Oh my goodness, are you tired of tearing every time you dice onions? Why does this keep happening to me? 😂 Learn how to chop onions without crying or cutting your finger off!
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This is one of the basic cooking skills that everyone needs to learn and it's not that hard to be efficient while you're at it!
The first things is to start with a sharp knife. The next step will depend if you want chopped, a fine dice, slices or slivered onions.
Instructions
- Remove the tip of the onion so you have a flat surface. Do not cut the root end.
- Place the onion cut side down, slice in half.
- Remove the onion skin - peel off any dry or green skin.
- Make thin slices lengthwise from the tip towards the root end. Don't slice through the root.
- Slice horizontally from the tip to the root end, don't slice through the root.
- Now dice the onion, holding it firmly slice from the top of the onion to the cutting board, moving along
Video
Click on the image to watch this fun video and see me make this recipe from start to finish with extra tips! (Video opens in a new tab).
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Equipment
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FAQ's
To chop an onion finely, first remove the root and stem. Cut the onion in half from the root end to the top. Peel off the skin and discard it. Slice the onion in half from top to bottom and then slice it in half again. Slice the onion lengthwise into thin strips and then cut the strips crosswise into small pieces.
Freezing an onion can help reduce the amount of tears you shed while chopping it. It also helps to keep the onion from browning as quickly.
Chopped onions can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
The difference between the two is the size of the pieces. Chopped onions are cut into large chunks, while minced onions are cut into very small pieces.
The difference is in the shape of the pieces. Julienned onions are cut into thin strips, while sliced onions are cut into thin, flat pieces.
Slivered Onions
Slivered onions are a type of onion that has been cut into thin, long strips. They are often used as a garnish or as an ingredient in salads and other dishes.
How to sliver onions
- First, cut off the stem end of the onion and discard it.
- Lay the cut side flat on the cutting board.
- Cut the onion in half from the root end downward.
- Peel off the skin and discard it.
- Remove the root end.
- Make lengthwise cuts, slicing the onion into thin strips.
Sliced Onions
Sliced onions are a type of onion that has been cut into thin, flat pieces. They are often used as an ingredient in dishes.
How to slice an onion
- First, cut off the root end of the onion and discard it.
- Cut the onion in half from the root end to the top.
- Peel off the skin and discard it.
- Cut the onion in half from top to bottom.
- Cut onion into thin or as thick slices as you'd prefer.
- For onion rings - slice the onion without cutting it in half.
Tips
The proper way to slice onions. Be sure to curl the tips of your fingers when dicing onions so you don't accidentally cut your finger.
Learning to cut onions correctly will save you a trip to the emergency room!
- If you're using a sharp knife, you won't have to use as much force to chop the onion and this will help prevent too many juices from escaping.
- Don't cry when you're chopping onion, no one likes onion tears! Place the onions in the freezer for about 15 minutes before chopping them. This will help to reduce the amount of tears you shed while chopping them.
- If your eyes start to sting while you're cutting the onion, wear goggles to help protect your eyes.
- Make sure that you don't touch your face or rubs your eyes, especially if. you're wearing contact lenses. That will make it so much worse!
What are different onions used for
White onion
These are the most common onions. They have a crisp texture and a sharp, pungent flavor. They can be used in casseroles, soups and stir-fries.
Yellow onion
These onions have a slightly sweeter and more mild flavor than white onions. They can be used in the same way as white onions. Yellow onions are great for soups, stews, casseroles and stir-fries!
Sweet onions included Vidalia onions and Walla walla sweets!
Red onion
Red onions have a deep purple color (why do they call them red onions?) and a slightly sweeter flavor than white onions. They are often used as a garnish or in salads, terrific for pico de gallo!
Shallots
These onions are small and have a milder flavor. They can be used in place of onions in many recipes, great in sauces and salad dressings or anytime you need mild onion flavor.
Green onions
These onions have a sharp, peppery flavor. They are often used as a garnish or in salads.
How to store chopped onions
- Store chopped onions in the refrigerator.
- They are best stored in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
How to mince onions
Time needed: 10 minutes.
Step by step instructions how to chop onions.
- Remove the stem or tip of the onion so you have a flat surface.
The first step is to remove the top end of the onion so you have a flat surface. Do not cut the root end.
- Place cut side of onion on cutting board.
Place the flat side of the onion on the cutting board. That way you'll have a flat surface.
- Slice down through the root.
Starting at the root, slice downward through the onion.
- Peel the onion.
Remove the papery skin or outer layer of the onion and discard.
- Now place cut side down on cutting board
Place onion half cut side down on cutting board and make vertical slices, following the curve of the onion. Be careful not to cut through the root.
- Then make a few horizontal slices.
After making the vertical slices, cut two or three horizontal slices.
- Now carefully slice the onion.
Holding the stem end, carefully slice the onion. The onions will be nicely diced!
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