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Hot Honey Pickled Red Onions Recipe

4.8 from 55 reviews

Hot Honey Pickled Red Onions are a tangy, sweet, and spicy condiment that adds a vibrant punch to salads, tacos, sandwiches, and more. Thinly sliced red onions are soaked in a warm mixture of apple cider vinegar, honey, and spices, creating a perfect balance of flavors with a gentle heat from red pepper flakes. This easy-to-make recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, with pickling time enhancing the depth of taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Pickling Mixture

  • 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 Pickling Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, stirring to blend the ingredients.
  2. Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to dissolve the honey and salt completely, allowing the flavors to meld.
  3. Place Onions in Jar: Arrange the thinly sliced red onions into a clean jar or airtight container, packing them evenly.
  4. Pour Hot Mixture Over Onions: Carefully pour the hot vinegar and honey mixture over the onions, making sure they are fully submerged to ensure even pickling.
  5. Cool and Seal: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator.
  6. Pickling Time: Let the onions pickle for at least 24 hours before using. This resting period intensifies the flavor and softens the onions, making them perfect for garnishing your dishes.

Notes

  • Use thin slices of red onion to allow faster and more even pickling.
  • The longer the onions pickle, the more flavorful and tender they become; they can be stored for up to 2 weeks refrigerated.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to preferred spice level.
  • This recipe works well as a topping for burgers, tacos, salads, and grilled meats.
  • Use a non-reactive container (glass or food-safe plastic) to avoid metallic flavors.

Keywords: pickled red onions, hot honey, spicy pickled onions, quick pickles, condiment recipe, tangy onions