About this recipe
Onions are the unsung heroes in our kitchens. They build the flavor base for soups, stews, tacos, salsas, and so much more. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to chop, slice, and dice onions easily and quickly—without tears or frustration—so you can always be ready to cook something delicious.
Why will you love this how-to?
Saves time during busy cooking days.
Easy for beginners—no fancy skills needed.
Versatile cuts for all kinds of recipes, from onion soup to pickled onions.
No more tears with these tried-and-true tips!
How to Cut an Onion Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Cut the top. Trim off the stem side (the top), but leave the root end intact—it’ll help hold the onion together while you chop.
- Step 2: Cut in half. Place the onion cut-side down on the board, then slice it in half lengthwise through the root. You now have two sturdy halves.
- Step 3: Peel. Remove the papery skin. You can also peel away the first tough outer layer if needed. Peel back the onion skin and pull it off firmly. Remember to keep the root.
How to fine dice an onion.
- Place the onion half cut-side down.
- Make vertical cuts from top to root, being careful not to slice all the way through the root.
- Make horizontal cuts, again leaving the root intact.
- Now, slice across those cuts to dice the onion into small pieces.
- When you reach the root, discard it or save for broth.
How to Slice an Onion
- Start with a peeled onion half.
- Place it flat side down.
- Make even slices parallel to the root, going from the wider end toward the root.
- Discard or save the root.
Tips for not crying when cutting onions
- Chill your onions in the fridge or freezer for 10–15 minutes.
- Use a sharp knife. Less cell damage = fewer tears.
- Try goggles. Not cute, but effective.
- Cut near an open flame. Some cooks swear by this Martha Stewart tip.
💡Bonus tip: Rinse chopped onion under cold water to remove some of its bite if using raw.
Home cook to home cook
I always chop more onions than I need and keep them in the fridge for the next meal. They start all my favorite dishes—especially cozy soups and weeknight tacos. If your eyes get sensitive (mine do!), the freezer trick works wonders.
How to cut onions, the best way
Equipment
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 onion
Instructions
- Cut the onion in half. First, cut the top part of the onion, where the stem comes out, the top position. Place the onion with the cut side down, and then with a very sharp knife, cut the onion in half alongside leaving the root. The root, the grassy end will help the onion stay together and help with the chopping.
- Peel back the onion skin and pull it off firmly. Remember to keep the root. Save the scraps for making vegetable broth later when you have enough.
- How to fine dice an onion. Place the onion cut side down on the cutting board. Make lengthwise cuts into the onion, from root end to stem end. Do not cut all the way through, just up to the root. When done, hold the onion together with one hand, with the other holding the knife, and make horizontal cuts.
- Start dicing the onion. Then start dicing the onion by making cross-wise cuts from top to bottom. Discard the root and save it for making vegetable broth. You are done.
- If you want to slice an onion, Cut one onion in half like in the image above, leave the root on and peel the skin off. Place your knife on the broader part of the halved onion and start cutting parallel to the root. Cut off the root and discard or save it for making vegetable broth.
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- About the Author
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I’m Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes—some Mexican, mostly plant-based—that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications.
Follow along on my social accounts for daily inspiration, tips, and delicious recipes! I’d love to hear about you! Send me a DM on Instagram, and let’s talk all things food 🍽️✨