Depending on how you’re using your green onions, they can be cut into varying lengths and shapes. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to cutting green onions.
Green onions are a popular and versatile vegetable used for seasoning food or as a garnish. They are close relatives of onions and shallots, but have a much milder taste and aroma. Green onions are also known as scallions or spring onions.
Scallions vs Green Onions
Scallions and green onions are the same thing. The terms are used interchangeably, but ‘green onion’ is most commonly said in the US. Some grocery stores may label it as scallions, but it’s just another name for green onions.
Chives vs Green Onions
Chives and green onions are quite different in appearance, aroma and taste. Once you know the differences, it’s very easy to tell them apart. Chive stems are very skinny in comparison to the thick stems of green onions. Green onions have a small narrow bulb at the bottom and chives do not. These bulbs are very flavorful and can be used in the same way that you would use an onion. Chives have a much sharper taste to scallion’s mild oniony taste.
How to Cut Green Onions
Step 1: Clean green onions and remove bad parts
If you got your green onions from the farmer’s market, they may still have a bit of dirt on them. Wash them thoroughly and be sure to check the crevices. Grocery store green onions are less likely to have soil, but should be properly cleaned just the same. You may notice yellowing, wilting or rotting leaves. Be sure to snip these off and discard.
Step 2: Cut off the root ends
Separate the white root ends from the green leafy stalks using a sharp knife. The white part has a mild onion taste and makes a flavorful base for soups and sauces. Store the white parts in the fridge or freezer for future usage.
Step 3: Line up green onions
Line up the green stalks to ensure you’ll be cutting them neatly and evenly. If you have a lot of green onions to cut, you can stack them on top of each other to allow for simultaneous cutting.
Step 4: Cut them into your preferred length and shapes
Use a sharp knife to cut the green onions into your desired length and shapes. If you’re using it as a garnish, you’ll want very thin slices. For ramen and sushi, you’ll want to do long, vertical slices.
Different Shapes & Sizes
How to Cut Green Onions for Sushi (Thin Cut)
If you’re using your green onions in homemade sushi, you’ll need to slice them incredibly thin. To achieve this, use a very sharp knife and quickly shave off thin slices of green onions. They should be about 2-3mm thick.
How to Cut Green Onions for Chinese Food like Spring Rolls
Scallions are a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine. If you’ll be making spring rolls or stir fries, cut your scallions into long slices, about two inches each. Then cut them into thin strips.
How to Cut Green Onions Diagonally
Cutting green onions on the diagonal creates decorative rounds that look very impressive as a garnish. This type of cut also allows the scallions to release more flavor into your dishes. Use a sharp knife to slice the green onion into thin pieces. You should aim to slice at a 45-degree angle.
How to Store Green Onions?
Keep your green onions fresh and vibrant by placing them in a jar of water before storing them in the fridge. This simple trick allows them to retain moisture and helps to prevent wilting and yellowing.
How to Cut Green Onions from the Garden?
With ideal weather conditions, scallions are an easy plant to grow in your backyard. If you’re using spring onions from your own garden, be sure to wash them thoroughly to ensure all soil is removed. Remove the roots and cut your scallions into your preferred shape and length.
What Part of Green Onions Do You Eat?
Green onions are comprised of long green stalks and a white base. The white part has a mild onion flavor and can be used in a variety of recipes. The green stalks can be used in a number of ways, including as a garnish or in soups and salads.
Popular Green Onion Recipes
There are so many delicious ways to use green onions. Add them to your stir-fries for a burst of color and flavor. Green onions can be used as a base for sauces and dressings, such as the flavorful Mexican-inspired scallion creama. Cut your green onion into 1/8 inch slices and add to fried rice or cut them into long 2-inch slices to put in ramen. Green onions can also be used to take your tacos to the next level with their subtle flavor.
Cutting Green Onions Step-by-step Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 bunch green onions
- water
Instructions
- Wash your green onions thoroughly with water.
- If there are any yellowing, wilting or rotting leaves, be sure to snip these off and discard.
- Cut off the very end of white root ends and discard.
- Line up the green stalks to ensure you’ll be cutting them neatly and evenly. If you have a lot of green onions to cut, you can stack them on top of each other to allow for simultaneous cutting.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the green onions into your desired length and shapes. If you’re using it as a garnish, you’ll want very thin slices. For ramen and sushi, you’ll want to do long, vertical slices.
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