Every way of making pink pickled onions, the greatest condiment

Every way of making pink pickled onions, the greatest condiment is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 15 calories per serving. Recipe by Adam Ragusea on YouTube.

Prep: 8 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 15 min

Cost: $1.12 total, $0.28 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Red Onion (peeled, sliced into thin longitudinal wedges)
  • 350 ml White Distilled Vinegar (unfiltered, food‑grade)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (optional for slight sweetness)
  • 0.25 tsp Kosher Salt (pinch for flavor balance)

Instructions

  1. Slice the Onion

    Trim the root and stem ends, cut the onion in half lengthwise, peel, then slice each half into thin longitudinal wedges, leaving the base intact so the pieces stay together.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare the Brine

    In a measuring cup combine 350 ml white distilled vinegar, ¼ tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp granulated sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Combine Onion and Brine

    Place the sliced onion wedges in the glass jar. Pour the brine over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly.

    Time: PT0M

  4. Refrigerate

    Put the sealed jar in the refrigerator. Let the onions sit for at least 2 days for full pink color and mellow flavor; they improve up to 5 days.

    Time: PT0M

    Temperature: 4°C

Nutrition Facts

Calories
15
Protein
0 g
Carbohydrates
4 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Last updated: April 11, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Every way of making pink pickled onions, the greatest condiment

Recipe by Adam Ragusea

A quick, no‑heat refrigerator pickle that turns sliced red onions a vibrant pink. The method uses white distilled vinegar, a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of sugar, and delivers crunchy, tangy onions perfect for tacos, burgers, salads, or any savory dish. Adam Ragusea’s video tests eight variations; the simplest raw‑soak method is highlighted as the favorite.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
18m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.12
Total cost
$0.28
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Slice the onion into thin longitudinal wedges to promote even pinking
  • Ensure the onions are completely covered by the acidic brine
  • Refrigerate for at least 48 hours before serving

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot vinegar with care if using the optional hot‑pour method – it can cause burns
  • Always keep the pickles refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of pink pickled red onions in American cuisine?

A

Pink pickled red onions are a modern American condiment popularized by food‑media and fast‑casual restaurants. They trace back to quick refrigerator pickles that became a visual staple on social‑media food photos, adding crunch, acidity, and a pop of color to dishes.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of pickled onions exist in other cuisines?

A

In Mexican cuisine, thin red onions are often pickled in lime juice and salt (known as "cebollas encurtidas"). In Indian cuisine, onions are pickled with mustard seeds, turmeric, and oil, creating a spicier, oil‑based pickle. Southeast Asian versions use rice vinegar and chilies.

cultural
Q

How are pink pickled red onions traditionally served in the United States?

A

They are typically served as a topping for tacos, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls, or as a side garnish on charcuterie platters. The bright pink color also makes them a popular visual accent on food photography.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are pink pickled red onions associated with in American culture?

A

They are common at casual gatherings, barbecues, taco nights, and brunches where bright, fresh toppings are desired. Their quick‑make nature also makes them popular for meal‑prep and weekly cooking routines.

cultural
Q

What makes pink pickled red onions special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The combination of rapid acid‑induced color change, crisp texture, and tangy flavor creates a versatile condiment that can be prepared in minutes and adds visual appeal, distinguishing it from longer‑fermented traditional pickles.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pink pickled red onions?

A

Common errors include not fully submerging the onions, using too little acid (vinegar), slicing the onions too thick, and storing them at room temperature. Over‑boiling the vinegar can also make the onions overly soft.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use white distilled vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?

A

White distilled vinegar is inexpensive, has a clean, sharp acidity, and does not impart additional color or flavor, allowing the natural pink hue from the onions to shine through. Apple cider vinegar works too but adds a subtle fruity note.

technical
Q

Can I make pink pickled red onions ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, the onions improve after 2–5 days in the refrigerator. Store them in a sealed glass jar at 4°C and consume within two weeks for best texture and safety.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the pink pickled onions are done?

A

The onions should be uniformly pink, still crisp to the bite, and slightly softened but not mushy. The brine should be clear and slightly cloudy from dissolved sugars.

technical
Q

How do I know when the pink pickled red onions are done cooking?

A

Since there is no cooking, "done" means the onions have reached a uniform pink color and have been refrigerated for at least 48 hours. Taste for desired acidity and crunch before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Adam Ragusea focuses on science‑based cooking tutorials, recipe development, and food‑culture commentary, often emphasizing technique, ingredient function, and approachable home cooking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Adam Ragusea blends culinary science with humor, testing multiple variations of a recipe (as in this pickled onion video) and explaining the underlying chemistry, whereas many channels present a single method without deep technical insight.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Crunchy Pickled Red Onions
34

Crunchy Pickled Red Onions

Quick and easy homemade pickled red onions that are bright pink, super crunchy, and perfect on tacos, burgers, salads, or any dish that needs a pop of flavor. This recipe uses just a few pantry staples and optional spices for extra depth.

25 minServes 6$2
American
The Easiest Pickled Onions
9

The Easiest Pickled Onions

A fast and easy way to make tangy pickled red onions at home. Perfect for tacos, burgers, salads, or any dish that needs a burst of flavor. This recipe uses a simple 1:1 vinegar‑water brine with sugar and salt, and can be ready in just a couple of hours.

25 minServes 4$2
American
Pickled Onions: How to Make Them & 10 Ways to Use Them 🧅
10

Pickled Onions: How to Make Them & 10 Ways to Use Them 🧅

A fast and easy recipe for bright pink pickled red onions that add a tangy crunch to sandwiches, tacos, salads, and more. Made with apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and optional aromatics, these onions are ready in a few hours and keep in the fridge for weeks.

55 minServes 4$2
American
Make these pickled onions and be amazed at the results.
7

Make these pickled onions and be amazed at the results.

A fast and easy way to make tangy pickled onions at home using a simple brine of sugar, salt, pepper, and apple (or grape) vinegar. Ready in just a few minutes of prep and 7 hours of resting, these crunchy, colorful onions are perfect for tacos, burgers, salads, and sandwiches.

30 minServes 4$1
American
These EASY pickled onions are a MUST TRY!
4

These EASY pickled onions are a MUST TRY!

Crisp, tangy pickled onions ready in about an hour. This simple refrigerator pickle uses a 1:1 rice wine vinegar and water brine, flavored with garlic, bay leaf, mustard seed, and peppercorn. Perfect as a condiment for tacos, salads, sandwiches, or charcuterie.

30 minServes 4$26
American
Easy Pickled Red Onions Recipe
11

Easy Pickled Red Onions Recipe

A quick and easy homemade pickled red onion recipe perfect for BBQs, tacos, salads, and breakfast dishes. Joe from Smokin' Joe's Pit BBQ shows three tasty variations—jalapeño, crushed red pepper, and whole peppercorns—using a simple brine of white vinegar, salt, and sugar.

19 minServes 6$19
American