Description
If there’s one little secret weapon I always have tucked away in the fridge — it’s Sweet Pickled Onions. They’re that zingy, tangy, slightly sweet bite that takes any dish from “pretty good” to absolutely crave-worthy.
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar (or maple syrup for a natural sweetener)
- 1 tsp salt
- Optional: ½ tsp peppercorns, garlic clove, or a sprig of thyme
Instructions
Thinly slice the red onion — the thinner, the better! A mandoline makes this super easy, but a sharp knife works just fine.
In a small saucepan, heat vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until dissolved (about 2 minutes). No need to boil — just warm enough to dissolve the sugar.
Add the sliced onions to a clean jar, along with any extras like garlic or peppercorns. Pour the warm vinegar mixture over the onions until fully submerged.
Let the jar sit at room temperature for 30 minutes — they’ll turn that gorgeous pink color almost instantly.
Seal the jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks — if they last that long!