How to slice onions like a chef
Slicing onions properly gives you even cooking, better texture, and that professional finish.
Step-by-step method
- Trim the top
Cut off the top of the onion, but keep the root intact. - Cut in half
Slice the onion in half through the root. - Peel
Remove the skin (and the first layer if it feels tough). - Position the onion
Place it flat-side down for stability. - Slice with the grain (for strips)
Cut from root to tip to create even slices that hold their shape — ideal for stir-fries.
Why chefs do it this way
- The root holds everything together while slicing
- Even slices cook consistently
- Better texture in the final dish
Pro tip
For softer onions (like in sauces), slice against the grain.
For stir-fries, always go with the grain for that classic takeaway texture.
