Learning how to chop an onion couldn’t be any easier! In this tutorial, find out everything you need to know about preparing, cutting, and storing onions to be used in all sorts of dishes.
Course How to
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword how to chop an onion, how to cut an onion, how to cut onions without crying
With a very sharp chef's knife, cut the stem end off of the onion. Make sure to leave the root end intact (just like you would a shallot) as this will help keep the layers aligned while you cut it.
Place the onion on the trimmed stem end, and slice it in half from the root end to the stem end (aka pole to pole). Peel the papery outer layer off of both halves.
Rings
Stand the onion up on the stem end, and make a small slice on one side for a flat piece. Lay the onion on the flat side, then with a firm grasp, slice it starting from the stem end into ⅛-inch or ¼-inch thick rings. These make a delicious addition to burgers, sandwiches, or making onion rings!
Sliced (lengthwise)
Once you’ve peeled the onion halves, lay each one on a flat side. With the root end facing away from you, slice the onion lengthwise all the way to the other side. This technique results in onions that are sturdy, making them great for stir-fries or stews.
Sliced (crosswise)
Alternatively, you can slice your onions into half moons. Spin the onion 90 degrees, then slice it right through the middle. Slice each quarter crosswise, or against the grain, as thickly or as thinly as you prefer. This method yields onions that are flavor-packed due to more sulfur compounds being created, which is perfect for salads, burgers, and pickling.
Chunks
Place the halves flat-side down. Secure the onion with your non-dominant hand. Make lengthwise cuts (an inch thick) up to the root end, but not all the way through. Rotate the onion and cut crosswise (about an inch thick) up to the root end.
Diced
Similarly, place the halves flat-side down. Secure the onion with your non-dominant hand, and make lengthwise cuts (about ¼-inch to ⅛-inch thick). Go up to the root end but not all the way through. Rotate the onion and cut crosswise (about ¼-inch to ⅛-inch thick) up to the root end again.