Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and delightful way to elevate your meal, the Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe is just what you need. These vibrant, tangy pickled onions add an instant burst of flavor to burgers, salads, tacos, and so much more. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something extra without the fuss.
Imagine having a jar of these tangy delights in your fridge, ready to complement any dish. Whether you’re hosting friends or just sprucing up a weeknight dinner, these quick pickled onions will impress everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying these pickled onions in no time.
- Versatile flavor booster: They pair perfectly with almost anything—think sandwiches, salads, or even as a snack on their own!
- Make-ahead convenience: Once prepared, they last in the fridge for weeks. Just make a batch ahead of time!
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the punchy flavor that these pickled onions bring to meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Making pickled onions is as easy as pie with these simple and wholesome ingredients. You might already have most of them in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Onions
- 2 small red onions, thinly sliced
For the Brine
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- ⅓ cup cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
Optional Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon mixed peppercorns
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to suit your taste.
- Add some heat: Toss in a few slices of jalapeño or red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Infuse with herbs: Add fresh herbs like dill or thyme to the brine for an herby twist.
- Use different vinegar: Swap out white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a sweeter touch.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding mustard seeds or coriander seeds for unique flavors.
How to Make Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Onions
Start by thinly slicing the red onions. This step is crucial because thinner slices soak up the brine better, resulting in crispier and more flavorful pickles. Divide the sliced onions between 2–3 sterilized jars.
Step 2: Prepare the Brine
In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt. Heat this mixture gently while stirring until everything dissolves completely. It’s important not to let it boil; just warm enough to meld those flavors together!
Step 3: Pour Over Onions
Allow the brine to cool slightly until it’s warm but not hot. Then pour it over the sliced onions in each jar until they are fully submerged. This step ensures that every piece gets that delicious tangy flavor.
Step 4: Cool and Seal
Let the jars cool down to room temperature without sealing them right away. This helps prevent condensation inside the jars which can dilute that lovely briny goodness.
Step 5: Refrigerate
Once cooled, seal the jars tightly and place them in your refrigerator. They are ready to enjoy after just one hour but taste even better if you let them rest overnight!
Now you’re all set! Enjoy this Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe as a staple in your kitchen—it’s bound to become a favorite!
Pro Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
Making pickled onions can be incredibly rewarding, and these tips will help you achieve the perfect crunch and flavor!
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Choose fresh onions – Using fresh, firm red onions ensures a crisp texture. Older onions may become mushy in the pickling process, affecting the final product’s quality.
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Adjust the sweetness – If you prefer a sweeter pickle, feel free to increase the amount of cane sugar. Sweetness balances the acidity of the vinegar and enhances the overall flavor.
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Experiment with spices – Adding extras like garlic or mixed peppercorns can elevate your pickles to new heights. These ingredients infuse additional flavors into the brine, creating a more complex taste.
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Use sterilized jars – Ensuring your jars are properly sterilized prevents unwanted bacteria from spoiling your pickles. This step is crucial for long-lasting results.
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Let them rest – While you can enjoy them after just one hour, letting them sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Patience pays off with this recipe!
How to Serve Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
These vibrant pickled onions are not only delicious but also versatile! You can use them in various dishes or as a stunning garnish to brighten up any meal.
Garnishes
- Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or cilantro adds freshness and color that complements the tangy pickled onions.
- Crumbled feta or vegan cheese: Adding a bit of creamy cheese enhances textures and balances flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
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Tacos: Soft or hard shell tacos filled with grilled vegetables, beans, and topped with these pickled onions create a delicious fiesta on your plate.
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Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and leafy greens pairs wonderfully with the sharpness of pickled onions for a healthy meal option.
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Grilled Chicken or Plant-Based Alternatives: The acidity from the pickled onions cuts through rich grilled meats or veggie burgers, adding a refreshing contrast.
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Rice Bowls: Serve over rice with stir-fried veggies and protein of choice—these pickled onions will add that essential zing!
Enjoy experimenting with these serving suggestions to make your meals even more delightful!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making it easy to add zing to your meals throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Keep your pickled onions in airtight jars in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, allowing you to enjoy them over multiple meals.
- Always use clean utensils when scooping out onions to maintain their freshness.
Freezing
- While pickled onions are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed.
- Place the onions in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some headspace for expansion.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before use.
Reheating
- Since these pickled onions are served cold, there’s no need to reheat them.
- Simply take them out of the fridge and enjoy right away!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe!
How long do Gordon Ramsay pickled onions last?
Gordon Ramsay pickled onions can last up to 2 weeks when stored properly in airtight jars in the refrigerator.
Can I make Gordon Ramsay pickled onions without sugar?
Yes! You can omit the cane sugar if you prefer a less sweet version. However, it does help balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?
Absolutely! While red onions are recommended for their color and flavor, you can experiment with white or yellow onions as well.
Are Gordon Ramsay pickled onions gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as all ingredients used are free from gluten.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe brings a burst of flavor to your meals just as it does in my kitchen! These vibrant little additions are not only easy to make but also elevate any dish they grace. Enjoy making them and don’t hesitate to get creative with your own variations. Happy cooking!
Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
Elevate your meals with this quick and easy Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe. These vibrant, tangy pickled onions add a delicious burst of flavor to burgers, salads, tacos, and more. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is both simple and versatile. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a jar of these delightful pickles in no time. Store them in your fridge for weeks and enjoy their zesty goodness whenever you need an extra flavor boost. This recipe will surely impress your guests and become a staple in your kitchen!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (serves approximately 8) 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American
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
- Thinly slice the red onions and divide them into sterilized jars.
- In a saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt. Heat gently while stirring until dissolved.
- Allow the brine to cool slightly before pouring it over the onions in the jars until fully submerged.
- Let the jars cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
- Enjoy after one hour or let rest overnight for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg