Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
Introduction
Pickled onions add a tangy crunch that elevates salads, sandwiches, and more. This simple recipe from Gordon Ramsay uses a balanced brine to create perfectly pickled onions in no time.

Ingredients
- 2 small red onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- ⅓ cup cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- (Optional) 2 garlic cloves
- (Optional) 1 teaspoon mixed peppercorns
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice the red onions and divide them evenly between 2 or 3 sterilized jars.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, heat the white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt, stirring until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved.
- Step 3: Let the brine cool slightly until it is warm but not hot to the touch.
- Step 4: Pour the warm brine over the onions, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Step 5: Allow the jars to cool to room temperature uncovered.
- Step 6: Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate.
- Step 7: The pickled onions are ready to eat after 1 hour but develop the best flavor after resting overnight.
Tips & Variations
- Add garlic cloves and mixed peppercorns to the jars for extra flavor complexity.
- Use red wine vinegar instead of white vinegar for a slightly different taste and color.
- Sterilize your jars by boiling them in hot water to ensure longer shelf life.
Storage
Store the pickled onions in sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors will intensify over time. Serve chilled or at room temperature. No reheating needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
How long do pickled onions last in the fridge?
Properly stored in a sealed jar, pickled onions can last up to 2 weeks refrigerated, maintaining good flavor and texture.
Can I use other types of onions instead of red onions?
While red onions are preferred for their color and sweetness, you can use white or yellow onions, but the flavor will be slightly different and less vibrant.
PrintGordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
Gordon Ramsay’s Pickled Onions recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enhance your dishes with tangy, sweet, and slightly salty thinly sliced red onions. Perfect as a condiment or accompaniment, these pickled onions are easy to prepare and can be ready to enjoy within an hour, though their flavor improves after resting overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including resting time)
- Yield: 2–3 jars (about 4 cups pickled onions) 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pickled Onions
- 2 small red onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- ⅓ cup cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- Optional: 2 garlic cloves
- Optional: 1 teaspoon mixed peppercorns
Instructions
- Slice the Onions: Thinly slice the red onions and evenly divide them between 2 to 3 sterilized jars, preparing them for pickling.
- Prepare the Brine: In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt. Heat gently, stirring continuously until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved.
- Cool the Brine: Remove the brine from heat and allow it to cool slightly until it is warm but not hot to the touch, to preserve the onion texture.
- Submerge the Onions: Pour the warm brine over the sliced onions in the jars, ensuring they are completely submerged to allow even pickling.
- Initial Cooling: Leave the jars uncovered and allow them to cool down to room temperature naturally.
- Seal and Refrigerate: Once cooled, seal the jars tightly and place them in the refrigerator to pickle.
- Rest and Serve: The pickled onions are ready to eat after 1 hour but develop the best flavor when left to rest overnight in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Sterilize jars properly before use to ensure safe preservation.
- Adjust sugar and salt levels to taste for sweetness or saltiness preference.
- Optional garlic cloves and mixed peppercorns add aromatic flavor but can be omitted.
- Store pickled onions in the fridge and consume within 2-3 weeks for optimal freshness.
- Use these pickled onions as a topping for salads, sandwiches, tacos, or grilled meats.
Keywords: pickled onions, quick pickles, Gordon Ramsay pickled onions, red onions condiment, easy pickling, tangy onions, refrigerator pickles

