Quick Pickled Red Onions & Cucumbers
Bright pink crispy pickled red onion and cucumber ribbons for tacos, burgers, and grain bowls.
In a nutshell: This authentic american quick pickled red onions & cucumbers comes together in just 15 mins using simple whole ingredients. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Add a pop of bright color and tangy crunch to any dish in just 10 minutes with this quick refrigerator pickle method.
Key Equipment
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Use Kosher or Pickling Salt: Table salt contains anti-caking agents that make pickling brine cloudy. Pure pickling or kosher salt preserves crystalline clarity.
- Cool Brine Slightly for Crunch: For quick refrigerator pickles, let boiling brine cool for 5 minutes before pouring over vegetables to preserve crisp crunchiness.
Ingredients
8
servings
-
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
-
1 medium English cucumber, sliced into thin ribbons
-
½ cup apple cider vinegar
-
½ cup warm water
-
1 tbsp maple syrup or sugar
-
1 ½ tsp fine sea salt
The Smart Meal Planner & Grocery Calculator
Interactive Google Sheets & Excel system with auto-generating grocery lists, macro calculations, and 50 pre-loaded recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pack Jar
Pack sliced red onions and cucumber ribbons tightly into a clean glass jar.
Dissolve Brine
Whisk cider vinegar, warm water, maple syrup, and sea salt until dissolved.
Submerge & Chill
Pour brine over vegetables in jar. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes until bright pink, then store in fridge.
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Stored in a sealed jar in the fridge, they keep about 2 weeks. They are brightest and crunchiest in the first week.
Yes. White vinegar or rice vinegar both work. Apple cider vinegar, as written, adds a fruitier background note.
That rest at room temperature is when the onions turn bright pink and the brine soaks in. Longer is fine too; the flavor only gets better.
The same brine works for radishes, carrots, or jalapeños. Keep the vegetable-to-brine ratio similar and slice everything thin.
Easy Crisp Refrigerator Pickles
These quick refrigerator pickles stay crisp and flavorful for weeks! Made with fresh Kirby cucumbers,...
View Recipe
Crispy Refrigerator Dilly Beans
Super crunchy pickled green beans made without hot water bath canning! Tangy, garlicky, with a subtle kick...
View Recipe
Sweet Bread and Butter Pickles
The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy! Ideal for topping burgers, sandwiches, or enjoying...
View Recipe