Name: Mexican Pickled Onions
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 medium red onion; 2 sprigs fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano); 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 cup white wine vinegar (can use apple cider vinegar for sweeter results); 1/2 cup hot water (very hot tap water will work fine. No need to boil).; Optional - 1 tablespoon black peppercorns; Optional - 2 cloves peeled, smashed garlic

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Mexican Pickled Onions, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee on salads and tacos and sandwiches and avocado toast and…. you get the point. (My favorite is topping my creamy white chicken chili with them!)

Pickled onions are great on nearly everything. (I love to toss them with my air fryer frozen shrimp for an easy meal!) And Mexican pickled onions take it to the next level. Tangy, punchy, and very authentic tasting – you’ll love them as much as I do!

The Science Behind the Food

I have focused on the biology and science of healthy food ever since embarking on my anti-inflammatory diet. It is essential to my overall health to keep chronic inflammation at bay. And these Mexican pickled onions fit squarely into my overall healthy eating plan.

Get my free Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Eat and Avoid here.

So, are pickled onions good for you? Yes! Plus they taste great. Red onions are chock full of antioxidants that help protect your body from free radicals. And, in turn, protect you from certain types of cancer.

Additionally, red onions have a high concentration of anthocyanins from the pigment. These micronutrients are helpful in fighting type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and can even benefit brain health and memory.

Mexican pickled onions give you all of the great health benefits onions have plus they take your cooking to a whole new level!

What is the Best Onion to Use in Mexican Food?

Onions are a staple in Mexican food. White onions are the most traditionally used onion throughout Mexico. But red onions are also common.

These Mexican pickled onions are a delicious blend of traditional Mexican flavors and the pungent, slightly sweet taste of red onions.

The red onions offer the most health benefits, as discussed above. But you can also use traditional white onions in this recipe. They will lack the beautiful, vibrant color, but will still taste great.

What’s the Difference Between Pickled Onions and Fermented Onions

People often think pickled onions and fermented onions are the same thing, but they are not. Both are great and both are good for you, but there are differences.

Pickled onions are quick to make (taking an hour or less for desired results). They use a combination of onions, vinegar, salt, and a bit of sweetener. They are crisp and easy to make.

Fermented onions are made with onions and a little bit of salt. And time. Much more time. True fermented onions take about a week to make.

The fermenting process is usually done at room temperature over the course of a week. During this time, the fermenting onions foster the growth of healthy bacteria that are good for the gut. After about a week, the fermented onions are put in the fridge and last up to two months.

Both are very good. They will have different flavor profiles, but both can be used in all kinds of recipes. These Mexican pickled onions are not fermented but offer a fantastic punch to any meal.

Ingredients Used In Mexican Pickled Onions

Red Onion – 1 medium onion will fit nicely into a standard mason jar (see full recipe below).
White Wine Vinegar – You can also use apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter result.
Hot Water – It does not need to be boiling. Just hot.
Limes – Lime juice gives the Mexican pickled onions a distinctive, authentic taste.
Oregano – A few sprigs of fresh or a little dried will do the trick.
Salt – The necessary ingredient for the pickling process.
Honey – optional if you like sweeter onions.
Optional Add-Ins – Peppercorns and peeled, smashed garlic add nice subtle flavors.

How To Make Mexican Pickled Onions

Peel and slice the onion with a sharp knife or mandoline and place in a mason jar. (See full recipe below.)
Add the vinegar, hot water, lime juice, oregano, salt, and honey (if using).
Add additional flavor add-ins if using.
Secure the lid and shake well. The Mexican pickled onions will be ready in 30 minutes.

Equipment Used for this Recipe

Level up your fresh and tasty meals. These onions taste great, they’re good for you, and they’re super easy to make!