Wondering how to cut an onion? So many recipes call for a bit of onion, and I very much approve of that! Whether you need diced onion, minced onion, or chopped onion, you need to know how to do it properly. Learning how to chop an onion is one of those basic cooking skills that will always come in handy. I’ll show you how to dice an onion, how to mince onion (plus the difference between the two), how to chop onions, and how to store cut onions!

how to cut an onion (dice, mince, chop)

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How to Cut Onions

Learn how to cut an onion, how to dice an onion, how to mince onion, and how to chop an onion. Basically, no matter how you want to cut it, you can learn it right here!

I love onions! I mean, I really love, love onions! They’re one of those ingredients that is so easy to add into dishes, and they always add so much extra flavor.

But before you can use them, you have to learn how to cut an onion…that was a major stumper for me in the beginning, but now I’ve figured out the best way to chop onions and it’s so easy!

I love red onions in salads, Vidalia onions for grilling, and sweet yellow onions for almost everything else I cook. I’m also learning to use leeks, shallots, scallions, baby onions and so many other types of onions. 

I wasn’t always a fan of onions (I know, crazy), but learning how to saute onions and caramelize onions changed everything! Sautéing onions in a little butter (for the flavor) and olive oil (to prevent burning) until translucent tenderizes and brings out the natural sweetness of this perfect ingredient. Now I’m hooked!

Cutting onions seems like such a simple thing, but when you’re new to cooking, none of those cooking terms makes sense! I’m lucky I had my mom to help me figure this stuff out, so now I’m passing all that glorious information on to you.

Cut onions arranged on a cutting board, showing the size of chopped onions vs. diced onions, vs. minced onions.
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What’s the difference between diced, minced, and chopped onions?

Want to know how to cut an onion? Then you’re going to need to know the difference between diced onions, minced onions, and chopped onions. The best way to cut an onion depends on the recipe, so it’s good to know all three. This tutorial includes info for all three, so I’ve got you covered!

  • Diced Onion: When a recipe calls for diced onion, you should have small pieces about 1/4 – 1/2 inch. Diced onions are best for mixing into all kinds of dishes. You’ll know they’re there, you’ll taste them, but there won’t be large chunks in every bite of your food.
  • Minced Onion: Minced onions are about as small as you can get. It’s the same as dicing, but just much smaller, less than 1/2 inch in size. This works for recipes where you want the flavor, but you don’t really want to know they’re there. (Perfect when you’re cooking for someone who “doesn’t like onions”).
  • Chopped Onion: Chopped is a more general term, which just refers to cutting an onion less precisely than you would with diced or minced. These pieces will be larger, and could essentially be any size that works for your recipe. Chopped onions are great for soups and stews because they can hold up while cooking in the broth. This is also a good way to cut onions if you really want it to be a noticeable part of the dish, so that you get plenty of onion flavor.

How to Peel an Onion

Before showing you how to cut an onion, you’ll need to peel it.

Start by slicing about a ½ inch off the top/ends of the onion.

Cutting the ends off of an onion to peel.

Then remove any papery skins–there will usually be a couple of layers of this to peel off. The second layer might require a bit more work than the first. Pierce into the onion with the knife and create a shallow slice to help remove the rest of the papery skins.

Slicing into an onion to help remove the papery skins.

How to Cut an Onion (Step by Step)

Before this wonderful vegetable can be used, it usually has to be chopped, diced or minced. So this is where I show yo how to cut an onion! I have seen many methods of preparing an onion, but this method is the one that works best for me.

Whether you chop, dice, or mince an onion, the process starts the same. Grab your cutting board and a sharp knife, then slice about 1/2 inch off the end/root of the onion. Remove those papery skins and any unusable layers (see above for details on how to peel an onion).

How to Dice an Onion

After peeling the onion, cut it in half and lay the halves flat-side down on the cutting board.

Cutting a peeled onion in half.

Use your knife to cut across the onion in 1/2 inch slices.

Dicing an onion.

Then turn the onion and hold the cut layers together. Going in the other direction, cut across again in 1/2 inch slices. Repeat with the other half of the onion if needed, or keep it in tact and store it for later.

Dicing an onion.

This is what diced onions will look like–aim for this general size, though they don’t need to be perfect.

Hands holding up pieces of a diced onion to show size.

    How to Mince an Onion

    Same as dicing an onion: peel the onion, then cut it in half and lay the halves on the cutting board, flat-side down.

    Cutting an onion in half.

    Cut across the onion the same as you did above, but make 1/4 inch cuts to mince (or smaller if the recipe calls for a finer onion).

    Mincing an onion.

    Turn the onion and hold the slices together. Then moving perpendicular to the slices, cut 1/4 inch slices again.

    Mincing an onion.

      How to Chop an Onion

      Chopping an onion is much less precise and can be done in a variety of ways. However, I typically cut the onion the same way as if I were dicing or mincing, just in larger pieces.

      After peeling and cutting the onion in half as above, lay the flat side on the cutting board.

      Cutting an onion in half.

      Cut in one direction in whatever size pieces you want. 3/4 inch is a good standard chopping size for a recipe that doesn’t specify otherwise.

      Chopping an onion.

      Then moving in the other direction, cut again in 3/4 inch slices.

      Chopping an onion.

      This is what roughly chopped onions will look like.

      Hands holding up pieces of a chopped onion to show size.
        Recipe Card

        How to Cut an Onion (Diced, Minced, or Chopped)

        4.82 from 27 votes
        Prep: 10 minutes
        Total: 10 minutes
        Servings: 4
        Author: Becky Hardin
        chopped onions
        Learning how to cut an onion is one of those basic cooking skills that will always come in handy. I'll show you how to dice an onion, how to mince onion (plus the difference between the two), how to chop an onion, and even how to saute onions!
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        Ingredients 

        • 1 large onion

        To Saute:

        • 1 tablespoon salted butter
        • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
        • splash water

        Instructions 

        • Using a chopping board and a sharp knife, cut off both ends of the onion.
          onion
        • Make a very shallow cut just through the first or second layers, then peel these outer layers away to get to the best part of the onion. This is the part to be used.
          Step-by-step guide on cutting onions using a knife and marble table.
        • Cut the onion in half and lay each half, with the flat side down, on the cutting board.
          four white garlic cloves displayed on a marble surface.
        • Slice across each onion 1/4-3/4 inch thick, depending how large you want your onion pieces (minced-1/4 inch, diced-1/2 inch, chopped-3/4 inch). (I mince the onion if I am serving someone who isn’t a fan of onions.) Of course you can use larger pieces or whole onions depending on the recipe.
          A step-by-step guide on cutting four onion slices using a marble surface.
        • Once cut through each half, lay the sliced onions on their flat side, then slice them again across the earlier slices – depending how large you want the pieces.
          Wondering how to cut an onion? So many recipes call for a bit of onion, and I very much approve of that! Whether you need diced onion, minced onion, or chopped onion, you need to know how to do it properly. Learning how to chop an onion is one of those basic cooking skills that will always come in handy. I'll show you how to dice an onion, how to mince onion (plus the difference between the two), how to store cut onions, and even how to saute onions!

        To Saute:

        • Place the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Allow butter to melt. 
        • Throw in chopped onion and stir to coat in the butter mixture. Throw in a splash of water (helps the onions not to burn). Cook until fragrant and translucent, stirring frequently, about 3-4 minutes. Enjoy!
          Frying pan, wooden spoon.

        Video

        Calories: 51kcalCarbohydrates: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 26mgPotassium: 40mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 2.1mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.1mg

        Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

        Did you make this? Leave a comment!

        How to Cut Onions Without Crying

        Most of us know that cutting onions can often lead to tears. Whether you’ve seen it on TV or experienced it yourself, it’s true that onions can make you cry. This is because onions release an irritant that affects our eyes. But don’t worry, you can actually get through the process without tears!

        • One of the main ways to avoid crying is to keep cut ends of an onion faced away from you. So if you’re facing the cut halves down on the cutting board as I mentioned, that will help a bit.
        • Using a properly sharpened knife will cut into the onion better, and cause less of that chemical irritant to be released. 
        • Don’t touch your eyes or your face directly after chopping onions. Make sure you thoroughly wash your hands afterwards.
        • As soon as you’re done cutting, set the onions away from you until you need to add them into your dish.
        • Chilled onions will usually be less of a problem. So let the onion sit in the refrigerator for a bit before cutting.
        frying pan, countertop

        How to Store Cut Onions

        When you first buy onions, store them in a cool, dark pantry or cabinet. They will usually keep for 3-4 weeks if stored properly and kept dry. This is BEFORE cutting them.

        Once you’ve cut the onion, you’ll need to store it differently. Here’s how to store cut onions:

        • Place any diced or minced onion pieces in an airtight container, in the refrigerator.
        • Chopped onions and larger pieces can be stored in reusable containers or resealable bags.
        • If you have large uncut pieces of onion, you can also wrap them in plastic wrap. (For example, if you only cut half the onion, wrap the unused half and keep it in the refrigerator.)

        Once an onion has been cut in any way, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator. It helps to keep onions in separate drawers so that other vegetables don’t get that oniony smell or flavor. Cut onions should be used within about 7-10 days.

        How to Pick a Good Onion

        Before you cut an onion, you have to pick the right one. Picking a good onion is fairly simple, though.

        Choose one that is firm, unblemished, and unbruised. Look for onions that have tight, dry, tissuey skins. It also helps to smell them: if it has a strong onion scent, it probably isn’t very sweet. But typically this will be based on the type of onion you’re using. 

        When picking a good onion, avoid any that: have soft or wet spots, are sprouting or decaying, or have noticeable moisture or discoloration.

        That’s it! Learning how to cut an onion is really that simple. Diced onion, minced onion, chopped onion, it doesn’t matter. It’s all so easy. Now you can start sneaking these little flavor cubes into your culinary creations (and if you are cooking for someone that hates onions, they never have to know).

        Beginner Cooking Guides

        Looking for some other basic cooking skills and how-tos? Check out these tutorials.

        Meet Becky Hardin

        Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

        4.82 from 27 votes (21 ratings without comment)
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        15 Comments
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        Vampy
        Vampy
        September 27, 2021 3:05 pm

        To prevent tears, the chilling works. If you’re in a hurry, put the onion in the freezer for 10 to 20 minutes first, but don’t forget about it. If you think of it, put it in the fridge the night before.5 stars

        Jaxon
        Jaxon
        January 25, 2021 12:48 am

        Keep a match stick between your front teeth, not chewing on it, just holding it there will keep you from breathing all the way into your sinus cavity. Not sure if that’s why it works but it does work!

        Becky Hardin
        Becky Hardin
        January 29, 2021 2:25 pm
        Reply to  Jaxon

        I have never tried that before!

        Leander Rau
        Leander Rau
        July 6, 2019 7:13 pm

        I’m not sure why, but chewing gum or sucking on a mint while I’m chopping onions also seems to help prevent my eyes from getting irritated. Anyway, this was super helpful, thank you!! Now I know the difference between minced and diced :)5 stars

        Kristyn
        Kristyn
        February 11, 2019 6:37 pm

        My least favorite thing to cut! Thank you for the tips!! I just try to cut fast to get through it..LOL!5 stars

        Courtney Minor
        February 11, 2019 8:13 pm
        Reply to  Kristyn

        haha the faster you chop, the less tears you cry!

        Natasha
        Natasha
        February 11, 2019 5:05 pm

        These are great tips – especially for those new to cooking!5 stars

        Courtney Minor
        February 11, 2019 8:14 pm
        Reply to  Natasha

        Happy it’s helpful!

        Kimberly
        Kimberly
        February 11, 2019 4:04 pm

        I couldn’t live without onions, I swear I go through several pounds a week! Great post!5 stars

        Courtney Minor
        February 11, 2019 8:15 pm
        Reply to  Kimberly

        Right? Onions in everything, please!!!

        Kara
        Kara
        February 11, 2019 3:14 pm

        Thanks for the tip about chilling an onion to reduce the tears. I’ll definitely be trying that trick!

        Courtney Minor
        February 11, 2019 8:16 pm
        Reply to  Kara

        Thanks for reading, Kara. I hope it stops the tears! :)

        Steph
        Steph
        February 11, 2019 2:59 pm

        I hate cutting onions but these tips made it so much easier…thanks!5 stars

        Courtney Minor
        February 11, 2019 8:17 pm
        Reply to  Steph

        So happy I could help! :)