Hot Honey Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Introduction

Hot honey pickled red onions offer a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that can elevate any dish. They’re easy to make and add a vibrant crunch to salads, sandwiches, and tacos.

Ingredients

• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Place the sliced red onions in a jar or container.
4. Step 4: Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.
5. Step 5: Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then seal the jar and refrigerate.
6. Step 6: Allow the onions to pickle for at least 24 hours before using for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use thinner onion slices for quicker pickling and a more tender texture.
• Add a clove of garlic or a few whole peppercorns for extra aroma and complexity.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store the pickled onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two weeks. For best flavor, consume within the first week. Use directly from the fridge and no reheating is needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?

Yes, white vinegar works as a substitute, but apple cider vinegar adds a milder, fruitier flavor that complements the honey and spices.

How long do the pickled onions need to sit before they’re ready to eat?

It’s best to let them pickle for at least 24 hours to develop full flavor, though they can be eaten after a few hours if you’re in a hurry.

Hot Honey Pickled Red Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 103 reviews

This Hot Honey Pickled Red Onions recipe features thinly sliced red onions soaked in a tangy, sweet, and spicy pickling brine made with apple cider vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. These vibrant, flavorful pickled onions make a perfect condiment or topping for salads, sandwiches, tacos, and grilled dishes, adding a delightful kick and a touch of sweetness.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: About 1 to 1.5 cups 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pickling Brine

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Main Ingredient

• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Brine: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat the Mixture: Heat the saucepan over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the honey and salt, and to infuse the flavors.
3. Prepare Onions: Place the thinly sliced red onions into a clean jar or container suitable for pickling.
4. Combine Onions and Brine: Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions, ensuring all onion slices are fully submerged in the liquid to achieve even pickling.
5. Cool and Seal: Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature before sealing the jar tightly with a lid to preserve freshness.
6. Refrigerate and Pickle: Refrigerate the sealed jar and let the onions pickle for at least 24 hours to develop the best flavor and texture before consuming.

Notes

• Use thinly sliced onions to ensure they pickle quickly and evenly.
• The longer the onions sit in the brine, the more intense the flavor and color.
• Keep the pickled onions refrigerated and consume within 2 to 3 weeks for optimal freshness.
• You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
• These pickled onions are great as toppings for burgers, tacos, salads, and grilled meats.

Keywords: pickled red onions, hot honey pickled onions, spicy pickled onions, sweet and spicy pickled onions, condiment, easy pickled onions