Print

Quick Pickled Red Onions with Jalapeño Recipe 5-Minute Tangy Delight

quick pickled red onions with jalapeño - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for tangy, spicy pickled red onions with jalapeño that is ready in just 5 minutes and perfect for adding a flavorful kick to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: pinch of black peppercorns or 1 clove garlic

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice one large red onion and one medium jalapeño pepper (about 3 oz / 85g). Remove jalapeño seeds if you prefer less heat. Aim for thin, even slices about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup (240 ml) white or apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup (120 ml) water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Warm over medium heat just until the sugar and salt dissolve (about 2-3 minutes). Do not boil.
  3. Place the sliced onions and jalapeños into a wide-mouth jar or bowl. Pour the warm pickling liquid over them, making sure everything is submerged. Add a pinch of black peppercorns or a smashed garlic clove if desired.
  4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate. It is ready after 5 minutes but flavors deepen if left for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Use immediately as a tangy topping or store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

For less heat, remove jalapeño seeds. Warming the pickling liquid helps dissolve sugar and salt faster. Stir the onions after pouring the liquid to speed pickling. Store in airtight glass jars for best freshness and crunch. Flavors improve after chilling for 30 minutes or longer. Variations include adding garlic, red pepper flakes, herbs, or using different vinegars and peppers.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick pickled onions, pickled red onions, jalapeño, tangy condiment, easy pickling, spicy pickled onions, 5-minute pickled onions