pan for 1–1.5 minutes until fragrant. This awakens the essential oils.

  5. 5.

    Carefully discard the hot water from the jar.

  6. 6.

    Place the garlic and peppercorns at the bottom of the jar.

    Garlic cloves and black peppercorns placed at the bottom of a glass jar.
  7. 7.

    Pack the sliced onions tightly into the jar, leaving a little headspace at the top.

    A glass jar tightly packed with sliced red onions.
  8. 8.

    In a small saucepan, combine the water, vinegars, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil.

  9. 9.

    Carefully pour the hot brine over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.

    Pouring hot brine over sliced red onions in a jar.
  10. 10.

    Seal the jar immediately and let it cool on the counter before transferring to the fridge.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Result:

  • Garlic color: Don’t be alarmed if the garlic turns blue or green! This is a natural reaction between garlic compounds and the acidity of the vinegar. It doesn’t affect the flavor. To minimize this, use the freshest, firmest garlic cloves available.
  • Crunch factor: If you prefer extra-crunchy onions, let the brine cool for 2–3 minutes after boiling before pouring it into the jar.
  • Best flavor: While the onions can be enjoyed sooner, they reach their peak flavor and vibrant pink color after 12–24 hours of marinating.
  • Storage: Keep the jar tightly sealed in the refrigerator. The pickled onions will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2–3 weeks.
  • Serving suggestions: This versatile staple is the perfect finishing touch for burgers, sandwiches, grilled meats, grain bowls, or fresh salads.
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