How to Cut a White Onion

Onions are available in many colors, including white, red, yellow and green. White onions are traditionally are used in Mexican cooking, but you'll find scores of recipes calling for white onions over other varieties. Due to its involvement of a long series of small cuts, the process of cutting an onion can be intimidating for beginning cooks. However, so many recipes call for onion, everything from soups and salads to stir-frys and sauces, that eventually you'll have to learn how to cut one appropriately.

Step 1

Stand the onion up on a cutting board.

Step 2

Cut a small portion from one end, leaving a flat surface that the onion can rest on.

Step 3

Stand the onion up on its flat surface.

Step 4

Cut the onion in half lengthwise.

Step 5

Peel away the papery outer layer of the onion and discard it.

Step 6

Place one half of the onion face-down on the cutting board, with the root end away from you.

Step 7

Slice the onion lengthwise, starting at one end. Position your cuts between 1/4 to 1/2 inch below the root at the onion's top so that the onion layers do not completely separate. Space the cuts evenly so that you end up with onion pieces of similar sizes. You can cut the slices as wide or as narrow as necessary for your recipe.

Step 8

Turn the onion 45 degrees so that your original slices now run horizontally on the cutting board.

Step 9

Make vertical slices in the onion that are perpendicular to the first cuts, creating square or rectangularly shaped onion pieces. Space the slices so that they are of the same width.

Step 10

Slice off and discard the root top portion of the onion to allow the slices to fully break apart.

Step 11

Repeat the cutting procedure with the other half of the onion.

Tips and Warnings

If your eyes tear when cutting an onion, consider placing the onion into the freezer for about 20 minutes beforehand. Always use a knife you are comfortable with when cutting or chopping vegetables. Sharp knives are best because they are less likely to slip on the onion's surface.

Things You'll Need

Knife
Cutting board