These step-by-step instructions show you how to safely slice an onion lengthwise, crosswise, or in rings.
If the root end is clean, there’s no need to cut off the roots.
That way they will hold their shape better during the cooking.
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Crosswise cut onions tend to fall apart when cooked.
If that’s what you want, fine.
If you are adding raw onions to a salad, slice them crosswise.
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They’ll be easier to eat, and they look pretty too!
If you are makingonion rings, you’ll want to cut the onions crosswise as well.
How To Avoid Tears When Cutting an Onion
Does cutting onions give you tears?
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This burns your eyes, which makes you create more tears.
Wipe the cutting board down with a sponge or towel as soon as you are finished.
How To Slice Shallots Using This Technique
Like onions, shallots are alliums.
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Feel free to use a paring knife for shallots if it’s more comfortable for you.
Store sliced shallots as you would sliced onions.
How To Store Sliced Onion
Sliced onions will last 8 to 10 days in the refrigerator.
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Store the sliced onions in an airtight container or zipper top bag.
Discard slimy onions or those with an odd smell immediately.
Store raw, sliced onions in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a zipper top bag.
This way the onion holds its shape better during long cooking.
Keep the onion whole and slice it crosswise for onion rings.
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Trim the roots but keep the root end intact.
The root end will help hold the onion together as you make the other cuts.
Place the onion with the cut stem side down on the cutting board.
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This will stabilize the onion.
Cut the onion in half through the root end.
Peel back the onion skin and place the onion halves cut side down on the board.
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Cut almost all the way, but not all the way, to the root.
It will be easier to handle the onion while cutting if the root end stays intact.
Space your cuts depending on how thick you want your onion slices to be.
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More cuts for thinner slices, fewer cuts for thicker slices.
Then break apart the onion to get the slices.
Cut off the stem end by half an inch.
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Cut the root end by 1/8 of an inch, leaving the root core in place.
Place the onion halves cut side down onto the cutting board.
Place the onion halves cut side down on the cutting board.
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Hold the onion firmly with one hand, with the fingers curled inward.
Use this as a guide as you make slices through the onion.
The curled fingers will protect your fingertips from the knife while cutting the onion.
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Cut off the stem end of the onion and peel back its outer peel.
With the peeled onion on its side, slice off a thin sliver from the side.
Then place the onion on the cutting board with this thin sliver cut side down.
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Curl your fingers inward as you grip the onion to protect your fingertips.
Slice the onion in whatever thickness you desire.
If you wish separate the cut disks into separate onion rings.
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Elise Bauer
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