Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
Introduction
Pickled onions add a tangy crunch that brightens any dish, from salads to sandwiches. This simple recipe inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s method uses a balanced brine for quick and flavorful results perfect for home cooks.

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 onions and divide them evenly between 2–3 sterilized jars.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
- Step 3: Allow the brine to cool slightly until it is warm but not hot.
- Step 4: Pour the warm brine over the sliced onions in the jars, making sure they are fully submerged.
- Step 5: Leave the jars uncovered and allow them to cool to room temperature.
- Step 6: Seal the jars tightly and place them in the refrigerator.
- Step 7: The pickled onions are ready to enjoy after 1 hour but develop the best flavor after resting overnight.
Tips & Variations
- Add garlic cloves and mixed peppercorns to the jars for extra aroma and complexity.
- Use cane sugar for a smoother sweetness; brown sugar can add a deeper flavor.
- Ensure the jars and lids are sterilized to extend shelf life and keep the pickles fresh.
- Try using red wine vinegar instead of white vinegar for a different tangy profile.
Storage
Store the sealed jars of pickled onions in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 weeks. For best texture and flavor, consume within the first 10 days. Reheat is not necessary; these onions are enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions?
Yes, while red onions work best for color and flavor, white or sweet onions can also be pickled using this recipe.
How long do pickled onions last in the fridge?
Properly stored, pickled onions will stay fresh for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
PrintGordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
Gordon Ramsay’s Pickled Onions recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to create tangy, crisp pickled onions perfect for enhancing salads, sandwiches, and more. Made with simple ingredients and a straightforward process, these pickled onions balance the acidity of vinegar with sweetness and a hint of spice, delivering a vibrant condiment that elevates any dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including resting time)
- Yield: Approximately 2 to 3 jars (serves about 6–8 as a condiment) 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
- Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the two small red onions and evenly divide the slices into 2 to 3 sterilized jars, ensuring they are ready to absorb the brine.
- Make 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 while stirring until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved, creating a balanced pickling solution.
- Cool the Brine: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the brine to cool slightly until it is warm but not hot, which helps maintain the texture of the onions during pickling.
- Pour the Brine Over Onions: Carefully pour the warm brine into the jars, fully submerging the sliced onions to ensure they pickle evenly and thoroughly.
- Cool to Room Temperature: Leave the jars uncovered and allow them to cool to room temperature, preparing them for refrigeration.
- Seal and Refrigerate: Once cooled, seal the jars tightly and place them in the refrigerator to chill and develop flavor.
- Rest and Serve: The pickled onions are ready to eat after 1 hour but achieve optimal flavor and texture after resting overnight in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use sterilized jars to extend shelf life and maintain food safety.
- Adjust sweetness and saltiness by modifying sugar and salt quantities to taste.
- Optional garlic cloves and mixed peppercorns add depth and aromatic complexity to the pickled onions.
- Pickled onions will keep well refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- For a crunchier texture, slice onions thinly and avoid overheating the brine.
Keywords: pickled onions, quick pickles, Gordon Ramsay, condiment, red onions, homemade pickles

