How to Cut an Onion into Strips Like a Pro

Learning how to cut an onion into strips is a valuable skill that can add texture, flavor, and visual appeal to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re preparing stir-fries, fajitas, salads, or sandwiches, mastering the art of cutting onions into uniform strips is essential for achieving culinary excellence. In this article, we’ll explore the best way to cut an onion into strips, providing you with step-by-step instructions and expert tips for success.

Selecting the Right Onion

Before you begin, it’s important to choose the right onion for the job. Opt for onions that are firm, with tight, dry skins and no signs of soft spots or mold. While yellow onions are a versatile choice, you can also use red or white onions depending on your flavor preferences and the requirements of your recipe.

Gather Your Tools

To cut an onion into strips, you’ll need the following tools:

1. A sharp chef’s knife or a santoku knife: A sharp knife will ensure clean, precise cuts and minimize crushing or bruising of the onion.
2. A stable cutting board: Choose a cutting board with a non-slip surface to provide stability and prevent accidents.
3. A garbage bowl or compost bin: Have a designated container for onion scraps to keep your workspace organized.

Prep the Onion

Start by cutting off the stem end of the onion, leaving the root end intact. This will provide stability while cutting and help keep the onion together. Peel off the papery outer layers, ensuring to remove any dry or discoloured skin. Discard the outer layers and any other trimmings.

Slice the Onion in Half

Place the onion on the cutting board with the root end facing away from you and the flat side down. Use a sharp knife to slice the onion in half from root to stem. This will create two halves with the root end still attached, providing stability during slicing.

Make Vertical Cuts

With one onion half flat-side down on the cutting board, use a sharp knife to make vertical cuts parallel to the cutting board. Start from one end of the onion and work your way to the other end, making even cuts about 1/4 to 1/2 inch apart. Be sure to keep the root end intact to hold the onion together.

Slice Into Strips

Once you’ve made the vertical cuts, turn the onion half 90 degrees so that the cut side is facing up. Use a sharp knife to slice through the onion perpendicular to your previous cuts, creating uniform strips. Continue slicing until you reach the root end, being careful to keep your fingers curled under and away from the blade to prevent injury.

Repeat with the Other Half

Repeat the process with the other onion half, making vertical cuts followed by horizontal cuts to create uniform strips.

Storage

If you don’t use all of the onion strips immediately, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. Use them within a few days to ensure freshness.

Mastering the technique of cutting an onion into strips is a valuable skill that will enhance your culinary repertoire. By following these step-by-step instructions and using the right tools, you can achieve uniform and consistent strips for use in a variety of dishes. So, sharpen your knife, grab an onion, and elevate your cooking with perfectly cut strips every time!