Learn How to Cut an Onion the best way, and without crying! This step-by-step tutorial shows how to peel the skin, slice, dice, and chop onions. Once you perfect this easy process, use them in a variety of recipes.
Knowing how to cut food properly is crucial for any home cook.
And, specifically knowing how to cut onions is one of the basic cooking skills every beginner should master.
Why?
Because they are everywhere. You’ll find them in everything from fajitas to sauces and kabobs.
They also often act as part of the base of flavors in two basic veggie blends, mirepoix and the holy trinity.
Mirepoix is equal parts of diced carrots, celery, and onions. While the holy trinity is a mix of onions, celery, and bell pepper.
This easy step-by-step guide will teach you how to peel, slice, chop, and finely dice onions. All without crying!
How to Cut an Onion
Below you’ll find the simple steps to follow when cutting an onion:
Step 1: Remove the ends.
Place the onion on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to trim the roots and the top off.
Step 2: Cut the onion in half.
Position the onion on the cutting board with the cut end facing up to keep it steady.
Step 3: Peel the skin and outer layer.
If the peel doesn’t comes off easily on its own, remove both the peel and the outer layer together.
Step 4: Slice the onion.
Place one half of the onion cut-side down on the cutting board. Cut vertically into thin or thick slices depending on what you are using it for. Repeat with the other half.
Step 5: Finely dice the onion.
Hold the vertically sliced onion together and rotate 90 degrees. Make additional cuts perpendicular to the originals and repeat with the other onion half.
Cutting Onions without Crying
Cutting onions doesn’t have to guarantee you’ll be crying your eyes out.
Onions release a chemical irritant known as syn-propanethial-S-oxide, which bothers glands in eyes until they release tears.
Stop crying while you’re cutting them by following these suggestions:
- Chill the onions in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before cutting.
- Use a very sharp knife when cutting.
- Cut under a kitchen fan or vent.
Storing
- To Store: Keep cut onions in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge for up to to 7 days. Partially used onions can also be surrounded tightly in plastic wrap.
- To Freeze: Place cut onions in a freezer bag for 3-6 months. Then add them directly to soups or other cooked dishes.
Types of Onions
There are several types including:
- White onions are slightly pungent and good for using in cooked dishes.
- Yellow onions are versatile and perfect for caramelizing.
- Red onions have deep purple skin and a mild to spicy flavor that makes them delicious in salads and salsas.
- Sweet onions, like Vidalia or Walla Walla, are mild, sweet and lovely in any dish that needs a raw onion.
Some recipes call for particular kinds of onions, but you can substitute one kind for another with no problem.
Selecting Onions
It doesn’t matter what type you are buying.
Look for firm onions with dry skins.
Stay away from any with brown spots or parts that are soft and mushy.
FAQs
Onions release syn-propanethial-S-oxide which can irritate eyes and cause you to tear up.
To avoid crying, try chilling the onion first, and make sure to use a very sharp knife.
Generally a chop is a larger cut than a dice, however the terms are often used interchangeably. Technically speaking, minced is the smallest, diced is slightly bigger, and chopped is the largest.
Remove the ends, cut the onion in half, and make slices. Then, turn the onion 90 degrees while holding the slices together and make perpendicular cuts. See above for more detailed instructions.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Freeze it. Chill the onion before preparing to help avoid irritating your eyes.
- Keep it sharp. Using a sharp knife will also cut down the chances of crying.
- Don’t stress. If the skin is being difficult to peel, simply remove the first outer layer of the onion.
- Adjust the thickness. Thin slices work better for salads, sandwiches, and caramelized onions. Thicker slices are great for kebabs, onion rings, and stir fries.
- Prep ahead. Chop up a bunch of onions and store so you can easily add to recipes all week long.
Best Recipes to use Onions
Onions add pizzazz and flavor to so many dishes. Some of the best onion recipes include:
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
Italian Oven-Roasted Vegetables
How to Cut an Onion
Once you learn How to Cut an Onion, you'll be ready to tackle your favorite recipes—without crying! Simply follow this step-by-step tutorial to learn the best way to peel the skin, then thinly slice, finely dice, or chop onions.
Ingredients
- 1 onion sweet, red, or yellow
Instructions
-
Using a sharp knife, trim the two ends of the onion.
-
Place the onion flat-side down onto the cutting board and cut it in half.
-
Peel and remove the outer layer from both halves of the onion.
-
To cut into slices: Place one half of the onion cut-side down. Make cuts vertically into thin or thick slices. Repeat with the other half.
-
To dice an onion: Place one half of the onion cut-side down. Cut vertical slices that are parallel to each other, trying to keep the onion together as you go. Turn the sliced onion 90 degrees and make additional cuts that are perpendicular to the original cuts. Make cuts closer together for a finely diced onion and cuts further apart for a coarsely chopped onion.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
- To store: Keep cut onions in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge for up to to 10 days. Partially used onions can also be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
- To freeze: Place cut onions in a freezer bag for 3-6 months and then add them directly to soups or other cooked dishes.
Red Wine Vinegar Substitute
Are lemons good for you?
Rice Vinegar Substitute
How to Cut Cauliflower
Leave a Reply