Mexican Pickled Onions | Easy 10-Minute Recipe | Confetti & Bliss (2024)

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ByDenay DeGuzman

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Mexican pickled onions are a tasty topping for tacos, tostadas, beans, grilled meat, tuna salad, sub sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, egg dishes and more. Make quick pickled red onions in just 10 minutes with this easy no-cook recipe. Enjoy them today, or save them for later.

📌 Pin Mexican Pickled Onions

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Here in Mexico, tangy pickled onions are a popular topping for a variety of entrees. They’re served on a condiment tray alongside fire-roasted chiles, limes, radishes, and red and green salsas like this authentic salsa verde.

🛒 Ingredients

  • Red Onions: The star ingredient of this Mexican pickled onions recipe.
  • Limes: We use Mexican limes (same as Key Limes) for authentic Mexican flavor.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Its acidic content is important for pickling the onions. In addition, it contributes a zesty, rustic taste that brightens the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Garlic Clove: This earthy ingredient pairs well with onions.
  • Dried Oregano: A classic spice used for Mexican recipes, including pickled onions. This robust herb adds an earthy, musty flavor and minty aroma.
  • Bay Leaf: Adds a complex aroma and depth of flavor, while helping to keep the onions from wilting.
  • Peppercorns: Add a rustic taste and aroma with a bit of heat.
  • Freshly-Ground Black Pepper: Easily distributes throughout the pickled onion mixture.
  • Sea Salt: In Mexico we use the type of salt sold along the Pacific coast at roadside stands near the ocean. But feel free to use kosher salt or whatever type you have on hand.
Mexican Pickled Onions | Easy 10-Minute Recipe | Confetti & Bliss (2)

🍋 Easy Ingredient Swaps

Missing an ingredient for this Mexican recipe? Don’t put on your shoes and head to the market! Instead, head to your pantry or fridge. Check for these easy ingredient substitutions.

  • Red Onions: Use white onions instead. (In parts of Mexico, like in the Yucatan, you’ll find this recipe made with either white or red onions.)
  • Limes: Use bottled lime juice instead. In a pinch, use lemon juice.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: White vinegar is the best ingredient swap. In a bind, substitute vinegar with orange juice or grapefruit juice.
  • Bay Leaf: If you don’t have this ingredient, it’s okay to leave it out!
  • Peppercorns: Sub with freshly-ground black pepper.
Mexican Pickled Onions | Easy 10-Minute Recipe | Confetti & Bliss (3)

🧅 How to Make Mexican Pickled Onions

When photographing this recipe, I was standing in my Mexico kitchen with one of my local friends – a Mexican national. We discussed (in a mix of English and Spanish), that in Mexico there are 2 popular methods for making pickled onions (cebolla en escabeche).

  • The first method is to boil the onions in water, then add the other ingredients.
  • The second is to marinate the red onions in lime juice and vinegar. No cooking involved. My favorite way? This easy no-cook version!

📖 Recipe Steps

Mexican Pickled Onions | Easy 10-Minute Recipe | Confetti & Bliss (4)
  • STEP 1: Thinly slice the red onion(s) about 1/8 inch thick.
  • STEP 2: Add the onions to a glass jar or small bowl.
  • STEP 3: Add garlic clove, oregano, bay leaf and peppercorns. Season with salt. If desired, grind a bit of black pepper over the top.
  • STEP 4: Add vinegar to the jar. Squeeze lime juice over the top. With a spoon, mix the ingredients together. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 hour, or overnight. The longer the onions sit in the liquid, the brighter pink they become! Before serving, adjust salt to taste.

👩🏻‍🍳 KITCHEN SMARTS: When adding the dried oregano, crush it between your fingertips. This releases the flavor and aroma of the dried spice.

Mexican Pickled Onions | Easy 10-Minute Recipe | Confetti & Bliss (5)

🧑🏼‍🍳 Recipe FAQ

These are the most commonly-asked questions for making the BEST Mexican pickled onions, and the most helpful answers for recipe success.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes. This easy recipe can be doubled or tripled. Just use a larger bowl, or several glass jars with lids. This is the ideal condiment for large parties and get togethers.

How to give pickled red onions a touch of heat?

Add a sprinkling of red pepper flakes. Or for a spicier outcome, dial up the heat with jalapeños or thinly-sliced habanero peppers. You can also add in some sliced baby carrots. In the marinade, they’ll soak up some of the heat as well. So delicious!

How to make sweetened pickle onions?

Just add granulated sugar, agave syrup or honey to balance out the tang of the lime juice and vinegar. It’s a flavorful spin on this authentic Mexican pickled onions recipe.

Best container for pickling onions?

Use a glass jar, or a ceramic or glass bowl. Avoid metal or plastic. Metal reacts with vinegar, and plastic containers tend to absorb food odors.

Is it safe to can these quick pickled onions?

No. Not using this specific recipe! It was not developed for canning. But this 👉🏻 pickled onion recipe by Tori’s Kitchen uses special canning equipment and sterilization methods for long-term storage.

How long do pickled onions stay fresh?

When stored in a covered container and kept refrigerated, Mexican pickled onions can stay fresh with a good texture for up to 5 days.

Mexican Pickled Onions | Easy 10-Minute Recipe | Confetti & Bliss (6)

🍽 Recipes to Enjoy with Mexican Pickled Onions

There are so many delicious Mexican recipes to enjoy with this tangy condiment. Here are a few to try right now! Each recipe below is a family favorite.

  • Baja Fish Tacos
  • Carne Asada Fries
  • Steak Fajitas
  • Chicken Tostadas
  • Huevos Rancheros
  • Healthy Burrito Bowl
  • Chicken Taquitos

Rate This Recipe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Friends here in Mexico love these authentic Mexican pickled onions. Both tangy and spicy, they’re a common refrigerator staple. This delicious condiment is also found at street taco stands, and at various restaurants throughout Mexico.

If you agree this recipe’s a keeper, give it a 5-star rating in the comments. Then be a recipe hero. Share it with friends. 📌 Pin it to Pinterest.

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Mexican Pickled Onions | Easy 10-Minute Recipe | Confetti & Bliss (8)

Mexican Pickled Onions

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5 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Denay DeGuzman
  • Total Time: 10 Minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
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Description

Mexican pickled onions is a delicious condiment that’s quick and easy to make. Enjoy these tangy onions on tacos, tostadas, grilled meat, hamburgers, hot dogs, tuna salad, sub sandwiches and more!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 medium red onion
  • 68 Mexican limes (same as “key limes”), depending on juiciness
  • 5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
  • 2 twists freshly-ground black pepper
  • Sea salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice the red onion (about 1/8 inch thick). Add slices to a glass jar, or a small glass or ceramic bowl. (Avoid using a metal container or lid, or a plastic container. Metal reacts with vinegar. Plastic absorbs odors.)
  2. Add garlic clove, oregano, bay leaf and peppercorns. Season with salt. If desired, grind a bit of black pepper over the top.
  3. Add vinegar to the jar. Squeeze lime juice over the top. With a spoon, mix the ingredients together. The liquid should completely cover the onions. If not, add a bit more vinegar and lime juice to the mixture. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Refrigerate 1 hour, or overnight. As the red onions marinate in the liquid, they develop a beautiful hot pink color. Before serving, adjust salt to taste.

Notes

How to give these onions a touch of heat:Add a sprinkling of red pepper flakes. Or for a spicier outcome, dial up the heat with thinly-sliced habanero peppers.

How to slightly sweeten this recipe: Some Mexican family recipes include granulated sugar or agave syrup to balance out the tang. Another option is to add a bit of honey.

How long does this condiment stay fresh? When stored in a covered container (like a mason jar) in the fridge, Mexican pickled onions can stay fresh with a good texture for up to 5 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 Minutes
  • Category: Condiments
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mexican
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Mexican Pickled Onions 👉🏻 Join the Convo

Have you ever tried this Mexican condiment at home or on vacation? Would you like to serve it on Taco Tuesday, or for a Cinco de Mayo celebration? Join the conversation on pickled red onions in the comments below.

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  1. This is a really good recipe for making Mexican picked onions. I originally saw this recipe https://www.mklibrary.com/pickled-red-onions-recipe/ but for to really add some authentic Mexican flavor, your recipe here sure kicked it up a notch! Thanks Mrs Confetti!

    Reply

  2. I love pickled onions and these were so flavourful and delicious! I am definitely going to make these again and again!

    Reply

  3. I’m so excited to make these soon! These Mexican pickled onions look so delicious and flavorful! My hubby is going to love these on burgers.

    Reply

  4. I make pickled onions often and I absolutely love them. This time I tried your Mexican twist and the taste was amazing! From now I’ll be making them using your recipe.

    Reply

  5. I love pickled onions, and this recipe was no exception! Enjoyed these on tacos this evening and it was the perfect touch of flavor; the whole family loved them!

    Reply

  6. I am used to making pickled cucumbers, but I have never thought of using a similar approach to onions. I love the idea! I cannot wait to give it a try!

    Reply

  7. I make a version of these and they are so good! I love your addition of lime. Thanks for sharing your recipe!

    Reply

  8. Love me some pickled onions I could even snack on them. I’ll try your recipe this weekend!

    Reply

  9. This Mexican Pickled onion looks gorgeous. I can definitely put it in my sandwiches and it will be delicious.

    Reply

  10. These marinated onions were amazing! And so easy to make. I served them as a topping for tacos. I’ll definitely be saving this recipe.

    Reply

  11. These pickled onions look so flavourful! I’m gonna try them with the addition of habanero peppers… yum!! This is perfect for Taco Tuesday and Cinco de Mayo.

    Reply

Mexican Pickled Onions | Easy 10-Minute Recipe | Confetti & Bliss (2024)

FAQs

What's the best vinegar to pickle onions? ›

I particularly like a mix of white wine and rice vinegar, and apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are a fun tangy combination. These variations are great, but they're totally optional; your quick pickled onions will be delicious even if you stick to the basic recipe!

Why do you soak onions in salt water before pickling? ›

I always like to salt and soak the onions before pickling. This gets rid of the harsh 'bite' that often makes raw-onions unappetizing. Soaking them for a short time in hot water softens the onions slightly, priming them for quicker, more thorough absorption of the vinegar brine.

How long do homemade pickled onions last in a jar? ›

How long do pickled onions last? These pickled onions willdevelop flavour over time, during which the acidity will also mellow. You can make and store them for a few weeks, or up to six months before opening. Once opened, they need to be chilled and used within two weeks.

Are pickled onions still healthy? ›

What makes pickled red onions so healthy? Red onions are rich in folate, or vitamin B9, which can improve cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of a stroke. Our pickled red onions contain many other vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C.

Should you salt onions before pickling? ›

Salt is a very important component when pickling, as it helps prevent the production of harmful bacteria by drawing out moisture. There are two types of 'salting'. Dry salting prior to the pickling process (which the recipe below uses) or wet salting, which uses a brine as part of the pickling process.

Is white vinegar or apple cider vinegar better for pickling? ›

Because apple cider vinegar is made from apples rather than barley, corn rice or wine, it gives pickles a mellower taste. Using a white distilled vinegar, for example, will create a harsher flavour. But as well as being gentler on your palate, using apple cider vinegar also adds health benefits to pickles.

How long should you leave pickled onions before eating? ›

Seal the jars and leave to cool. The onions will be ready to eat after about 1 month or better if kept for 2. Once opened store in the fridge.

Why boil vinegar for pickling? ›

No, there are other methods for pickling, including quick pickling and refrigerator pickling. But this pickling method does call for boiling the brine. This process helps bloom the flavors of the ingredients and help speed up the pickling process when it's added to the fresh vegetables or fruit.

How long to brine onions before pickling? ›

Once peeled, layer in a bowl and sprinkle each layer with salt. Cover and leave overnight or up to 24hrs. Meanwhile pour the vinegar and sugar into a large saucepan with the peppercorns, mustard seeds and bay leaves.

Why do pickled onions go bad? ›

Temperature, light, and humidity can all affect how long your home-canned pickled onions last, so be sure to store them somewhere that is dark and dry with a cool, even temperature. Fluctuations that can lead to freezing or overheating will cause them to go bad prematurely, so choose your storage location carefully.

What kind of vinegar do you use for pickling? ›

Most pickle recipes call for distilled white vinegar. This is the clear, colorless vinegar made by fermenting grains. It has a mellow aroma, tart acid flavor and does not affect the color of light-colored vegetables or fruits.

Can you reuse the water from pickled onions? ›

Yes, you can reuse pickle brine. From what it is to how to use, here's what to know about leftover pickle juice.

Are pickled onions bad for high blood pressure? ›

Pickles are very high in sodium because it's an important part of the brining process. Consuming too much salt in your daily diet can contribute to high blood pressure. Anyone who is on blood pressure medication or looking to reduce their sodium intake should eat pickles in moderation or look for low sodium options.

Do pickled onions burn belly fat? ›

Weight loss is about burning more calories than you eat, so simply eating pickles won't melt away the pounds. But pickles are low in calories — so they can fit into a weight loss, calorie-controlled diet — and have some properties that might help with fat loss.

How many pickled onions for 5 a day? ›

Pickled gherkins and pickled onions

They might be made from vegetables, but these don't count because they almost always have sugar and/or salt added. There can be big differences between products and brands, so if you're buying pickles, check the label and choose the one with the lowest salt and sugar.

Which vinegar is best for quick pickling? ›

Distilled white vinegar is the most commonly used, because it has a clean, crisp flavor that retains the produce's original taste and color best. Apple cider vinegar lends a milder, sweeter flavor if you don't mind the darker color. White wine, red wine and champagne vinegar all are great to use with pickling.

Is there a difference between regular vinegar and pickling vinegar? ›

“Pickling vinegar” is a term that is usually used for vinegar PLUS spices and flavorings that are ready for use to pickle a vegetable. White vinegar is a component of pickling vinegar, as is salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, etc. Pickling vinegar is more acidic than regular vinegar.

Are onions pickled in vinegar good for you? ›

Pickled red onions can be part of a healthy diet. Adding fermented foods to your diet helps with a healthy gut.

Why do you soak onions in vinegar? ›

You can get rid of the strong taste by soaking sliced onions in ice water for 20 to 30 minutes or by sprinkling them with an acid such as vinegar. Onions soaked in ice water will get very crisp while those sprinkled with vinegar will soften a bit, but they will lose the strong taste and become sweeter.

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