Wicked Simple BBQ Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Last Updated:
June 11, 2024
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This is a “quick-pickle” for BBQ Red onions that requires minimal ingredients.

They’re tangy, sweet, aromatic, and offer a great crunch.

bbq pickled red onions recipe

Ingredients for BBQ Pickled Red Onions

  • 1 Red Onion
  • 1 tbsp Black Peppercorns
  • 1 Cup Distilled White Vinegar
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 1.5 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1.5 tbsp white sugar

Cut Onions to Desired Shape

I like mine in strips so that’s what I did.

slice orientation for red onions

Boil Pickling Liquid

Bring to a boil:

  • 1 Cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1 Cup water
  • 1.5 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1.5 tbsp white sugar

Add Peppercorns to Mason Jar then the Onions, then Pickling Liquid

Put 1tbsp peppercorns and as many red onions as you can fit into the mason jar.

Once your pickling liquid is at a boil, pour over the top of the onions and fill the jar.

top down view of pickled red onions in mason jar

Cover with a lid.

Allow to cool before storing in the refrigerator. The flavors are better the following day.

Quick BBQ Pickled Red Onions

Tangy, Sweet, Aromatic, and Crunchy
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time5 minutes
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 Whole Large Red Onion
  • 1 Tbsp Black Peppercorns

Brine Liquid

  • 1 Cup Distilled White Vinegar
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 1.5 Tbsp Kosher salt
  • 1.5 Tbsp White Sugar

Instructions

Making Dill Pickle Brine Liquid

  • In a medium pot combine ingredients and ensure kosher salt is dissolved.
    1 Cup Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Cup Water, 1.5 Tbsp Kosher salt, 1.5 Tbsp White Sugar
  • Bring this mixture to a boil.
    Once boiling, take off heat.

Slice Red Onion and Add Peppercorns to Mason Jar

  • Slice red onion – I prefer to slice with the grain (pictured above).
  • Add peppercorns to mason jar.
    1 Tbsp Black Peppercorns
  • Add sliced red onion to mason jar. Adding as many as you can fit.
  • Pour or ladle hot brine liquid over the red onions. You want to fill all the way to the top.
  • Cover the mason jar with your lids and then allow to cool.
  • Once cooled, store in your refrigerator. The flavor will continue to improve over the next couple of days.

Notes

These pickled red onions are meant to be used in a couple weeks – hence the small batch. 
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Dylan Clay
Dylan Clay is a pitmaster based in New Hampshire, with over 17 years of experience in grilling, smoking, and dehydrating meat. Throughout this time, he has worked with nearly every cut of meat. In 2019, he launched the Barbecue FAQ website to share his extensive knowledge about all things meat, aiming to assist others in making better barbecue at home.

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