Pickled Red Onions for Tacos (Easy and Full of Flavor)

Español I’ll never understand how some people don’t like onions. When I was about three years old, my mom says she found me eating a whole onion… just biting into it like an apple! And honestly, I still love them just as much today.

There’s no better topping for tacos than pickled red onions. They add that perfect balance of tangy, fresh, and slightly sweet flavor that takes any dish to the next level.

This easy pickled red onion recipe made with vinegar is simple, quick, and absolutely delicious. But I have to confess—my soy sauce version is also incredible. So if you really want to impress, make both and let everyone pick their favorite

These onions are the perfect topping for my crispy potato tacos, but they go well with so many dishes.

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Ingredients

1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sugar
½ cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (I use avocado oil)
½ cup finely chopped bell pepper
(traditionally made with habanero pepper, but you can substitute for a milder option)

How to Make Pickled Red Onions

• Prepare the mixture

In a container with a lid, mix the vinegar, sugar, salt, oregano, and oil.

• Add the onions

Add the thinly sliced red onion and chopped pepper.

• Mix well

Stir everything together until the onions are fully coated.

• Let them rest

Let sit for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The longer they sit, the more flavor they develop.

Tips for the Best Pickled Onions:

Slice the onions as thin as possible
For a milder flavor, rinse the onions before mixing
Let them rest in the fridge for a few hours for deeper flavor
What to Serve with Pickled Red Onions

These pickled onions for tacos are perfect with:

Crispy potato tacos
Shrimp tacos
Mushroom tacos
Tostadas or quesadillas