Get ready to level up your onion cutting game, no matter if you’re dealing with white, sweet, yellow, or red onions! With this super quick, easy, and somewhat unique method, you’ll be chopping onions like a pro in no time. Stick to our step-by-step instructions and video guide, and you’ll be dicing and slicing with confidence!
The Best Way to Cut an Onion
I’ve been told by numerous people that I cut an onion in a very weird way.
Maybe it’s because my Mom was left-handed, or perhaps she just made it up…
But you know what?
It’s hands down the best method I’ve found that uses the least amount of cuts to remove the skin.
The trick? You start by cutting both the ROOT and TOP ends of the onion. Then you have a base that easily lays flat, making it safer for cutting! It’s also MUCH easier to make slices towards the ends of the onion since they’re much thinner than the middle.
Plus, by using the thicker (and often sharper!) portion of the knife, you limit the risk of cutting your fingers!
Cutting an Onion (Instructional Video)
Table of Contents
How to Cut an Onion
Once you know how to chop, slice and dice an onion, cutting becomes an easy and quick part of the cooking process.
1. Cut and Remove the Roots
Place the onion on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to trim the roots and the top off.
2. Cut it in Half
Place the onion on the cutting board with the flat-side down and cut it in half.
3. Remove the Peel
Remove the peel and outer layer from both halves. (This is the thin, papery feeling portion of the onion!)
4. Slice Onions
Place one half of the onion cut-side down. Make cuts vertically into thin or thick slices. Repeat with the other half.
5. Dice Onions
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.
FAQs
Onions are a low calorie, nutrient dense food. One cup of diced onion, which is about one medium onion, has: 40 calories, calcium, potassium, and other minerals. Onions are a beneficial effect on heart health and are disease-fighting antioxidants.
The most common types of onions are:
White onions: slightly pungent and good for using in cooked dishes,
Yellow onions: perfect for caramelizing,
Red onions: mild to spicy flavor that makes them delicious in salads and salsas, and
Sweet onions: 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.
When picking onions, look for firm ones with dry skins. Stay away from any with brown spots or any parts that are soft and mushy.
Keep whole onions in a dry, cool spot on the counter away from sunlight up to several weeks.
Wrap partially used onions tightly in plastic wrap or put them in a sealed, airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Freeze cut onions in a freezer bag for 3-6 months and then add them directly to soups or other cooked dishes.
Why does cutting onions make me cry?
Onions release 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.
- Wear glasses/goggles.
Best Onion Recipes
Onions add pizzazz and flavor to so many dishes. The best onion recipes include:
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How to Cut an Onion
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Ingredients
- 1 onion sweet, red, or yellow
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, trim the two ends of the onion.1 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.
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Video
Notes
- 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.
- Wear glasses/goggles.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
