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Pickled Pearl Onions

This vibrant vegan recipe for pickled pearl onions is a pantry staple that brings a bright, acidic pop to any meal. Using frozen onions makes the preparation incredibly simple, skipping the tedious peeling process while maintaining a delicious crunch. Infused with toasted fennel seeds, coriander and a hint of chilli, these onions offer a complex sweet and savoury flavour profile that pairs beautifully with various dishes.

Serve these versatile pickles alongside a traditional ploughman’s lunch, or use them to cut through the richness of a plant-based roast. They are also an excellent addition to a festive cheeseboard or finely sliced into a crisp winter salad. Making your own preserves at home is an easy way to elevate your cooking with minimal effort and high-quality ingredients.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Pickled Pearl Onions

  • 2 (350g) bags frozen pearl onions, thawed

  • 2 tablespoons coriander seeds

  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds

  • 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns

  • 1 whole dried chilli de árbol or 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

  • 5 sprigs thyme

  • 650ml red wine vinegar

  • 325ml sugar

How to make Pickled Pearl Onions

Bring a large saucepan of heavily salted water to a boil. Add onions and cook until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large heatproof bowl.

Cook coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and peppercorns in another large saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Add chilli, thyme, vinegar, and sugar; bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; add to bowl with onions. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and chill at least 12 hours before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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