How To Cut An Onion

Knowing how to cut an onion is a cornerstone skill in the kitchen. Whether you’re prepping for a hearty stew, whipping up a stir-fry, or adding toppings to a salad, making sure your onion pieces are uniform and chopped evenly can make all the difference. Onions are fundamental to a variety of dishes due to their flavorful and aromatic qualities. This guide will walk you through the basics so you can get chopping!

How to Chop Onions

Onions can be cut in a variety of ways, each with their own benefit for certain dishes. The size of your onion can affect how it is prepared or even eaten raw. Here are a few ways onions are often prepared:

Dicing or Chopping

• For this method, start by cutting the onion in half horizontally, but leave the root intact. This keeps the onion layers together.
• Peel the outer layer off.
• Make horizontal cuts towards the root but stop before you reach it.
• Make vertical cuts from top to bottom.
• Finally, slice across the onion to create uniform cubes.

This technique cuts the onion into irregular but similarly sized pieces without focusing on uniformity. The size and shape make chopped or diced onion perfect for stews and sautés.

Slicing

• For this method, start by cutting the onion in half horizontally, but leave the root intact. This keeps the onion layers together.
• Peel the outer layer off.

Slicing Onion Rings

• While holding the onion steady on its side, cut rings of even widths starting from where the onion was halved and working your way toward the end. If you have trouble balancing the onion, you can cut a small section off the side for a base. When sliced into rings you'll have a bit missing instead of a complete circle, but it can be worth your time to save the hassle.
  
  This cutting technique creates long, even pieces perfect for caramelizing or adding to sandwiches and stir-fries.

Slicing Onion Strips

• After halving and peeling set the freshly cut center of the onion down onto your cutting board and slice vertically in even widths as you move towards the root to make half-moons or rings.

Avoiding Tears

One of the biggest challenges in cutting onions is the tears they bring. Here’s how you can cut an onion without crying:

• Keep the root intact as long as you can, since it contains most of the tear-inducing compounds.
• Chill your onions for about 15 minutes before cutting them. Cold temperatures help reduce the amount of these compounds released.
• Use a sharp knife and ensure proper ventilation while cutting to further minimize tears.

Storing Cut Onions

Once your onions are cut, store them properly to maintain their freshness:

• In the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for up to 5-7 days. Be aware, a freshly chopped onion can stink up your fridge!
• For longer storage, freeze your diced or sliced onions. To maintain their quality, consider blanching them briefly before freezing.

Delicious Recipes to Put Your Onion Skills to the Test

Ready to use those perfectly cut onions? Here are some tasty recipes to try out:

• French Onion Soup: Caramelized onions create a rich, savory base.
• Onion Rings: Soak in buttermilk before frying for an extra burst of flavor.
• Onion Gravy: Perfect for ladling over roasts or mashed potatoes.

Mastering onion cutting not only elevates the look of your dishes but also enhances their flavor. With these techniques and tips, you’re ready to chop, dice, and slice like a pro. Remember, every great meal has to start somewhere, and there's no need for tears with easy onion prep!