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    Home » Diet » Vegan

    Published: Jul 25, 2022 · Modified: Feb 8, 2023 by Genevieve · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Spicy Pickled Onions

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    Pickled red onions are shown in a glass jar with a wooden cutting board, lid, and fork in the background.

    Crisp spicy pickled onions are one of my favorite ways to add bright, slightly sweet, tangy flavor to a wide variety of dishes. The heat from the pickled serrano peppers makes this a uniquely delicious condiment you’ll want to put on everything.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    Sliced red spicy pickled onions are shown in a glass jar on a rustic wood cutting board with a lid, a black fork, a white linen, a red onion, and a Serrano pepper in the background.
    Jump to:
    • What You'll Need
    • How to Prepare
    • Variations
    • How to Store
    • FAQ
    • How to Serve
    • Recipes You'll Love
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Anyone who knows me well knows I am a pickle fanatic. I will eat them straight out of the jar, day or night, rain or shine - you get the point.

    I have yet to find any use for these spicy pickled onions that I don't enjoy.

    I have also yet to find any use for them that the members of my household do not enjoy. This speaks volumes, as my audience is people whose enthusiasm for pickles is more... restrained.

    These pickled onions can be used in countless ways - in sandwiches, salads, burgers, over Mexican dishes like enchiladas or chilaquiles, or on avocado or ricotta toast. I always have a jar on hand.

    Red onion, serrano peppers, small Mason jar, small clear pitcher of rice vinegar, and three clear pinch bowls of salt, sugar, and garlic cloves sit on a wooden cutting board.

    What You'll Need

    Two Cloves Kitchen, as an Amazon Affiliate, makes a small percentage from qualified sales made through affiliate links at no cost to you.

    • Red Onions Red onions are most commonly used in pickled applications, but feel free to use yellow or sweet onion here.
    • Serrano Peppers Use one serrano for a milder batch and two for a spicier one. You can use jalapeños or other hot peppers here, too. Be cautious if using anything extremely spicy like habanero peppers.
    • Rice Vinegar I suggest using unseasoned rice vinegar so that you can control the amount of salt and sugar in the brine.
    • Sugar I like using organic cane sugar here, but regular sugar is just fine.
    • Kosher Salt My recommendation is to use the brand Diamond Crystal because it allows you to easily adjust without oversalting. It is shaped in flakes as opposed to grains, which means it has a less concentrated salty flavor by volume.
    • Fresh Garlic You could leave this out if you wanted, but I'm a big proponent of adding garlic wherever you can.

    How to Prepare

    Step One Slice a medium onion. You are looking for it to fill about three quarters of a 12 to 16 ounce glass Mason jar.

    Be sure to slice your onions thin for the most concentrated flavor. This will allow the onions to soak up brine more easily.

    Sliced red onions sit on a wooden cutting board with a kitchen knife in the background.

    Step Two Slice the serrano pepper(s).

    Sliced serrano peppers sit on a wooden cutting board with a kitchen knife in the background.

    Step Three Smash the garlic cloves with the heel of your knife or your palm and peel.

    Three cloves of smashed garlic sit in front of a partial head of garlic and a kitchen knife on a wooden cutting board.

    Step Four Add the onion, serrano peppers, and garlic to a 12 to 16 ounce Mason jar or other nonreactive container, such as a ceramic baking dish.

    If you only have 32 ounce Mason jars, double the recipe for the brine. There is an option to adjust the serving size by hovering your mouse over the number next to “Servings” in the recipe card.

    A clear glass jar with sliced red onion, sliced Serrano peppers, and three cloves of smashed garlic sit on a wooden cutting board surrounded by cloves of garlic, a red onion, and a kitchen knife.

    Step Five Add the salt, sugar, and vinegar to a pot or saucepan. Bring up to a boil.

    Pickling brine is warmed in a stainless steel pot.

    Step Six Pour the liquid/brine over the ingredients in the glass jar. Let the jar cool enough to handle (about 30 minutes) before serving or adding the lid. Store in the fridge.

    Sliced red spicy pickled onions are lifted out of a glass Mason jar with a silver fork.

    You can use these onions right away, but the flavor will intensify over time. Try them again in 2-3 days for an even stronger pickle!

    Variations

    Other Hot Peppers Try using green or red jalapeños in place of serrano peppers.

    Regular Pickled Onions Omit the hot peppers altogether for a more traditional quick pickled onion.

    Sweeter Pickled Onion You can add a little bit of extra sugar, or try using seasoned rice vinegar. If using seasoned rice vinegar, omit the salt and sugar recommended in the recipe. Seasoned rice vinegar contains sugar and salt.

    Saltier Pickled Onion Gradually add a bit more salt at a time to the brine as it is cooking and taste for seasoning (without burning yourself on the hot liquid - I've made that mistake!) if you prefer a saltier pickle.

    How to Store

    Be sure to consume within about 2 weeks for food safety reasons.

    For the strongest flavor, let them sit in the fridge for 2-3 days. Feel free to eat them as soon as they are cool enough to handle, though.

    Keep in mind that red onion will impart its color into the brine, turning the onions more pink and leaving the garlic and peppers with pink or reddish hue. This is completely normal and safe.

    FAQ

    Can I use something other than serrano peppers?

    Yes! Try green or red jalapeños in place of serrano peppers.

    How long will pickled onions last in the fridge?

    These will last for about 2 weeks in the fridge.

    Can I can these to store them longer?

    Unfortunately no. This recipe does not have the proper ingredients for safe long-term storage.

    What can I use if I don't have a glass jar?

    Try another non-reactive container like a ceramic baking dish, then transfer to a tightly sealed container to refrigerate.

    Can I use a different type of onion?

    Absolutely. Try a yellow, white, or sweet onion and see what you like best.

    How to Serve

    I eat these spicy pickled onions frequently as a snack, but they are incredibly versatile. Try some of the ideas below to make them into a full meal!

    Nachos - pile some tortilla chips, cheese, black beans, shredded or ground meat if desired, green onions, salsa, sour cream - whatever you want! Top the nachos with pickled onions and pickled serrano peppers.

    For ideas on how to upgrade your nachos, try these tips.

    Sandwiches - Add pickled onions to a simple turkey sandwich, an Italian sub, or a fancy grilled cheese like this Pesto and Artichoke Grilled Cheese.

    Salads These onions are fantastic over this Grilled Chicken and Kale Salad, a Mexican-inspired salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing, or over a traditional Caesar Salad.

    Toasts - Try adding these pickled onions to an avocado toast, ricotta toast, or to a piece of thick toasted bread with scrambled eggs.

    Mexican Dishes - Add spicy pickled onions and pickled serrano peppers to your favorite tacos like these Spicy Potato Soft Tacos, burritos, Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas, Carne Asada Quesadillas or other Mexican dishes for some added brightness and spice. I love them over Chilaquiles!

    Burgers - Spicy pickled onions in place of regular onions will transform your burger. This is my absolute favorite turkey burger of all time.

    Bowls - Add these on top of a grain bowl or protein-based bowl of your choice, like this Farro Breakfast Bowl or a bowl of this wonderful Easy Chili Recipe.

    Too much spicy food? Try one of these ginger chews!

    Recipes You'll Love

    If you're in the mood for more spicy food, try these recipes:

    Spicy Potato Soft Tacos

    Calabrian Potatoes

    Pineapple Habanero Sauce

    📖 Recipe

    Sliced red spicy pickled onions are shown in a glass jar on a rustic wood cutting board with a lid, a black fork, a white linen, a red onion, and a Serrano pepper in the background.

    Spicy Pickled Onions

    Bright, tangy, crisp spicy pickled onions are a perfect condiment for nachos, sandwiches, salads, burgers, eggs, and more!
    5 from 57 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Pickled Onion, Quick Pickle
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cooling Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 19kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Pot or Saucepan
    • 16 oz Glass Jar or Nonreactive Container

    Ingredients

    • 1 red onion medium
    • 1-2 serrano pepper(s)
    • 3 cloves garlic optional
    • 1 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 3 teaspoons kosher salt

    Instructions

    • Thinly slice onion. Slice serrano pepper. Smash and peel garlic. Add onion, serrano, and garlic to glass jar or other nonreactive container.
    • Place pot or saucepan over medium-high to high heat on stovetop. Add vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring brine to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve salt and sugar.
    • Remove brine from the stove and pour over the onion in the glass jar or container.
    • Let cool for 30 minutes before serving or adding lid and transferring to fridge.

    Notes

    • If you only have a 32 ounce Mason jar, double the brine.There is an option to adjust the serving size by hovering your mouse over the number next to “Servings” in the recipe card.
    • These pickles can be stored safely in the fridge for 2 weeks. 
    • For milder pickled onions, use 1 serrano. For spicier onions, use 2.
    • This recipe cannot be traditionally canned.
    • If you can't find serrano peppers, try jalapeños in their place.
    • Add a ½ teaspoon of dried oregano for pickled onions similar in taste to escabeche. 
    • Try these onions on salads, sandwiches, burgers, Mexican dishes, ricotta or avocado toast, eggs, or anywhere else you'd like some bright, tangy heat and a bit of crisp texture.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 19kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.02g | Saturated Fat: 0.001g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 873mg | Potassium: 9mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.03mg

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Claire says

      July 27, 2022 at 8:35 am

      5 stars
      I made these last week and we used them last night for with crispy fish tacos! They were delicious! I added 2 Serrano Peppers as we love it spicy!
      Such a great quick pickle!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        July 27, 2022 at 3:52 pm

        That sounds amazing! So glad you enjoyed them.

        Reply
    2. Jennifer says

      July 27, 2022 at 2:35 pm

      5 stars
      Your tips saved the day because I had an odd jar size. These turned out perfectly! Loved the spice and the pickle - so good on burgers!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        July 27, 2022 at 3:53 pm

        I'm glad to hear it! Thanks Jennifer.

        Reply
    3. Lynn Polito says

      July 28, 2022 at 12:40 pm

      5 stars
      This was so easy to make and so delicious!!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        July 28, 2022 at 3:25 pm

        Thanks so much Lynn!

        Reply
    4. Mandy Applegate says

      July 28, 2022 at 1:14 pm

      5 stars
      I could eat a whole jar of pickled onions and this spicy version was no different, I need to make more!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        July 28, 2022 at 3:26 pm

        I feel the same way! Thank you, Mandy.

        Reply
    5. Rupali says

      July 29, 2022 at 2:12 am

      5 stars
      I made these with tandoori chicken and naan! So good - both the spice kick and crunch.

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        July 29, 2022 at 3:33 pm

        Thank sounds fantastic! Thank you Rupali.

        Reply
    6. Missy says

      August 13, 2022 at 3:00 pm

      5 stars
      This was the first time I had tried spicy pickled onions and they are so delicious. I served them with grilled chicken tacos and now I will be keeping them on hand.

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        August 13, 2022 at 3:05 pm

        So glad you liked them, Missy!

        Reply
    7. k says

      August 13, 2022 at 8:37 pm

      5 stars
      We are addicted to these! I love pickled red onions, and the added heat in these is perfect for my family! We make batches of these weekly for tacos, salads and on top of scrambled eggs!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        August 15, 2022 at 1:45 pm

        So happy you like them! Thanks K!

        Reply
    8. MacKenzie says

      August 15, 2022 at 3:10 am

      5 stars
      Love how simple this recipe is to make and the pickled onions go perfect with almost anything. We enjoyed them with burgers tonight.

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        August 15, 2022 at 1:46 pm

        Thanks MacKenzie!

        Reply
    9. Cami says

      September 02, 2022 at 1:23 am

      5 stars
      This is so easy to make! And perfect add ons to every dish!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        September 02, 2022 at 2:51 am

        Thanks Cami! Glad you liked them.

        Reply
    10. Glenda says

      September 02, 2022 at 4:55 am

      5 stars
      We love picled red onions on just about anything. This recipe is excellent! The serranos add the perfect spicy kick!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        September 02, 2022 at 5:27 am

        I’m so glad you liked them, Glenda!

        Reply
    11. James Strange says

      September 02, 2022 at 12:40 pm

      5 stars
      These were so good on the chicken tacos last night.

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        September 03, 2022 at 2:45 am

        Thanks James!

        Reply
    12. Emily says

      September 02, 2022 at 6:59 pm

      5 stars
      I made carnitas last night and these were PERFECT with them! Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        September 03, 2022 at 2:45 am

        Ooh, great idea! Thanks Emily.

        Reply
    13. MacKenzie says

      September 03, 2022 at 2:51 am

      5 stars
      Added these to steak fajitas. Turned out great. Perfect for another layer of flavor.

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        September 05, 2022 at 8:54 pm

        That sounds fantastic! Thanks MacKenzie.

        Reply
    14. Sarah says

      September 03, 2022 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      My new favorite condiment! So tangy and delicious!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        September 05, 2022 at 8:53 pm

        Thanks Sarah!

        Reply
    15. Allyssa says

      September 05, 2022 at 2:06 pm

      5 stars
      This is really easy to follow, loved this spicy pickled onions recipe! It's really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        September 05, 2022 at 8:54 pm

        Wonderful, thank you!

        Reply
    16. Glenda says

      September 07, 2022 at 4:34 pm

      5 stars
      We love the spicy serrano kick in these pickled onions! Great recipe!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        September 07, 2022 at 5:48 pm

        I'm glad you liked them!

        Reply
    17. Stephanie says

      February 18, 2023 at 8:30 am

      Can you use regular white vinegar? If so, what will be different?

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        February 20, 2023 at 1:15 pm

        Hi Stephanie! Great question. You can use regular white vinegar. It will taste a bit stronger, sharper, and more acidic than if you are using the more delicate rice vinegar. You're welcome to try it! You can always taste the brine before pouring it over the onions and add some more sugar to balance out the acidic flavor.

        Reply

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