Looking for a tasty, tangy onion topping for your next family dinner? Look no further! Learn how to make Quick Pickled Red Onion and Shallot using my super easy onion pickle recipe. With minimal ingredients and no cooking required, you'll have a delicious, flavor-packed condiment in no time. Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.
Gather and Prep: Gather all your ingredients. Peel and very thinly slice the shallots using a mandoline slicer or a sharp Chef’s knife. (Note: Try to slice the onion as thin as possible. This makes the onions pickle faster AND their texture more delicate and delicious.)
Transfer Onions to Jar or Bowl: Transfer the thinly sliced shallots to a jar with a tight-fitting lid, an airtight container, or a medium shallow bowl. Set aside.
Make the Pickling Liquid: To a 2-cup liquid measuring cup or a small bowl, add the vinegar, HOT water, agave, and kosher salt. Whisk vigorously, stirring until the salt dissolves into the pickling liquid.Optional – Add MORE Flavor: Add any of the optional flavoring ingredients to the pickling liquid, if using. Whisk well to combine.
Pour Pickle Liquid over Onions: Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the thinly sliced onions. Use a long spoon or fork to stir the onions and completely submerge them in the liquid.
Pickle the Onions: Cover the jar, container, or bowl and transfer to the refrigerator. Let the onions pickle in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until they turn bright pink. (See chart for pickling estimates.)
Use or Store: Use pickled onions in your favorite recipes or use them to garnish your favorite dishes, such as egg sandwiches, tacos, grain bowls, salads and more! Alternatively, store pickled shallots in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Using shallots? If you prefer a bright beautiful jewel tone color to your pickled onions, follow this tip when for shallots: Use a combination of half red wine vinegar and half apple cider vinegar in the pickling solution. (Shallots aren't as naturally vibrant in color as red onions. Using a little red vinegar helps keep the hue pretty!)
Approximate Pickling Times in the Fridge:
Super light pickle just to remove harsh bite from onions: 10-15 minutes
A light pickle flavor: 30 minutes
Proper pickle: 2+ hours
Recipe Yield: approximately 1 cup
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Nutritional information is an estimate based upon 8 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.