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Author: Fissler

How to cut an onion

Chopping onions is a fundamental kitchen technique used in countless recipes worldwide. Although it may seem simple at first glance, properly chopping an onion holds secrets that can make the difference between a good and an outstanding meal.

Choosing the right knife

Choosing a sharp knife is crucial for efficiently cutting onions. A well-sharpened chef's or vegetable knife minimizes cell damage in the onion, which in turn reduces the release of tear-inducing enzymes. Furthermore, a sharp knife allows for precise cuts, which is especially important for dicing the onion into uniform cubes, rings, or strips.

Step-by-step instructions

These 4 steps will help you dice perfect onions:

1. Remove the peel

Carefully remove the peel and then halve the onion lengthwise from root to tip. Important: Do not remove the root of the onion! Place one half of the onion cut-side down on the cutting board. A little tip for optimal hand positioning to avoid cutting yourself: Place your fingertips on the onion so that they rest on it in a slightly bent position. This allows the knife to be guided easily along your finger joints.

2. Cut strips

Cut the onion half lengthwise into strips, stopping just short of the root, so that they are still held together by the root.

3. Cut into the root

Now make two or three horizontal cuts in the onion, almost to the root. The more often you cut the onion with the vegetable knife, the finer the dice will be later.

4. Cut into cubes

Finally, cut the onion across the grain; it will automatically fall apart into many fine cubes.

Tips for tear-free onion cutting

Cutting onions can often cause watery eyes. Some tips to minimize this include cutting onions under a range hood or soaking them in cold water before cutting. Using a sharp knife can also reduce irritation, as it damages fewer cell walls.

The importance of cutting size and shape

The way an onion is cut can significantly influence the taste and texture of a dish. Finely diced onions are ideal for sauces or as a base for roasts, as they soften quickly and release their flavor evenly. Larger cuts or rings, on the other hand, are excellent for grilled dishes or as a topping for burgers and salads, where a more pronounced texture and shape are desired.


By mastering these techniques and tips, chopping onions can transform from a tearful chore into a quick, efficient, and even enjoyable part of meal prep. Each chopping technique opens up different possibilities for using onions in a variety of dishes, highlighting the role of this versatile vegetable in the culinary world.

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