Guide: How To Cut An Onion & All The Tips

Onions are the key to most cooking recipes, be it for their fragrance or their sharp but elegant taste. However, growing up, we have always struggled with how to cut an onion in the best way that doesn’t reduce us into a pile of watery tears.

I’m going to give you the treasured answer that will give you the best heck for cutting an onion, no matter how pungent it is. 

There are various ways in which the use of onions becomes necessary. Just like the top of other vegetables, it has throughout the centuries, and in the future, it will always take up a greater role in every kitchen. 

But, what is the perfect technique for slicing the knife and cutting the onion without ending up with a mess and tears? 

Let us dive right in for the solution.

How Do You Cut Onions Correctly? 

We can all relate to one thing, and that is loathing to cut onions. For some people, even the process of cutting onions feels so miserable that they don’t even do it. But, missing out on the aromatic, tasteful flavor of onions should not be an option.

So, the way to cut a fresh onion in such a way that it causes no excess irritation requires a bit of technique. This technique includes steps to ensure that the onion feels fresh and sharp while remaining less irritating to the eyes. 

We will show you how to cut an onion in a variety of ways.

Methods for Cutting an Onion Without Irritating Your Eyes: 

First Method 

The first way to cut onions is for those who might have limited time and cannot try the other time-consuming methods. This method involves using a razor-sharp knife.

A sharp-edged knife will make the whole process of cutting an onion fast and produce the best slices. A sharp knife will make it a hassle-free affair with low chances of irritants making your eyes water.

Second Method 

This method supports reducing the sharpness of the chemical irritants that fresh onions spread out. This method consists of always cutting the pointy edge of onions first. Then you can put them in your freezer for ten to fifteen minutes before cutting.

This is a recommended practice for cutting onions, as it mellows down the compounds in the onion layers that are sensitive to the eyes. 

Keeping the onions cool in the freezer will ensure you can cut them without having to fake cry. 

Third Method 

This method includes cutting the onion into two pieces with one knife stroke in the middle. Then, in a bowl, soak the two onion slices in cold water for 15 minutes. 

This will also reduce the chemicals that diffuse when the onion is fresh and the eye glands get affected. After a minimum of fifteen minutes, you can take out the two pieces of onion and cut them in any way. 

How Do You Cut Onions Into Shapes? 

There are various ways to cut an onion into different shapes for food. Onion is used as a main ingredient and stuffing for sandwiches and other mundane food items. Whether it be the style of round sliced onions or chopped onions, there is an art to cutting them into shapes. 

Unpeel Onion 

The first step to using onions in any way is to first remove the exposed first layer of the onion. This is usually full of germs, and you can peel it off with the force of your fingers. If it still turns out to be firmer, you can slide the tip of a sharp knife under the layer to peel it off.

After the first layer is off, you can safely cut the onion into any shape.

Key Instruction.

The key thing to remember before you start to slice the onion with a knife is to always place a solid cutting board beneath it first. Then place the onion flat on the cutting board. This ensures that there is less risk of imperfectly slicing the onions. 

So always remember to place the cutting board first.

The Mundane Style 

You can cut the onion the usual way, which is to first peel away the onion’s hard outer layer. That is a crucial part before you take the next step of cutting the layers of the onion. 

For the majority of foods, we add the cut onion to the pan for frying as an added flavor. So you can cut the onion in half and into random small pieces to add to your saucy gravy for frying. 

Cut Onion Slices 

You can slice the onion into two parts to begin. To slice the onion, you can place the flat side of the half-cut onion on the cutting board. Further, you’ll place and fix the onion with one of your hands to keep it in place while cutting for accuracy. 

Then, in sequence from right to left, you’ll slice the onion into parts by cutting straight down. This will give you your desired onion slices. You can choose to cut the slices as thick or thin as you prefer by either keeping a distance while cutting straight between slices or not. 

Chopped Onion, a.k.a. Diced Onion 

You can cut the onions using the chopped method. This cutting style is the most common, as chopped onions are used in all sorts of food styles like sandwiches and dishes. 

When cutting the onion in the chopped method, keep in mind that the goal is to get the perfect little boxes of onion cut. 

First, you will place the half-cut onion in two parts on the cutting board, with its curved side facing up for the knife. Then, using a sharp-edged knife, make horizontal slices.You should have a little distance between slices.

The next key step is to cut the already-cut slices of onion and hold them together with your hand so they don’t scatter. The slices must then be cut vertically from left to right or vice versa. 

It is critical to remember that cutting the onion vertically is also done in 1/4-inch slices. The end result will be perfectly cut diced onions in a tiny box shape.

Last Word 

Onions are the master ingredient for making food delicious, be it in a fried way or as an addition to your sauce. However, cutting the onion requires a lot of patience and some essential tricks.

We have provided you with the best tips to calm those sizzling chemicals that make you teary-eyed before you even begin. There are various styles of cutting onions for all sorts of dishes. Whether it be the diced onions or slices for your daily meal salad, now you are equipped with the knowledge to cut them the ideal, safe way!