• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sassy Chopsticks
  • Flavorful Asian-inspired Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Pantry
    • How-To
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • matcha brownies feature
      Rich Matcha Brownies Recipe (With White Chocolate)
    • chili oil 2
      11 Best Chili Oil Substitutes: Simple Alternatives
    • Asian roast turkey 8
      Asian Roast Turkey Recipe (With Sticky Rice Stuffing)
    • how to reheat edamame 1
      How To Reheat Edamame: 4 Easy Reheating Methods
    • air fryer sweet and sour chicken 1
      Delicious Air Fryer Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe
    • ginger pear tea 4
      Ginger Pear Tea Recipe: The Perfect Soothing Blend
    • cantonese style chow mein 3
      Cantonese Style Chow Mein: Easy Pan-Fried Noodles
    • 12345 spare ribs feature
      12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking)
    • orange juice smoothie recipe final
      The Perfect Orange Juice Smoothie Recipe (100% Fresh)
    • air fryer peanuts 4
      Air Fryer Peanuts Recipe: Roasted To Perfection
    • substitute for bulgogi sauce 2
      The 8 Best Bulgogi Sauce Substitutes: Easy Ideas
    • coconut lime rice 4
      Creamy Coconut Lime Rice Recipe (Quick And Easy)
    Home » How-To

    How To Cut Green Onions (Scallions): 4 Easy Ways!

    Published: Sep 19, 2023 by Yuan

    15 shares
    • Facebook
    • Email
    • Yummly

    Green onions, also known as spring onions or scallions, are fresh herbs that are available year-round in the grocery store. Green onions provide a milder flavor than regular white onions. They can also add a pop of color and crispy texture to various dishes. Learning to cut green onions properly is a fundamental kitchen skill that can elevate your cooking. In this step-by-step guide, I'll walk you through different ways to cut green onions. Read on! 

    green onions feature 2
    Jump To
    • Selecting the right green onions
    • Preparing the green onions 
    • 4 cutting styles
    • Store properly
    • Additional tips and tricks 
    • Conclusion
    • YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

    Selecting the right green onions

    Selecting the right green onions ensures you get the best flavor and freshness for your dishes. Here's a guide on how to choose the right green onions:

    • Choose green onions with vibrant, bright green tops. Avoid those with wilted, yellowing, or browning leaves, as these indicate age and loss of freshness. The root end should be plump and white.
    • Examine the stems for firmness. They should feel crisp and not limp or rubbery. Flexible stems can be a sign of overmaturity.
    • Check for any signs of excessive moisture on the leaves or stems. Moisture can lead to rot and spoilage.
    • Inspect the leaves for any signs of blemishes, spots, or insect damage. Choose green onions that appear free of such imperfections.
    • Green onions are more flavorful when they're in season. Spring and early summer are usually the best times to find the freshest green onions.

    Remember that green onions are relatively inexpensive. If you use green onions frequently, like me, buying a bunch of green onions is a good idea.

    Preparing the green onions 

    Start by selecting fresh green onions from your grocery store. Rinse the entire green onion under cool water to remove dirt or debris. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Alternatively, you can use a damp paper towel to wipe the onions clean. Lay the green onions on your cutting board. Identify the three main parts: the white stems, the pale green parts, and the dark green leaves. Each part of the green onion offers a slightly different flavor and texture.:)

    4 cutting styles

    Depending on your recipe and preferences, there are several ways to cut green onions. Here are four common cutting styles:

    Bias cuts

    remove the end

    Begin by trimming the root end of the green onion and any damaged or discolored parts. Stack several green onions together to make chopping more efficient. Hold the green onions horizontally on the cutting board. Angle your knife at a slight diagonal angle( 45-degree angle)and slice the green onion into thin rounds of thin slices.

    way 1 a

    Alternately, you can also straighten up your knife without any angle to create small, round pieces. The width of the cuts can vary depending on your preference. Continue chopping until you reach the green tops, which can also be included. This style works well for garnishes and scallion pancakes.

    Chopped green onions

    way 2

    For a thicker cut, chop the green onions into wider pieces. This versatile cut can be used in a wide variety of dishes.

    2-inch cut

    how to cut green onions-way 3

    Cut the green onion into 2-inch long pieces. In braising and roasting, the green onion is not the main ingredient; it's the perfect time to use this cut style.

    Julienne (Matchstick Cut) or curling

    Start by trimming off the root end and any undesirable leaves. Cut the green onion in half lengthwise, creating two long, slender strips. Lay one strip flat on the cutting board and slice it lengthwise into thin strips about ⅛ inch wide. Repeat the process with the other half and any additional green onions. The result will be fine, slender strips resembling matchsticks. Julienne-cut green onions are commonly used as a garnish for sushi, salads, and various Asian dishes.

    how to cut green onions-way 4

    If you want your green onions to curl up, submerge the cut green onions in a bowl of iced water and let them soak for about 15-20 minutes. This will cause the green tops to curl up, creating an attractive garnish. Drain the green onions and use them to garnish your favorite dishes for a visually appealing touch.

    Each of these cutting styles and different shapes can add a different texture and aesthetic to your dishes, so choose the one that best complements your dish.

    Store properly

    Proper storage is also essential to keep them fresh for as long as possible. To keep your cut green onions fresh, store them in an airtight container or a plastic bag with excess moisture removed. Alternatively, place them in a cup with the root end in a bit of water, cover them with a plastic bag, and store them in the refrigerator. Try to use them within a week or two for the best flavor and quality.

    Additional tips and tricks 

    Here are some additional tips to help you cut green onions in different styles with precision:

    Use a sharp knife: Use a sharp chef's knife or any sharp knife to cut the green onion for clean cuts.

    Proper hand placement: Hold the green onion firmly but not too tightly to maintain control while cutting. Keep your fingers tucked in, and use your knuckles as a guide to prevent accidental cuts.

    Stacking: When you need to cut a large quantity of green onions in a particular style, consider stacking or bundling them together. This can help speed up the cutting process and ensure uniform pieces.

    green onions feature 1

    Practice and patience: Cutting green onions in different styles may take some practice to master, especially for more intricate cuts like julienne or curling. Be patient and give yourself time to improve your knife skills.

    Preparation ahead of time: If you're planning a meal, consider cutting green onions in advance and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can save you time during meal preparation.

    Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different cutting styles and adapt them to your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your recipes. Remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to knife skills, so don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't flawless. With time and experience, you'll become more proficient at cutting green onions in various styles.

    Conclusion

    Green onions can be a great addition to many recipes. Cutting green onions is a fundamental kitchen skill that can add depth and flavor to your favorite recipes. Mastering the art of cutting green onions will make you a more versatile and confident cook. So grab your knife, practice your knife skills, and enjoy the subtle flavor that green onions bring to your dishes. Happy cooking!

    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

    • Asian thanksgiving recipes
      Asian Thanksgiving Recipes: 25 Dinner Menu Ideas
    • best asian candy
      15 Best Asian Candies You Must Try: Sweetest Picks
    • Asian cranberry sauce 2
      Asian Cranberry Sauce Recipe (With Orange And Ginger)
    • yu choy recipe 1
      Delicious Yu Choy Recipe: A Chinese Leafy Green Dish

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    me

    Hello there! Welcome to sassychopsticks.com!

    I am Yuan, a US based writer, world traveler, Web developer and photographer behind this website. I was originally born in Kunming, which is the southern part of China, where every seasons is Spring! After attending 4 years of high school in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, I moved to Portsmouth, England where I spend 6 years and obtained my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I have lived in the United States for almost 2 decades now and currently live in Tennessee.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • chocolate chip walnut cookies 4
      Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe: Soft And Nutty!
    • perilla leaf kimchi 2
      Perilla Leaf Kimchi: A Taste of Korean Tradition
    • chili garlic sauce substitute
      Chili Garlic Sauce Substitute: 10 Best Alternatives
    • stir fry mung bean sprouts 5
      Stir Fry Mung Bean Sprouts Recipe (Vegan Friendly)

    Trending recipes

    • rolls
      Chinese Egg Rolls
    • stir fry Taiwanese spinach
      Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic
    • Creamy coconut shrimp buffet style
      Creamy Coconut Shrimp Buffet Style- Quick and Easy
    • Chinese sponge cake
      Chinese Sponge Cake Recipe (Chiffon Cake)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT