Which Direction Should You Cut Onions?

Make lengthwise cuts into the onion, from root end to stem end, with the knife tip almost all the way to the root end (but not cutting through the root end). Cut at an angle as you go around the onion, with the blade aimed toward the center of the onion.

What direction do you cut an onion?

Point the knife towards the root of the onion, and allow your fingers to guide the slicing. Slice vertically evenly as close to the root as you can. Next, start dicing the onion by making horizontal cuts perpendicular to the one you just made. Cut off the root and discard.

Do you cut onions vertically or horizontally?

Why slice onions vertically? To slice an onion pole to pole, or vertically, is to cut it with—not against—its fibers. Pieces of vertically sliced onion hold their shape better when cooked, which is particularly noticeable in caramelized onions: Horizontal cuts can become a pile of brown mush.

Should you cut onions with or against the grain?

For Slices – Slice lengthwise, from root to stem, following the grain to yield firm pieces with a mild flavor. For softer pieces with more intense flavor, make cuts crosswise, horizontally against the grain.

Is there a right and wrong way to cut an onion?

Since onion cells are longer pole-to-pole, cutting in that direction and going with the grain damages fewer cells. If you damage fewer cells, less of the stinging gas that typically irritates the eyes is released. Slicing with your knife against the grain causes a greater disruption and releases more oniony tear gas.

Why do chefs cut onions horizontally?

If you don’t slice horizontally you’ll get bigger chunks. If you’re making mirepoix for stock, this doesn’t matter. If you’re making risotto, it WAY matters. You don’t want big onion chunks in risotto.

Does the way you cut an onion change the flavor?

“If you cut an onion or garlic, you release an enzyme called alliinase that produces the typical pungency or onion or garlic aroma, which really isn’t there when it’s intact,” explains Forney. “The enzymatic reaction forms the flavor — so the more finely it’s cut, the more flavor that will be released.”

How do you chop an onion vertically?

Cut onions vertically if you want them to hold their shape
Slicing from pole to pole, or vertically, is essentially to slice along with the fibers of the onion. If you peel an onion, you will see that there will be green lines that run vertically from pole to pole.

What does cutting an onion pole to pole mean?

Step 1: Halve onion pole to pole—that is, cutting through top and root end. Peel onion and trim top. (It’s much easier to remove the skin once the onion has been cut.)

Should you cut onions pole to pole?

When a recipe calls for sliced onions, pole-to-pole slices are what we’re looking for. They cook more evenly, tenderize better, and, when cooked long enough, will almost completely break down, adding body to soups, stews, and braises.

How do you slice an onion professionally?

Place the onion half large-cut-side down on the cutting board. Make lengthwise cuts into the onion, from root end to stem end, with the knife tip almost all the way to the root end (but not cutting through the root end). Cut at an angle as you go around the onion, with the blade aimed toward the center of the onion.

Where should you not cut onions?

The trick is not to cut the root, which releases the majority of the evil gas:

1. Cut onion in half lengthways.
2. Slice off the top (not the root).
3. Make parallel cuts from the end, being careful not to chop through the root.
4. Then turn onion 90 degrees to make cuts across onion.

How do you cut an onion step by step?

How to dice an onion

1. Cut the onion in half, slicing downwards through the root, then peel.
2. Cut 5-6 vertical slices into each half, leaving the root intact.
3. Lay the onion half flat, slicing horizontally and keeping the root intact.
4. Slice downwards across these cuts to dice.

How do you cut an onion in half without it falling apart?

The root of the onion keeps everything together—if you cut off too much of the root, your slices will fall apart as you dice. “The trick is to just barely trim the root end, so that you can still see that opaque circle,” Josh says. “It’ll make your job much easier.”

What makes an onion more potent?

“Sulfur is what builds up in the layers of the onion. When you have a large onion, it’s going to be stronger because it’s spent more time beneath the ground. The longer an onion sits in the soil, the stronger the sulfur will be,” explains Palak Patel, a chef and educator at the Institute of Culinary Education.

Does it matter how you cut onions for French onion soup?

However, when you slice with the direction of the fibers, you preserve their structure. That means the onions will maintain their shape even when cooked for a long time until deeply browned and flavorful, which makes them perfect for French onion soup or caramelized onions.

How do you chop an onion without crying?

Another simple and pretty effective trick: Freeze the onion for about 10 or 15 minutes before you cut it. The blast of cold prevents the tear-causing enzyme from releasing into the air.

Do you need to cut onion horizontally?

It really depends on what size of dice you’re going for. For a smaller dice, I’d recommend at least one horizontal slice, as it prevents you from ending up with significantly larger sized pieces from the sides of the onion. I tend to do 1 or 2 horizontal slices, and then some vaguely radial slices

How do you cut an onion for salad?

Instructions

1. Remove the outer peel of the onion.
2. Slice onion in half lengthwise.
3. Remove the core part of the onion where the layers begin to get uneven and smaller.
4. Slice the remaining outer layers into strips. Thin for salads and cold dishes and wider if using in stir fries or sautéed dishes.

How do you cut yellow onions?

Below you’ll find the simple steps to follow when cutting an onion:

1. Step 1: Remove the ends. Place the onion on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to trim the roots and the top off.
2. Step 2: Cut the onion in half.
3. Step 3: Peel the skin and outer layer.
4. Step 4: Slice the onion.
5. Step 5: Finely dice the onion.

How many different ways can you cut an onion?

Here is a detailed tutorial, complete with step by step pictures, on how to cut an onion four different ways: dice, slices, strips and onion rings.