Chopping the onions into small, uniform pieces is an important step in many recipes so that the onions cook evenly. Luckily, there's an easy way to chop onions so the knife doesn't slip, and all the pieces are the same size. As long as the knife is sharp, you can get chopped onions ready to use in any recipe!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Chop Onions Using a Knife
Step 1. Cut the top of the onion about 1.5 centimeters
The top of the onion, or stem, is the tapered end of the bulb. Place the onions on a cutting board, and measure from the top of the top of the onion to the bottom about 1.5 cm. Cut the tops of the onions straight with a sharp knife so that the tops of the onions will have an even slice.
Leave the root at the base of the onion uncut
Tip:
Sharpen the knife before you chop the onion. This makes it easier for you to cut and prevents eye soreness.
Step 2. Slice the onion from top to bottom
Position the onion with the freshly sliced side against the cutting board. Place the knife in the center of the root (which is now on top), then slice downwards in a straight line so that the onion will be cut into 2 equal-sized pieces.
Step 3. Peel the outer skin of the onion
The outer skin of an onion usually has a first layer that is easy to remove and a second layer that is difficult to peel. Peel off the loose outer skin of the onion and discard. Pinch the next layer of skin with your fingernail to peel it off. Pull the skin toward the root of the onion, but don't let it slide.
The skin still attached to the root can be used as a "handle" that makes it easier for you to hold the onion when you cut it
Step 4. Slice the onion straightly starting at the root
Hold the onion by the skin near the root. Start from one side of the onion, and stick the tip of the knife 1.5 cm from the root. Make a vertical wedge from the root to the flat slice you made earlier. Continue to do this all over the onion, evenly spaced between each slice.
The roots will help keep the onion slices from falling off. So make sure you don't cut it
Step 5. Make 2-3 slices sideways from the flat side of the onion
Press the onion lightly and place the knife parallel to the cutting board. Begin slicing the flat side of the onion about 1.5 cm from the cutting board. Tilt the knife down a little so you don't cut your fingers. Just before reaching the roots, pull the knife away from the onion. When you're done with the first slice, make new slices equidistant until you've sliced the entire onion up to the top.
Do this slowly to prevent slicing your fingers
Warning:
Don't put too much pressure on the onions when you slice them. This can make it difficult for you to move the knife.
Step 6. Cut the onion lengthwise to chop it up
Rotate the onion so that the roots are on the same side as your non-dominant hand. Place your fingertips on the onion so that the side of the blade is in contact with your knuckle. Start with the chopped onion, then chop the onion. After each slice, move your finger back to guide the knife. Continue chopping the onion until it reaches the roots.
Make sure all the slices are evenly spaced to get the same size onion slices
Method 2 of 3: Chopping Onions with a Food Processor
Step 1. Use a knife to cut the onion in half
Cut the stems and roots of the onion that are on the bottom and top so that the onion has two even slices. Place the onion in an upright position on one side that has been evenly sliced, then slice through the center to get two equal-sized pieces of onion.
Make sure you use a sharp knife. Otherwise, you'll have a hard time splitting the onions
Step 2. Remove the outer skin layer of the onion
Remove the loose outer skin of the onion using your fingers. Pinch the end of the onion skin with your fingernail to pick it up. Pull the skin off so that the surface of the onion feels smooth to the touch.
If you find it difficult to remove the skin with your fingernail, use a knife to remove the layer of skin
Step 3. Put the chopped onions in a food processor
Open the lid of the food processor and place the chopped onion in the food processor bowl upside down. Make sure you don't place the onion directly on the knife, as this can prevent it from chopping. Replace the food processor cover and tighten it so it doesn't come off.
- Be careful with the blade of the knife when you put the onions in the food processor. The sharp blade of the knife can hurt the hand.
- Never run a food processor without a lid.
Step 4. Finely chop the onion using the “Pulse” button
Press the " Pulse " button once to start chopping. Look at the food processor's bowl to see how the onions are chopping. Press and hold the button for 2 to 3 seconds at the desired time before you release it to see the size of the cut. Continue chopping the onion until it reaches the desired size.
Be careful not to chop the onions too long as this can make them runny. You won't be able to use pureed onions in recipes
Warning:
You won't be able to get the onion pieces to be of uniform size if you use a food processor. So, the pieces may not cook evenly.
Method 3 of 3: Implementing Best Practices
Step 1. Choose onions that are tough, not sprouting, or have a soft part
Check for black or brown spots on the skin as these are signs of fungus. Do not choose onions that sprout green because they are not fresh and easily damaged. Look for onions that are firm and don't change color.
Whole onions will last well for up to 3 months if stored in the refrigerator or pantry
Tip:
If the inner layer of the onion changes color, you can remove the layer and use the remaining part of the onion.
Step 2. Chill the onions in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before slicing to avoid stinging the eyes
Onions give off gas when sliced, which can irritate the eyes. Place the onions in the refrigerator or freezer for 15-20 minutes before cutting to prevent gas from escaping. This way, your eyes won't hurt when you handle it.
So that your eyes don't hurt, you can also wear kitchen glasses
Step 3. Practice how to use a knife safely
Keep your index and thumb wrapped around the base of the knife, and hold the handle securely with the remaining fingers of your hand. Keep the fingers of the other hand in a claw shape to prevent slicing the fingers when you chop the onions. When slicing onions, swing the knife forward to get a neat cut.
