How to Chop an Onion Like a Real Chef (Two Ways!)

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With a few easy techniques you can chop an onion like a real chef! Whether diced or sliced, no additional tools are needed!

Two piles of onion pieces, one sliced and the other diced, on a wooden cutting board. A large knife lies in the upper right corner.

This How to Chop an Onion Like a Real Chef tutorial is..

Quick
Versatile
Easy – no additional tools needed!

Onion Chopping 101

Did you know there are proper ways to cut an onion? For diced onions, professional chefs slice the onion in half (keeping the root intact), peel, then make horizontal and vertical slices through the body of the onion. The last step is to cut from one end towards the root to yield evenly diced pieces. Half moon slices follow very similar steps. The more onions you slice, the more efficient you’ll become!

Two yellow onions and a large knife on top of a wooden cutting board. A tan tea towel lays underneath the board.

Onions are a fantastic addition to savory recipes, full of nutrients like potassium and antioxidants. The tangy, sometimes sweet flavor is delicious to most people, but cutting them can be dramatic! When a knife chops through an onion, a chemical compound from the vegetable is released and floats towards the chef’s face. This compound is a sulfuric gas and is very irritating to the eyes. Everyone has a different recommendation for how to prevent this irritation, such as chilling onions 30 minutes prior, eating bread while you cut, or even wearing goggles. If you love onions but hate chopping them, try out a prevention tip to help with the tears!

Our ‘How to Chop an Onion Like a Real Chef’ techniques are very simple and easy to replicate. But practice makes perfect – from the size equality of slices, to chopping speed, to hand placement. Start slowly at first. As you practice, your confidence will grow and then you’ll be chopping onions like a pro!

Ingredients for How to Chop an Onion Like a Real Chef

Onion – Red, yellow, sweet – pick your favorite! We use yellow onions for our tutorial. Yellow onions are delicious in our Braised Coconut Beef with Chilies dish!

Diet Compatibility and Allergens

Diet	Recipe compatible as written?	Recommended substitutions
Keto	Yes.	N/A
Paleo	Yes.	N/A
Whole30	Yes.	N/A
Gluten-free	Yes.	N/A
Vegetarian	Yes.	N/A
Vegan	Yes.	N/A
Low sodium	Yes.	N/A
Dairy-free	Yes.	N/A
Mediterranean	Yes.	N/A
Low FODMAP	No.	N/A
Atkins	Yes.	N/A

Allergen	Present in recipe?	Recommended substitutions
Milk	No.	N/A
Eggs	No.	N/A
Fish	No.	N/A
Shellfish	No.	N/A
Tree nuts	No.	N/A
Peanuts	No.	N/A
Wheat (Gluten)	No.	N/A
Soy	No.	N/A
Sesame	No.	N/A

Instructions for How to Chop an Onion Like a Real Chef

Diced

Step One: Slice off top of onion but do not cut root.

A knife slicing into a yellow onion on a wooden cutting board.

Step Two: Slice onion in half lengthwise and peel outer layer.

A hand holding an onion half next to the other half on top of a wooden cutting board.

Two halves of a yellow onion and a large knife on top of a wooden cutting board. A tan tea towel lays underneath the board.

A peeled half of an onion next to a large knife. Both, along with onion peelings, lay on top of a wooden cutting board.

Step Three: Make horizontal slices into the onion, being careful to not slice through the root.

A knife slicing horizontally into an onion half on top of a wooden cutting board.

Step Four: Cut lengthwise slices into the onion, almost all the way to the root.

A peeled onion half being sliced into with a large knife. The onion is on a wooden cutting board.

Step Five: Cut crosswise slices into the onion going towards the root, resulting in evenly diced pieces.

A knife chopping into an onion on a wooden cutting board. Diced onions lay to the right side of the knife and the remaining onion half are to its left.

Step Six: Compost the root. Use diced onions in soups, casseroles, or other savory recipes!

A hand holding an onion root above a pile of diced onions and a large knife. The onion and knife lay on top of a wooden board.

A pile of diced onion on a wooden cutting board. A large knife lies to the left hand side.

Half Moon Slices

Step One: Slice the top of the onion but not the root.

Step Two: Slice onion in half lengthwise.

Step Three: Cut and compost both ends of the onion.

An onion half on a wooden cutting board. A large knife lies to its upper right.

Step Three: Peel and slice crosswise from one end to the other. Use slices in a stir fry, on sandwiches, or quick pickle!

Half moon slices and a large piece of onion on a wooden cutting board. A knife rests in the upper right corner.

Half moon slices of onion on a wooden cutting board. A large knife lies to the upper right.

Half moon slices of onion on a wooden cutting board. A large knife lies in the upper right corner.

Watch the video version…

FAQ

How do professional chefs cut onions?

Chefs peel then slice the onion in half (keeping the root intact), make several horizontal and vertical slices through the body of the onion, then cut from one end towards the root to yield evenly sized pieces.

Why do chefs cut onions differently?

Chefs cut onions in different ways depending on the dish they’re cooking. However, whether sliced or diced, there is a proper way to cut an onion.

Does eating bread while cutting onions prevent tears?

Maybe? Some people claim bread neutralizes the irritating fumes from onions when they are cut. Doesn’t hurt to try!

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With a few easy techniques you can chop an onion like a real chef! Whether diced or sliced, no additional tools are needed!

Author: Amy B.
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Cook Time: N/A
Total Time: 5-10 minutes
Yield: 1 onion, sliced or diced 1x

Ingredients

1 onion (any type!)

1 sharp knife

Cutting Board

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Diced

Slice off top of onion but do not cut root.

Slice onion in half lengthwise and peel outer layer.

Make horizontal slices into the onion, being careful to not slice through the root.

Cut lengthwise slices into the onion, almost all the way to the root.

Cut crosswise slices into the onion going towards the root, resulting in evenly diced pieces.

Compost the root. Use diced onions in soups, casseroles, or other savory recipes!

Half Moon Slices

Slice off top of onion but do not cut root.

Slice onion in half lengthwise.

Cut and compost both ends of the onion.

Slice crosswise into the onion from one end to the other. Use slices in a stir fry, on sandwiches, or quick pickle!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 onion
Calories: 40
Sugar: 4.7g
Sodium: 20mg
Fat: 0.2g
Carbohydrates: 9.3g
Fiber: 1.4g
Protein: 1.4g
Cholesterol: 0mg

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How to Chop an Onion Like a Real Chef (Two Ways!)

Onion Chopping 101

Ingredients for How to Chop an Onion Like a Real Chef

Diet Compatibility and Allergens