How to dice an onion

Chopping an onion may seem like a relatively simple task, but there are actually many ways to do it. Depending on your recipe, onions can be sliced, chopped, or diced. There are also plenty of tricks to help you along the way — and to help with the inevitable tears! So, if you want to find out the best way to chop an onion, read the helpful guide below. 

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How to finely chop an onion

Onions are used as a base for so many dishes, even if you can’t see them. A popular method of cutting an onion is to finely chop it into cubes, otherwise known as dicing. So, if you want to find out the best way to dice an onion, read the instructions below:

You’ll need an onion, knife and chopping board.

• Cut the onion in half (make sure to leave the root intact, as this will help hold the onion together while you dice it). Then, peel away the brown skin. 
• With the first half of the onion, make three or more horizontal cuts evenly across the onion, running parallel to the chopping board. Cut from the end to the root, still making sure not to cut into the root. 
• Once this is done, evenly slice the onion in three or more vertical cuts, intersecting the first horizontal cuts. Hold the onion at the sides to keep it in place while you do so.
• Turn the onion so that the root is to the side and furthest away from the knife. Cut vertically across the onion to make crosswise cuts to your previous cuts, continuing until you reach the root in order to create finely diced pieces. 
• Repeat these steps on the other half of the onion. 

How to cut an onion into slices

If you want to make a tray bake, curry or soup, slicing an onion is the best way to cut an onion. Read below to discover this simple way of cutting onions. 

• Take the onion, a chopping board and a sharp knife and cut off the root and tip.
• Turn the onion so that it is standing on one of the cut ends, then slice it in half. 
• Peel the brown onion skin from each side. 
• Lay one half of the onion on the chopping board (flat side down) and slice vertically along the half to your desired thickness. 
• Repeat these steps on the other half of the onion.

How to cut an onion into rings

This method is perfect for making onion rings or adding onion to salads for added texture and crunch.

• Take a sharp knife, a chopping board and an onion. 
• Cut off the tip of the onion and peel off the brown skin, making sure the root is intact.
• Hold the onion firmly on the chopping board and slice carefully into rings.
• After discarding the root and ends, the onion rings will be ready to use. 

Tips to avoid crying when cutting onions

One of the biggest problems faced when cutting onions is definitely the tears. Our eyes often water when cutting an onion. This is because lachrymator compounds are released from the onion, causing the nerves around our eyes to become irritated.

However, there are a few tips to help avoid crying. There’s no guarantee that any of this advice will stop the waterworks from starting, but they’re definitely worth a try.

• Use a sharp knife. A sharp chef’s knife is less likely to make you cry since it slices the onion cleanly, resulting in fewer tears.
• Freeze the onion for around 10-15 minutes before slicing. Cold temperatures prevent the compounds from releasing into the air. It’s important, however, to cut the onion as soon as you take it out of the freezer. This is because the compounds will become more active as the onion starts to warm up. 

Another helpful tip for cutting onions without tearing up is to wear goggles. While it might feel a bit unusual to wear goggles indoors, it can make a big difference, especially when you have a large number of onions to chop.

Onion recipes 

Now that you know a few different ways to cut an onion, put your new knowledge to the test. Here are some delicious HelloFresh Recipes to get you started: 

• American beef and caramelised onion burger
• BBQ beef and onion sausage drizzle
• Seasoned Chicken & Onion Chutney