The Right Way to Cut, Slice, and Chop an Onion

Once you know how to cut an onion, you'll be ready to make almost any dish. This simple task is a common first step in many recipes, from soups, sautés, and sauces to casseroles, stir-fries, and stews. Whether you want wedges, slices, or small pieces, do it right, and you'll cut back on prep time—and feel like a pro. Here's how to be a cut above.

What You'll Need

In order to properly cut an onion, you need a few essentials. First and foremost, you'll need your onions. Our basic cutting techniques work for all types of onions, whether you will be using white, red, or sweet.

• Cutting board: A stable cutting board that's large enough for the onion you are going to cut.
• Knives: Use a paring knife first to peel your onion. Then, we suggest using a chef's knife for the bulk of the work of cutting, slicing, and chopping an onion. Make sure your knife is sharp, as this makes this task and every other cutting technique easier and safer.

Before Starting

Regardless of how you want to cut your onion, the preparation is the same:

1. Cut the stem end off the onion.
2. Remove the peel by grasping it between your thumb and the blade of a paring knife, or simply peel it with your fingers.

You can now cut the onion according to your recipe.

How to Slice an Onion

Sliced onions are used in a range of dishes, from stir-fries to salads. Follow these steps to properly slice an onion:

1. Cut the onion in half through the root.
2. With the knife tip, cut a wedge around root and remove.
3. Slice straight down to cutting board, working through the half of the onion.
4. When the onion is too narrow to sit upright, turn it on its side and finish slicing.

How to Chop and Dice an Onion

Chopped and diced onions are a common base ingredient for soups, stews, and chilis. Here's how to cut an onion into chopped or diced pieces:

1. Begin by cutting onion in half through the root. Then, place one half flat side down.
2. Slice lengthwise at even intervals, carefully so as not to cut through root end.
3. Next, slice horizontally toward root end at even intervals.
4. Lastly, make perpendicular cuts, slicing crosswise straight down to the cutting board to create even-sized pieces.
5. To dice an onion, simply cut at wider intervals.

How to Cut Onion Wedges

A popular ingredient in sheet pan recipes and roasted meals, onion wedges are easy to prepare. Here's how:

1. Keeping root end intact, angle knife toward center of onion.
2. Cut through the onion several times. The small piece of root in each wedge helps it hold together when cooked.