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A jar of pickled red onions, with two red onions, a bay leaf, peppercorns, and star anise displayed in the background

The Tastiest Pickled Red Onions

Pickled red onions add a tangy, vibrant burst of flavor and color to any dish, making them a versatile and essential condiment in your kitchen. With their quick preparation and long shelf life, they are an easy way to elevate meals from tacos to salads with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Pickling Time 8 hours
Course Garnishes
Cuisine American
Servings 1 jar

Equipment

  • 1 small sauce pan
  • 1 medium/large airtight glass jar

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/8 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon or more peppercorns
  • 3 star anise
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Brine: Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Be careful not to let the mixture boil.
  • Cool the Brine: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.
  • Add Spices: Once the brine has cooled, add the peppercorns, star anise, and bay leaf.
  • Jar the Onions: Place the thinly sliced red onions in a mason jar. Pour the cooled brine over the onions, making sure they are fully submerged.
  • Seal and Wait: Close the lid tightly and let the jar sit at room temperature for at least three hours, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
  • Refrigerate: After the initial sitting period, transfer the jar to the refrigerator. The pickled onions will be ready to enjoy the next day and will keep for several weeks!
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