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Home » Vegetables and Side Dishes

How to Chop Onions {with video}

Published: May 17, 2022 · Modified: Feb 9, 2023 by Bowl Me Over · Leave a Comment

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!

Diced, slivered and sliced onions on cutting board.
Follow these step by step instructions to learn the best way to chop onions.
Jump to:
  • Instructions
  • Video
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Slivered Onions
  • Sliced Onions
  • Tips
  • What are different onions used for
  • How to store chopped onions
  • How to mince onions
  • Recipes all about onions

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

  1. Remove the tip of the onion so you have a flat surface. Do not cut the root end.
  2. Place the onion cut side down, slice in half.
  3. Remove the onion skin - peel off any dry or green skin.
  4. Make thin slices lengthwise from the tip towards the root end. Don't slice through the root.
  5. Slice horizontally from the tip to the root end, don't slice through the root.
  6. 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).

Photo of woman slicing onions, with print overlay for YouTube.

Please like & subscribe to the channel so you'll be the first in the know!

Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 

  • Chef's knife
  • cutting board

FAQ's

How do you chop onions finely?

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.

Why do you freeze an onion?

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.

How long will a chopped onion last?

Chopped onions can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

What is the difference between chopped and minced?

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.

What is the difference between julienned and sliced?

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 on cutting board.

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

  1. First, cut off the stem end of the onion and discard it.
  2. Lay the cut side flat on the cutting board.
  3. Cut the onion in half from the root end downward.
  4. Peel off the skin and discard it.
  5. Remove the root end.
  6. Make lengthwise cuts, slicing the onion into thin strips.

Sliced Onions

Red onion sliced on cutting board with knife.

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

  1. First, cut off the root end of the onion and discard it.
  2. Cut the onion in half from the root end to the top.
  3. Peel off the skin and discard it.
  4. Cut the onion in half from top to bottom.
  5. Cut onion into thin or as thick slices as you'd prefer.
  6. For onion rings - slice the onion without cutting it in half.

Tips

Tips to slice onion without cutting your finger, with print overlay.

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.

  1. Remove the stem or tip of the onion so you have a flat surface.
  2. The first step is to remove the top end of the onion so you have a flat surface. Do not cut the root end.Yellow onion on cutting board with stem removed.

  3. 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.Onion on cutting board, root side up.

  4. Slice down through the root.

    Starting at the root, slice downward through the onion.Onion on cutting board sliced in half.

  5. Peel the onion.

    Remove the papery skin or outer layer of the onion and discard.An onion that's been sliced in half and peeled.

  6. 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.Peeled onion on cutting board with knife.

  7. Then make a few horizontal slices.

    After making the vertical slices, cut two or three horizontal slices. Knife making horizontal in onion.

  8. Now carefully slice the onion.

    Holding the stem end, carefully slice the onion. The onions will be nicely diced!Diced onion on cutting board.

Recipes all about onions

  • Caramelized Mushrooms, Onions and Bacon
  • French Onion Soup
  • Sausage Peppers and Onions Pasta
  • Easy Vegetable Foil Packets

More Vegetables and Side Dish Recipes

  • Easy Breakfast Potatoes
  • Campbells Green Bean Casserole Recipe
  • Caramelized Mushrooms and Onions with Bacon
  • How to Make Gravy from Scratch

About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

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