How to Chop an Onion
March
12,
2025
If you’re wondering how to chop an onion, not to fear! We’ve created this easy step-by-step guide for beginners to make the process simple and easy. Onions are a staple in many dishes, often used as a flavourful base. Hence, learning how to cut an onion the right way is a skill every cook should aim to conquer. Dive in to learn how it’s done.
Step 1
Slice down middle of your onion so you get 2 halves. Our top tip is to then place one half back face down to minimise any onion tears!
Step 2
Peel back the brown skin from the first half and place it flat side down on the chopping board and repeat for the other half. Then just cut off the end of each half to leave you with the white area of your onion ready to dice.
Step 3
Hold the end of your onion carefully and begin to make cuts through, remembering to cut away from yourself. The more cuts you make the smaller the dice of your onion, so wider cuts, will give you bigger diced chunks. Be careful not to cut completely through, you need to keep the back end intact where you are holding the onion.
Step 4
You then cut horizontally across the onion, again the more cuts you make the finer your dice will be.
Step 5
Make a claw with your fingers and place them down on the onion, making sure your fingernails are well away from the blade. It is your knuckles which should be in contact with the knife, not fingers. Then with a soaring motion cut through your onion.
Step 6
Continue to cut through all the onion, not forgetting your other half, until it is all beautifully diced and ready to cook with.
Watch The Video To See The Technique In Action
Put Your Onion Chopping Skills To The Test
Put your onion chopping skills to the test with this delicious and easy Mini Mince & Spring Onions Stand ‘N’ Stuff™ Tacos recipe, featuring diced onion.
Mini Mince & Spring Onions Stand ‘N’ Stuff™ Tacos
This one skillet dish will make dinner time easy as can be! And even more fun when they are served in bite-sized Mini Tacos!
Recipe Name
Mini Mince & Spring Onions Stand ‘N’ Stuff™ TacosTotal Time
35 minutesSpice Level
MildServings
8Ingredients
- 500 g mince beef (15% fat)
- 160 g onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 pack Old El Paso™ Garlic & Paprika Seasoning Mix for Tacos
- 1 can (400 g) chopped tomatoes
- 115 g green chilies, diced
- 1 can (400 g) Old El Paso™ Black Beans
- 2 packs Old El Paso™ Mini Stand Stuff™ Soft Flour Tortillas
- 1 bunch spring onions, chopped
- 2 avocado, diced
- 1 can Green Giant™ Sweet Corn
- 150 ml grated cheese
Preparation
- In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium high heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Add the mince beef and brown, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, green chilies, taco seasoning, and the black beans. Cook for another 10-12 minutes or until liquid has been absorbed.
- Heat tortillas as directed on package.
- Place and divide the beef mixture in the tortillas and top with spring onions, avocados, cheese and sweet corn. Enjoy!
Made With...
Get Ready To Make Some Noise With Old El Paso
Whether you’re learning to cook for yourself or making something for family or someone special, knowing how to chop an onion is sure to help speed up the process. Once you’ve aced our Mini Mince & Spring Onions Stand ‘N’ Stuff™ Tacos, why not check out some more of our easy and quick recipes here! Plus, don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media.