Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Rest Time 30 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine: ,
Courses: , , ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 100  C
Servings: 1
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

Add a vibrant burst of flavor to your meals with these Quick Pickled Red Onions with Citrus! Tangy, slightly sweet, and zesty from fresh citrus, they’re perfect for tacos, salads, burgers, and grain bowls. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pickled onion recipe is your new favorite fridge staple.

Ingredients
    For the Pickling Brine:
  • 0.5 cup White vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 0.5 cup Fresh orange juice (about 1 medium orange)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh lime juice (about 2 small limes)
  • 1 tbsp Honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp Whole black peppercorns
  • 1 pinch Red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
    • For the Onions:
  • 1 large Red onion Thinly sliced into half-moons
  • 1 strip Orange zest (from the orange you juiced)
  • 1 strip Lime zest (from one of the limes)
Instructions
    Prepare the Onions
  1. 1
    Peel and slice the red onion into thin half-moons. Aim for uniform thickness (about 1/8 inch) so they pickle evenly. Place them in a heatproof glass jar or bowl.
    2. Heat the Pickling Brine
  2. 2
    In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, honey, salt, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the honey and salt dissolve (about 4–5 minutes). Do not boil.
    3. Combine and Soak
  3. 3
    Pour the hot brine over the sliced onions in the jar. Make sure all the onions are submerged. Tuck in the citrus zest strips. Press down gently with a spoon if needed.
    4. Let It Rest
  4. 4
    Let the onions rest at room temperature for 15–30 minutes. They’ll begin to soften and turn a bright pink color. For stronger flavor, refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
    5. Store or Serve
  5. 5
    Transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Serve chilled or at room temperature on tacos, sandwiches, salads, grain bowls, or anything that needs a pop of zing.
Note
  • Storage: Keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
  • Variations:
    • Add garlic slices or a bay leaf for depth.
    • Use grapefruit juice instead of orange for a bolder citrus note.
    • For a spicier version, add a few jalapeño slices.
  • Onion Substitutes: Try this with shallots or sweet onions for a milder taste.
  • Use it on: Avocado toast, fish tacos, roasted veggies, or rice bowls.
Keywords: quick, pickled onions, citrus, easy, healthy
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/quick-pickled-red-onions-with-citrus/