Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe

Introduction

Pickled onions add a tangy crunch that brightens up any meal, from sandwiches to salads. This simple recipe inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s method makes perfectly balanced, flavorful 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

1. Step 1: Thinly slice the onions and divide them evenly between 2–3 sterilized jars.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt. Heat gently while stirring until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
3. Step 3: Allow the brine to cool slightly until it’s warm but not hot.
4. Step 4: Pour the warm brine over the onions in the jars, making sure the onions are fully submerged.
5. Step 5: Leave the jars uncovered to cool to room temperature.
6. Step 6: Once cooled, seal the jars tightly and place them in the refrigerator.
7. Step 7: The pickled onions are ready to eat after 1 hour, but their flavor improves if left to rest overnight.

Tips & Variations

• Add garlic cloves and mixed peppercorns to the jars for extra depth of flavor.
• If you prefer a sweeter pickle, increase the cane sugar slightly to taste.
• Use red wine vinegar instead of white vinegar for a richer color and slightly different flavor.
• Sterilize jars by boiling them or running them through a hot dishwasher cycle to ensure the pickles keep longer.

Storage

Store the sealed jars of pickled onions in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 weeks. For best texture and flavor, consume within this time. Reheat is not necessary—serve cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How thin should I slice the onions?

Slice the onions as thinly as possible using a sharp knife or a mandoline to ensure they pickle evenly and absorb the brine well.

Can I use other types of onions?

Yes, you can use white or yellow onions, but red onions provide the best color and a slightly milder taste perfect for pickling.

Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 98 reviews

Gordon Ramsay’s Pickled Onions recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to preserve red onions with a tangy, sweet, and salty brine. Perfect for adding a zesty crunch to salads, sandwiches, or as a condiment, these pickled onions are quick to prepare and develop the best flavors after resting overnight in the fridge.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including 1 hour minimum resting time)
• Yield: Approximately 2 cups pickled onions 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pickled Onions

• 2 small red onions, thinly sliced

Brine

• 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

1. Slice the onions: Thinly slice the 2 small red onions and divide the slices evenly between 2 to 3 sterilized jars, ensuring the onions are loosely packed but with room for the brine.
2. Prepare the brine: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups white vinegar, 2 cups water, ⅓ cup cane sugar, and 2 tablespoons sea salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat while stirring continuously until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved into the liquid.
3. Cool the brine: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the brine to cool slightly until it is warm to the touch, but not hot, to avoid cooking the onions immediately.
4. Pour brine over onions: Carefully pour the warm brine over the sliced onions in the jars, ensuring they are completely submerged to maximize pickling.
5. Cool and seal jars: Allow the jars to cool to room temperature uncovered, then seal tightly with their lids to prevent air from entering during refrigeration.
6. Refrigerate and rest: Place the sealed jars in the refrigerator. The pickled onions will be ready to eat after 1 hour, but the flavors will deepen and improve after resting overnight.

Notes

• Use sterilized jars to ensure longer shelf life and prevent spoilage.
• Optional ingredients like garlic cloves and mixed peppercorns add extra flavor but can be omitted for a simpler taste.
• These pickled onions keep well refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
• The onions will maintain a crunchy texture thanks to the quick pickling process.
• Feel free to experiment by adding herbs such as thyme or bay leaves for different flavor profiles.

Keywords: pickled onions, quick pickles, Gordon Ramsay, condiment, British recipes, tangy onions, easy pickles, preserved onions