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Zesty Pickled Red Onions with Jalapeño

zesty pickled red onions with jalapeño - featured image

A bold and tangy pickled red onion recipe with a spicy kick from jalapeño, perfect for adding zest to sandwiches, tacos, and salads. Quick and easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium jalapeño, thinly sliced (seeds included or removed for less heat)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 garlic clove, smashed (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the onions and jalapeño thinly using a sharp knife, aiming for even slices about 5-7 minutes.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, smashed garlic clove, black peppercorns, and coriander seeds if using.
  3. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar and salt dissolve completely. Do not boil; heat until hot and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Place the sliced onions and jalapeños into a clean, heatproof jar or container.
  5. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. Press down gently if needed.
  6. Let the jar cool to room temperature (20-30 minutes), then seal with a lid and refrigerate.
  7. The onions are ready to eat after about 1 hour but taste best after 24 hours when flavors meld fully.
  8. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, using clean utensils to avoid contamination.

Notes

Do not boil the vinegar mixture to preserve acidity and flavor. Slice onions thin but not paper-thin to maintain crunch. Flavor improves after 24 hours in the fridge. Adjust sugar to taste or substitute with honey/agave. Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat. Use fresh jalapeños for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled red onions, jalapeño, pickled onions recipe, spicy condiment, quick pickles, tangy onions, easy pickled onions