A chef has revealed her preferred method for dicing onions, asserting that it not only accelerates kitchen preparation but also helps avoid the common issue of tearful eyes during the process. The technique, shared on TikTok by Red Stick Spice Co., has garnered attention from home cooks who are surprised they hadn't discovered this approach earlier.
The Fundamental Skill of Onion Dicing
In her video, the chef emphasised that dicing an onion is a basic culinary skill every home cook should master, with proper technique enhancing the overall cooking experience. She noted that in her Knife Skills Class, they focus on the efficiency and precision required for effective onion dicing. Before demonstrating her method, she highlighted how the type of onion—whether yellow, white, or red—can influence the flavour of a dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Dicing
The chef outlined a simple method to achieve uniformly diced onions. First, cut off the top of the onion while keeping the root end intact, as this helps maintain the onion's structure during slicing. Next, carefully remove the outer skin without taking off too much of the onion itself, ensuring a clean surface for even pieces.
Place the onion flat side down on the cutting board. Make horizontal cuts from the top toward the root, stopping short of cutting through the root entirely. Then, make vertical cuts down the onion, again avoiding the root, with the spacing determining the size of the diced pieces. Finally, turn the onion and slice across the previous cuts, allowing perfectly diced pieces to fall away for the desired texture.
Benefits and Reactions
According to the chef, this technique streamlines the dicing process, reducing fuss and minimising tears. She encouraged practice to build comfort with the method, concluding with a message of happy home cooking. The video sparked varied reactions from viewers: one suggested not cutting the root at all to prevent tears, another questioned why their eyes still watered, and a third joked about sticking to pre-diced onions from the grocery store.
