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Quick Sweet and Tangy Pickled Red Onions with Honey

quick sweet and tangy pickled red onions with honey - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for pickled red onions balanced with the sweetness of honey and the tang of apple cider vinegar, perfect for adding brightness to a variety of dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium red onions (about 300g), thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 garlic clove, smashed (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice 2 medium red onions into uniform rings or half-moons, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 cup (240 ml) water, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns. Add 1 smashed garlic clove and 1 bay leaf if using.
  3. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the honey and salt dissolve completely. Do not boil; heat for about 5 minutes.
  4. Place the sliced onions tightly into a clean, heatproof glass jar or container.
  5. Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, making sure they are fully submerged. Press down gently if needed.
  6. Let the jar cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes), then seal with the lid and refrigerate.
  7. The onions will be ready to eat in about 30 minutes but taste better after a few hours or overnight.

Notes

Do not boil the pickling liquid to keep onions crisp. Let onions rest overnight for best flavor. Use a clean, sterilized glass jar for storage. Store refrigerated and consume within 2 weeks. Optional ingredients like garlic and bay leaf add depth. Variations include adding red pepper flakes for heat or swapping honey for maple syrup or agave for vegan version.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled red onions, honey, quick pickles, tangy onions, sweet and tangy, easy pickled onions, homemade pickles