Quick Mexican Pickled Onions

Name: Quick Mexican Pickled Onions
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 large red onion, halved and sliced thin; 1 whole garlic clove, peeled and crushed; 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/2 cup hot water (not boiling); 2 teaspoons sugar or stevia; 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

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These Mexican Pickled Onions have elbowed their way onto the limited square footage of my tiny European refrigerator. They are the perfect condiment to add balancing zing to salads, tacos, tostadas, avocado toast and even grilled cheese.

pickled onions scooped out of a mason jar

Topping out at five minutes to prep and 30 minutes to sit quietly and entertain themselves while pickling, these gorgeous gems are quick and easy and give you endless possibilities to amp up your flavor game.

Ingredients for this recipe:

ingredients for recipe laid out on a counter and labeled

Full ingredient list and measurements for this onion recipe included in the printable recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut onions

Begin by using a sharp chef's knife to peel and slice a large red onion (or two small red onions). I prefer to cut the onion in half, then lay each half cut side down on the board, giving a stable foundation to cut the onion into very thin, ⅛-inch thick half moons.

sliced onions and crushed garlic clove on a cutting board

Add one peeled and crushed garlic clove and the sliced onions to a small mason jar, or other glass container with tight-fitting lid.

2. Make brine

Next, heat ½ cup of water in a large, heat safe measuring cup. Microwave for about a minute, until hot, but not boiling.

Remove from microwave, add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 2 teaspoons of sugar or stevia. Stir to dissolve. Add ¾ cup apple cider vinegar to the warm water mixture and stir to combine.

brining liquid being stirred in a large glass measuring cup

3. Brine onions

Add the warm pickling brine mixture to the glass jar of sliced red onions and garlic clove. Ensure onions are submerged in the pickle brine.

brine poured over sliced onions in a mason jar

If eating within an hour, set jar aside on the counter to complete its pickling process. If preparing for future meals, refrigerate until serving.

Pickled onions in a jar being scooped out with a tiny fork

I've added a little bit of vinegar from my pickled onion jar as a delicious addition of acid anywhere that I might add a squeeze of citrus, including guacamole, salsas, sautéed shrimp and even salad dressings. I'm telling you, these purple monsters are a workhorse!

Looking for more perfect condiment recipes?

FAQ's and Serving Suggestions:

Can I add other flavors to the pickled onions?

Absolutely! There are various ways to season the vinegar mixture for quick pickled onions, including adding allspice berries, whole peppercorns, bay leaves, Mexican oregano, ground black pepper or red pepper flakes.

Do I have to use sugar?

I do recommend some type of sweetener to round out the flavor of the vinegar and the onions. My favorite way to sweeten this red onion recipe is with stevia, my go-to sugar substitute. But honey or even maple syrup could work here.

Can I use another flavor of vinegar?

So many options would work in this easy recipe. Plain old distilled white vinegar will add a more aggressive punch of acid to the dish.

Almost any type or combination of citrus juice could work, including lime juice, lemon juice and even bitter orange juice. White wine vinegar and red wine vinegar will also work.

One of my favorite combinations would be a combination of apple cider vinegar and the juice of one lime, along with the spices in the recipe. <chef's kiss>

How long will the pickled onions keep in the refrigerator?

Rumor has it that homemade pickled onions can last 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. But good luck keeping them around that long.

Can I use white onions or yellow onions instead of red onions?

Of course. As a rule, red onions are a bit more stringent than white or yellow onions, and they also have a higher sugar content, making them a perfect match for this tangy condiment. But if you prefer white or yellow onions, feel free to substitute. You may get a milder flavor, but it will still be delicious.

Can this pickled onions recipe be doubled?

Certainly! Or tripled! This recipe makes a fairly small batch-appropriate to serve as a condiment for several family meals. If preparing for a larger dinner party or Cinco de Mayo fish taco extravaganza, break out the large jar and the industrial sized vinegar bottle and go to town.

What other vegetables can be pickled in this vinegar mixture?

Carrots, radishes, jalapeño peppers and habanero peppers have all seemed thrilled to cuddle up in the same pickling brine with these red onions. Let me know in the comment section if you try anything else!