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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Recipes

    Quick Mexican Pickled Onions

    Published: Jun 1, 2022 ยท Modified: Feb 22, 2024 by Christina Jolam ยท This post may contain affiliate links. See end of article for more information. ยท 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review
    Pickled Onions in a Jar

    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, โ…›-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.

    garlic and onions in a mason jar

    2. Make brine

    Next, heat ยฝ 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 ยพ 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, sautรฉed shrimp and even salad dressings. I'm telling you, these purple monsters are a workhorse!

    Looking for more perfect condiment recipes?

    • Fresh Ginger Scallion Sauce
    • Spicy Aioli Sauce Recipe
    • Taco Truck Green Sauce

    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, jalapeรฑo 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!

    Print
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    Red pickled onions in a jar with a small fork

    Quick Mexican Pickled Onions


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    • Author: Christina Jolam
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: 6-8
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    Description

    They're tangy and salty and bright - the perfect vegetable condiment for so many pescatarian meals.ย 


    Ingredients

    1 large red onion, halved and sliced thin

    1 whole garlic clove, peeled and crushed

    ยพ cup apple cider vinegar

    ยฝ cup hot water (not boiling)

    2 teaspoons sugar or stevia

    1 teaspoon coarse sea salt


    Instructions

    1. Slice red onion in half, then slice each half very thin into โ…› inch half moons.
    2. Add crushed garlic clove and onion slices to a jar with airtight lid.
    3. Heat water in a large measuring cup in the microwave for 1 minute, then add salt and sugar and stir to dissolve. Add vinegar to warm water mixture, making brine.
    4. Pour the brine liquid into the jar with onions and garlic, ensuring onions are submerged.
    5. Refrigerate 20-30 minutes before using.

    Notes

    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, sautรฉed shrimp and even salad dressings. I'm telling you, these purple monsters are a workhorse!

    • Prep Time: 10
    • Category: Condiment
    • Method: No cook
    • Cuisine: Mexican, American

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    About Christina Jolam

    Christina Jolam is a fish-forward recipe developer, photographer, and food writer. She creates easy and impressive seafood-focused recipes that home chefs of all levels can make and share. Her recipes and seafood expertise have been featured on CNNHealth, MSN, Pip and Ebby, Savoring the Good, Eat Blog Talk and more. She spends most of her time in a seaside village in Portugal with her adventure-loving husband, Ramesh.

    Reader Interactions

    Trackbacks

    1. Homemade Mexican Caesar Salad with Shrimp and Croutons - Weekday Pescatarian says:
      June 1, 2022 at 8:43 pm

      […] pickled red onions […]

      Reply
    2. Quick and Easy Sweet and Spicy Mexican Shrimp - Weekday Pescatarian says:
      June 1, 2022 at 8:55 pm

      […] Quick Mexican Pickled Onions […]

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Christina! Here at Weekday Pescatarian, youโ€™ll find delicious seafood recipes, tips for adding more fish to your diet, and a little about my life as an American living in Portugal.

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