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I’m about to share one of my all-time favorite kitchen secrets. It’s the one simple, 10-minute recipe I make almost every week that adds a pop of vibrant color and a burst of tangy, zesty flavor to literally everything. Meet your new best friend: Quick Pickled Red Onions.

If you think you don’t like onions, these will change your mind. The quick pickling process tames their sharp bite, leaving them perfectly crisp, tangy, and just a little bit sweet. They are the ultimate “finishing touch” that will elevate your tacos, salads, sandwiches, and avocado toast to a whole new level. Forget the sad, pale onions from the store; once you see how easy and beautiful these are, you’ll never go back.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Insanely Easy: Seriously, if you can boil water, you can make these. It takes about 10 minutes of active time.
That Color! The vibrant, electric pink color is a total show stopper. It makes any dish look instantly more beautiful and impressive.
So Versatile: They are the perfect finishing touch for tacos, burgers, grain bowls, salads, and so much more. They add a bright, tangy crunch that cuts through rich flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s make some magic. Here’s how simple it is.First, gather your handful of simple ingredients. All you need is an onion and a few pantry staples.

Next, slice your onion. You want to slice it very thinly. A sharp knife is your best friend here!

Now, pack the onions into a jar. Stuff all those beautiful, thin slices into a clean glass jar. Don’t be afraid to really pack them in there.

Now, let’s make the brine. This is the magic liquid that does all the work. Simply whisk together your vinegar, hot water, sugar, and salt until everything is completely dissolved. It only takes a minute!

Finally, pour the hot brine over the onions. This is where the magic happens—you can watch them start to turn that gorgeous pink color right before your eyes! Let them sit for about 30 minutes, and you’re ready to go.

Ava’s Notes

How long do they last? Stored in their brine in a sealed jar in the fridge, these will last for 2-3 weeks.
Customize Your Brine: Feel free to add other flavorings to the brine! A few black peppercorns, a smashed garlic clove, or a sprig of fresh dill are all amazing additions.
Let Them Marinate: They are good to eat after about 30 minutes, but they are even better after a few hours or the next day, once the flavors have had a chance to meld.