Hot Honey Pickled Red Onions Recipe
Introduction
Hot honey pickled red onions add a vibrant, sweet, and spicy kick to any dish. They’re quick to prepare and bring zesty flavor to tacos, salads, and sandwiches with just a few simple ingredients.

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
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Place the sliced red onions in a jar or container.
- Step 4: Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Step 5: Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then seal the jar and refrigerate.
- Step 6: Allow the onions to pickle for at least 24 hours before using for the best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your taste.
- Try adding garlic cloves or fresh herbs like thyme for extra flavor complexity.
- Use white vinegar or rice vinegar as alternatives for a slightly different tang.
Storage
Store the pickled onions in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks. When ready to use, serve directly from the jar; no reheating is necessary.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
How long do the pickled onions need to sit before eating?
For the best flavor, allow the onions to pickle for at least 24 hours. This time lets the flavors meld and the onions soften slightly.
Can I use this recipe for other types of onions?
Yes, you can use white or yellow onions, but red onions offer the best color and a sweeter flavor that complements the honey well.
PrintHot Honey Pickled Red Onions Recipe
Hot Honey Pickled Red Onions combine the sweetness of honey with the tangy bite of apple cider vinegar and a spicy kick from red pepper flakes. Perfect as a flavorful condiment, these pickled onions add a vibrant zing to tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. Easy to prepare and made with simple ingredients, they bring a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and sour to any dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 day 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 jar (approximately 3 cups) 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pickling Brine
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the brine: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the honey and salt.
- Slice the onions: While the brine heats, thinly slice the large red onion using a sharp knife or mandoline for even slices.
- Combine onions and brine: Place the sliced red onions into a clean jar or container. Carefully pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions, making sure they are completely submerged to ensure proper pickling.
- Cool and refrigerate: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jar with a tight lid and refrigerate.
- Pickling time: Let the onions pickle for at least 24 hours before using, allowing the flavors to fully develop and the onions to soften and absorb the hot honey brine.
Notes
- These pickled onions can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the heat level according to your preference.
- They make a great topping for tacos, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and grilled meats.
Keywords: pickled onions, hot honey pickled onions, spicy pickled onions, condiment, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, sweet and spicy pickles

