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Bowl of vibrant Blazing Honey Pickled Red Onions ready to serve on a rustic wooden table.

Blazing Honey Pickled Red Onions: Sweet, Tangy & Instant Zest

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Elevate your everyday meals with these vibrant, crunchy, and irresistibly flavorful hot honey pickled red onions. Combining the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a gentle kick of heat, these quick pickles are incredibly easy to make and ready to transform your tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more in just 15 minutes of active prep. Say goodbye to bland toppings and hello to a burst of culinary excitement that will have everyone asking for your secret. They’re not just a condiment; they’re a flavor revolution designed to add a dazzling pop to any dish.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings (approx. 2 cups) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup honey (use a hot honey if available, or regular honey)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to desired heat)
  • Optional: 1 bay leaf or a few black peppercorns for extra flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Place the sliced onions into a heat-proof jar or container that can hold about 2 cups.
  2. Craft the Hot Honey Brine: In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, honey, sea salt, and red pepper flakes. If using regular honey, feel free to add a bit more red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the salt and honey are completely dissolved, about 3-4 minutes. Do not boil vigorously.
  3. Combine and Infuse: Carefully pour the hot brine over the sliced red onions in the jar, ensuring all the onions are fully submerged. If using, add the optional bay leaf or peppercorns now. Press down gently on the onions if needed to keep them under the liquid.
  4. Cool and Serve: Allow the jar to sit at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes to cool slightly and allow the flavors to meld. The onions will soften and take on a vibrant pink hue. Once cooled, they are ready to enjoy immediately. For best flavor, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  5. Store: Tightly seal the jar and store the hot honey pickled red onions in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. The flavor will continue to develop over time.

Notes

For an even spicier kick, infuse the brine with a whole dried chili or a few slices of fresh jalapeño. These pickled onions are fantastic on tacos, burgers, salads, avocado toast, and even as a vibrant side to grilled meats. If you prefer a milder pickle, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. Using a mandoline ensures uniformly thin slices for optimal texture and quick pickling.

  • Author: Cook Reel
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Quick Pickling
  • Cuisine: Modern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 28
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 125mg
  • Fat: 0.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Find it online: https://cookreel.com/hot-honey-pickled-red-onions-quick/

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