Learn how to cut tomatoes like a pro, whether you’re using them for salads, burgers, or pasta sauces. Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient and should be a part of everyone’s kitchen repertoire! Avoid uneven cuts and injuries by following these kitchen techniques.
What are tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a staple ingredient that are found in virtually every type of cuisine around the globe. This nutritious fruit adds vibrant flavors, textures, and colors to any dish it’s added to.
You can use them for soups and sandwiches, dehydrate them, or serve them with a simple oil and vinegar dressing. However, they are notoriously tricky to cut (as I’m sure most of you are already aware)!
Learning how to cut tomatoes will make your cooking experience so much more efficient and fun. The following tips will help you cut tomatoes like a pro!
How to cut A tomato
Whether you’re slicing, dicing, or cutting tomatoes into wedges, you’ll want to use a very sharp knife. Serrated knives, like bread knives, work the best for tomatoes since not as much pressure is required compared to smooth-bladed knives.
How to cut tomatoes in slices
If you’re planning on making veggie burgers, you’ll want to know how to slice a tomato. First, wash and dry it thoroughly, then place it on its side on a cutting board.
Hold the tomato with a claw grip using your non-dominant hand, then slice it into thick or thin slices, depending on your preference.
How to dice tomatoes
Follow the same steps as slicing a tomato, then stack the slices on top of each other. Cut the slices into thin strips, making sure to hold the edges to prevent slipping. Rotate the strips 90 degrees, then cut them into cubes.
How to cut tomatoes in wedges
Cut the tomato in half with the stem end facing up. Lay each half on its side and cut it into quarters. Flip the quarters so that they are facing upwards. Keeping a firm grip on the edge of the quarter, cut it at an angle to create wedge shapes.
Tips for cutting tomatoes
- Sharp knife: One of the best tips for cutting tomatoes is to use a sharp knife. Contrary to popular belief, a sharp knife is much safer than a dull one because it prevents you from having to put too much force on the knife, which can slip and cut you.
- Serrated knife: Even though a sharp chef’s knife is a great choice, a serrated knife is the most efficient way to cut through the tough skin and soft, juicy interior of a tomato.
- Ripe tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes not only have a better flavor, but they’re also easier to cut. Don’t let them ripen too much though as you don’t want them to become mushy.
- Cutting board: Use a non-slip cutting board to prevent the tomato from slipping around.
- Don’t press too hard: When you’re cutting tomatoes, try not to press too hard with your hand or the knife. Instead, use a gentle sawing motion.
Which knife is best?
Knowing which knife to use is sometimes half the battle! We created an ultimate guide to knowing which knife to use.
How to pick perfect tomatoes
No one enjoys cutting into a soft and mushy tomato. Follow these tips to ensure you pick the perfect ones out at the market:
- Even color: A tomato should have a consistent color and no green spots.
- Firmness: It should feel firm, but not too hard when you gently squeeze it.
- Smell: Ripe tomatoes will have a slightly sweet, earthy aroma.
- Weight: A perfect tomato should feel heavy for its size. That means it’s juicy!
Storing Tomatoes
Room temperature: Store whole tomatoes at room temperature if they’re not quite ripe. Once they are, transfer them to the fridge and eat them within a day or two.
Fridge: Keep ripe tomatoes in the crisper drawer of the fridge in a plastic or paper bag for up to a week. Already cut tomatoes should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Although cut tomatoes can technically be frozen, they often turn mushy once thawed. It’s best to reserve freezing for blanched tomatoes or tomatoes that you’ll be cooking with. Keep them in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.
Recipes with tomatoes
I wasn’t kidding when I said tomatoes are part of just about every cuisine out there. Here are just a few ideas to show you what I’m talking about (or checkout all of our tomato recipes here):
FAQ about cutting tomatoes
A sharp, serrated knife is the best choice for cutting tomatoes. It allows you to saw through them rather than having to apply too much pressure.
If your tomatoes are rolling around when you’re cutting them, you can slice a small piece off the bottom to create a flat surface and keep the tomato in place.
It’s always best to wash tomatoes before cutting them. Just rinse them under cold water while gently rubbing them with your fingers to remove debris. Pat them dry with a tea towel once they’re rinsed.
How To Cut A Tomato (Slice, Dice, Or Wedge!)
EQUIPMENT
- Chef knife
- Cutting board
INSTRUCTIONS
How to cut tomatoes in slices
- Place it on its side on a cutting board. Hold the tomato with a claw grip using your non-dominant hand, then slice it into thick or thin slices, depending on your preference.
How to dice tomatoes
- Follow the same steps as slicing a tomato, then stack the slices on top of each other. Cut the slices into thin strips, making sure to hold the edges to prevent slipping. Rotate the strips 90 degrees, then cut them into cubes.
How to cut tomatoes in wedges
- Cut the tomato in half with the stem end facing up. Lay each half on its side and cut it into quarters. Flip the quarters so that they are facing upwards. Keeping a firm grip on the edge of the quarter, cut it at an angle to create wedge shapes.
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