Gordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
Introduction
Pickled onions add a vibrant tangy crunch to a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to salads. This easy Gordon Ramsay recipe delivers perfectly balanced pickled onions that are quick to make and full of flavor.

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 to 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 have fully dissolved.
- Step 3: Allow the brine to cool slightly, ensuring it is warm but not hot to the touch.
- Step 4: Pour the warm brine over the sliced onions in the jars, making sure they are completely submerged. Add garlic cloves and peppercorns if using.
- Step 5: Let the jars cool to room temperature uncovered.
- Step 6: Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate.
- Step 7: The pickled onions are ready to eat after 1 hour but develop the best flavor after resting overnight.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a few slices of fresh chili or a teaspoon of mustard seeds to the jars before pouring the brine.
- If you prefer a sweeter pickle, adjust the cane sugar quantity to taste.
- Use red or white wine vinegar as a variation for a different tang.
Storage
Store pickled onions in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For best texture and flavor, consume within this period. Reheating is not necessary; serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions?
Yes, you can use white or yellow onions, but red onions offer the best color and mild sweetness for pickling.
Do I need to sterilize the jars?
Sterilizing jars helps prevent spoilage and extends shelf life but is not absolutely required if the pickled onions are consumed within a short time and kept refrigerated.
PrintGordon Ramsay Pickled Onions Recipe
Gordon Ramsay’s Pickled Onions recipe features thinly sliced red onions preserved in a tangy and sweet brine made from white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt. This easy pickling method creates crisp, flavorful onions that are perfect as a condiment or addition to salads, sandwiches, and many dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including resting time)
- Yield: Approximately 2 to 3 jars (serves 6–8 as a condiment) 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Pickling 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
- Prepare Onions: Thinly slice the red onions evenly and divide the slices between 2 to 3 sterilized jars to ensure the jars are clean and prevent spoilage.
- Make Brine: In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, cane sugar, and sea salt. Heat gently while stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved, creating a uniform pickling brine.
- Cool Brine: Allow the hot brine to cool down slightly until it is warm but not hot, which prevents cooking the onions and helps preserve their texture.
- Pour Brine: Carefully pour the warm brine over the sliced onions in the jars, making sure the onions are fully submerged to ensure even pickling.
- Cool Jars: Leave the jars uncovered and allow them to cool to room temperature naturally; this step helps prevent condensation and spoilage inside the jar.
- Seal and Refrigerate: Once cooled, tightly seal the jars with lids and place them in the refrigerator to chill and continue pickling.
- Rest and Serve: The pickled onions are ready to eat after 1 hour but develop deeper flavor and crunch if rested overnight in the fridge.
Notes
- Use sterilized jars to maximize shelf life and safety.
- Adjust sugar and salt levels to taste based on preference.
- Optional garlic and peppercorns add additional depth of flavor when included.
- Store refrigerated and consume within 2-3 weeks for best quality.
- Perfect as a tangy topping for burgers, salads, and charcuterie boards.
Keywords: Pickled onions, Gordon Ramsay recipe, homemade pickles, quick pickled onions, tangy onions, easy condiment

