Hawaiian Pickled Onions Recipe are tangy, sweet and colorful. They add a bright flavor to sandwiches, tacos, salads and grilled meats. Making them at home is simple and fast.
Learning how to make Hawaiian Pickled Onions is easy and the result is a vibrant and tasty condiment. These pickled onions have a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess from vinegar and pineapple juice.
Once you try this recipe, you will want to add them to many dishes. This recipe is perfect for quick pickles with tropical flavor.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made Hawaiian Pickled Onions for a backyard barbecue. The pink onions looked beautiful on the table. Their sweet and tangy flavor added a fresh taste to grilled chicken and tacos. I was surprised how easy they were to make.
Within a few minutes, the onions were ready to soak in the pickling liquid. The next day, the flavor was even better. Now, I keep this recipe handy for sandwiches, salads and burgers.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Hawaiian Pickled Onions
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Course: Condiment / Side
- Cuisine: Hawaiian / Fusion
- Calories: 15 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Small pot
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Glass jar or airtight container
- Bowl for soaking (optional)
Ingredients You Need for Hawaiian Pickled Onions
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Instructions
- Slice the Onion
Peel the red onion. Slice it thinly into rings or half-moons. Keep slices uniform for even pickling. - Mix Pickling Liquid
In a small pot, combine pineapple juice, vinegar, water, sugar and salt. Stir until sugar dissolves. - Heat the Mixture
Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer on medium heat for 3–5 minutes to blend flavors. - Add Pepper and Spices
Add black pepper, bay leaf and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine well. - Pour Liquid Over Onion
Place onion slices in a glass jar or bowl. Pour hot pickling liquid over onions carefully. - Cool to Room Temperature
Let onions sit at room temperature until the liquid cools completely. This helps flavor absorb evenly. - Refrigerate to Pickle
Cover jar or container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, preferably overnight for best flavor. - Serve and Enjoy
Use Hawaiian Pickled Onions as a topping for tacos, sandwiches, burgers, or salads. They are colorful and flavorful.
Recipe Tips
- Slice onions thin for quicker pickling.
- Use fresh pineapple juice for natural sweetness.
- Store in glass jars for better flavor and freshness.
- Let pickled onions sit overnight for the best taste.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar to your preferred sweetness or tanginess.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 15 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Serving Suggestions
Hawaiian Pickled Onions are perfect on tacos, sandwiches, burgers and grilled meats. They also add color to salads and grain bowls. Use them to brighten up breakfast dishes like avocado toast.
Their sweet and tangy flavor complements rich or spicy dishes, creating balance. Serve them as a simple side with Hawaiian-style meals or barbecue platters.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Grilled chicken or pork
- Fish tacos or shrimp tacos
- Burgers or sandwiches
- Rice bowls or grain bowls
- Fresh salads or avocado toast
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store Hawaiian Pickled Onions in a sealed glass jar in the fridge. They last up to 2 weeks. No reheating is needed. Just use cold directly from the jar. Shake jar before using if onions sit for a few days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to maintain fresh taste.
FAQs about Hawaiian Pickled Onions
Q1: Can I make these pickled onions without pineapple juice?
Yes, you can use extra apple cider vinegar or orange juice. Flavor will be slightly different but still tasty.
Q2: How long do pickled onions last in the fridge?
They can last up to 2 weeks if stored in a sealed jar and kept cold.
Q3: Can I use white or yellow onions instead of red onions?
Yes, but red onions give the classic pink color and sweeter taste preferred in this recipe.
Q4: Can I make these spicy?
Yes, add more red pepper flakes or a small slice of jalapeño to the pickling liquid.
Q5: Can I make a large batch for parties?
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients and store in multiple jars. The flavor improves as they sit overnight.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Pickled Onions are simple, colorful and full of flavor. Learning how to make Hawaiian Pickled Onions is easy and quick.
The combination of sweet pineapple juice and tangy vinegar makes these onions versatile for many dishes. Add them to tacos, sandwiches, burgers, salads or grilled meats for extra taste.
With this easy step-by-step guide, you can enjoy a tropical and vibrant condiment at home anytime. Try this recipe today and bring a bright, tangy twist to your meals.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
