Bright, sharp, and ridiculously easy to make — the Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe brings a burst of flavor to burgers, salads, tacos, and anything else that needs a little extra punch. Perfect for gatherings or as a simple side dish, these pickled onions are not only quick to prepare but also offer a delightful tang that elevates any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up these pickled onions in under 15 minutes.
- Versatile Use: Great with burgers, salads, and more — they complement various dishes.
- Customizable Flavor: Add garlic or peppercorns for an extra kick according to your taste.
- Long-Lasting: Once made, they can be stored in the fridge for weeks.
- Healthy Addition: Low in calories yet high in flavor, they’re a guilt-free topping.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe efficiently, having the right tools will ensure a smooth process and great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sterilized jars
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Sterilized jars: Keeps your pickled onions safe from bacteria and prolongs their shelf life.
- Saucepan: Essential for heating the brine ingredients until fully dissolved.
- Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for thinly slicing the onions quickly and safely.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting onions evenly.

Ingredients
Bright, sharp, and ridiculously easy to make — these quick pickled onions bring a burst of flavor to burgers, salads, tacos, and anything else that needs a little extra punch.
For the Pickling Brine
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- ⅓ cup cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
For the Onions
- 2 small red onions, thinly sliced
- (Optional) 2 garlic cloves
- (Optional) 1 teaspoon mixed peppercorns
Instructions:
1. Thinly slice the onions and divide between 2–3 sterilized jars.
2. Heat vinegar, water, sugar, and sea salt in a saucepan, stirring until fully dissolved.
3. Let the brine cool slightly until warm, not hot.
4. Pour the warm brine over the onions, fully submerging them.
5. Allow jars to cool to room temperature uncovered.
6. Seal the jars and refrigerate.
7. Ready to eat after 1 hour but best after resting overnight.
Servings: 3
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: British
Keywords: Pickled Onions Recipe
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 5 cal
How to Make Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Onions
Begin by thinly slicing the red onions. Aim for even slices so they’ll pickle uniformly. Divide them between your sterilized jars.
Step 2: Prepare the Brine
In a saucepan:
1. Combine white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt.
2. Heat over medium heat while stirring until everything is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Cool the Brine
Remove the saucepan from heat:
1. Allow it to cool slightly until it’s warm but not hot.
Step 4: Pour Over Onions
Carefully pour the warm brine over your sliced onions in the jars:
– Ensure all onions are fully submerged in liquid.
Step 5: Cool & Store
Let your jars cool at room temperature:
– Once cooled uncovered, seal them tightly with lids.
Step 6: Refrigerate
Place your sealed jars into the refrigerator:
– Your pickled onions will be ready to enjoy after just one hour but taste best after resting overnight!
How to Serve Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
These pickled onions are versatile and can enhance a variety of dishes. Their tangy flavor pairs well with many foods, making them an excellent addition to your meals.
On Tacos
- Add a sprinkle of pickled onions on top of tacos for a refreshing crunch and acidity that complements savory fillings.
In Salads
- Toss pickled onions into salads to brighten up the flavors. They work well with leafy greens and creamy dressings.
With Sandwiches
- Layer them in sandwiches or burgers for added zest. They contrast beautifully with rich meats or spreads.
As a Snack
- Enjoy them straight from the jar as a crunchy snack. Their bold flavor makes them addictive!
On Charcuterie Boards
- Include pickled onions on charcuterie boards alongside cheeses and cured meats for a flavorful contrast.
How to Perfect Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
Crafting the perfect pickled onions is simple with a few tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your recipe.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh red onions yield the best flavor and texture, so choose firm ones without blemishes.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar content based on your taste preference. More sugar creates a sweeter brine.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding other spices like cumin or coriander for unique flavor variations in your pickling process.
- Chill before serving: Letting the pickled onions rest overnight enhances their flavor, making them even more delicious when served.
- Store properly: Keep the jars sealed in the refrigerator; they can last up to 2 weeks, maintaining their crispness and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Gordon Ramsay pickled onions will create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Grilled Chicken Salad: A light salad featuring grilled chicken, mixed greens, and drizzled with vinaigrette complements the tangy pickles.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and sweetness, contrasting beautifully with the sharpness of the onions.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs offers a wholesome base that pairs nicely with the bright pickles.
- Spicy Hummus Dip: Serve spicy hummus alongside pita chips as a starter; it balances heat with the coolness of pickled onions.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Quick stir-fried vegetables seasoned lightly provide a crunchy texture that works well with these acidic bites.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots complements the flavors, enhancing any barbecue meal.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins serve as an excellent counterpart, balancing out the tartness of the pickles.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: These naturally sweet potatoes bring warmth and earthiness, pairing wonderfully with sharp flavors from the onions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making pickled onions can be simple, but there are common missteps that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using dull knives: A dull knife makes slicing onions difficult and can lead to uneven cuts. Always use a sharp knife for clean, thin slices.
- Skipping sterilization: Not sterilizing jars can introduce bacteria. Ensure your jars are properly sterilized before adding the onions.
- Using cold brine: Pouring cold brine over the onions prevents proper pickling. Always use warm brine to fully submerge the onions.
- Overlooking resting time: Eating them too soon means missing out on optimal flavor. Allow the pickled onions to rest overnight for the best taste.
- Ignoring storage conditions: Storing improperly may reduce shelf life. Make sure to seal jars well and refrigerate for freshness.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers or sealed jars for maximum freshness.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
- Freezing is not recommended as it may alter texture and flavor.
- If necessary, freeze in an airtight container, but consume within 1 month.
Reheating Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
- Oven: Not applicable; these are served cold.
- Microwave: Not recommended; they lose crunchiness when reheated.
- Stovetop: Simply add them back into a dish if needed, but they’re best enjoyed fresh from the jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to slice onions for pickling?
Thin slices work best as they absorb brine quickly. Use a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform thickness.
How long do I have to wait before I can eat my Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe?
You can enjoy them after just one hour, but letting them sit overnight improves flavor significantly.
Can I customize my Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add herbs like dill or spices such as chili flakes for extra flavor.
Why do my pickled onions turn mushy?
Mushy pickles often result from over-soaking or using old onions. Ensure your produce is fresh and monitor soaking times carefully.
Final Thoughts
The Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe is a vibrant addition to many dishes, enhancing flavors with its tangy bite. Their versatility allows you to customize them based on your preferences, making them an excellent condiment for burgers, salads, and more. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make it your own!
Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 servings 1x
Description
Bright, tangy, and unbelievably easy to make, the Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe is your new go-to condiment for any meal. These quick pickled onions are the perfect addition to burgers, salads, tacos, and more, providing a delightful crunch and zesty flavor that elevates every bite. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this recipe can be whipped up in under 15 minutes. Not only are they versatile and customizable to fit your taste preferences, but they also store well in the fridge for weeks. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a way to jazz up your meals, these pickled onions are an ideal solution.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- ⅓ cup cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 2 small red onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: 2 garlic cloves
- Optional: 1 teaspoon mixed peppercorns
Instructions
- Thinly slice the red onions and divide them between sterilized jars.
- In a saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt; heat over medium until fully dissolved.
- Allow the brine to cool slightly until warm.
- Pour the warm brine over the onions in the jars, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Let the jars cool at room temperature before sealing tightly.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before enjoying (best after resting overnight).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg