There are a few secrets you need to know to perfectly chop an onion. One is an incredibly sharp knife, which is always the safest and easiest way to cut any ingredient. But when it comes to onions, which are multi-layered, there’s a real trick to getting perfectly sized chunks every time. This short, 2-minute video shows you just how to make that happen. The technique involves leaving the root intact so the onion doesn’t fall apart as you cut, and secondarily, a specific cutting pattern that gives you perfectly sized chunks. A great kitchen tip!
2 Minute Video: How to Perfectly Chop an Onion
Nicely done Whit!! Don’t ever forget that one of Julia’s first experiences was cutting bags of onions. I’m sure they still do something like that in culinary school. But you and I know the “secrets!” You looked great!
Hi Whitney
Great video. Did not know the root end trick so that was helpful. Now, if you could give me a trick to stop crying when I do a few of them, that would be great.
Best answer is to wear contact lenses! Works like a charm…I cry like mad when cutting onions in my glasses. 🙂 Aside from that, try freezing the onions for about 10 minutes before cutting, and make sure you have a very sharp knife (helps cut through the cells of the onion with less damage, thus less proliferation of the fumes that make you cry).
Great tips…from the sharp knife to the compost bag to the perfectly chopped onion.
Hi Whit,
Love your blog! My 9 year old daughter read in one of her research/info books, chew gum while cutting onions, no crying, it seems to work!
Loving your postings!
Xo, Lancha (Esperanza)
I am definitely going to give that a try! Hope you are well…xoxo
I also heard that it can help to have a piece of bread in your mouth while chopping an onion 🙂
That is my learning for the day! Weird that I got this a year later
Very strange!! Well, better late than never! 🙂