Onions are a vital element in many Mexican cuisine, particularly in delicious fajitas. Whether you favor the sweet taste of red onions, the pungent flavor of white onions, or the traditional yellow onions, understanding how to cut them correctly can take your fajita game to the next level. These step-by-step instructions will show you best way to cut an onion for fajitas so that you always obtain excellent, thin slices.
For quick and simple meals, I adore fajitas. They're ideal for those evenings when you want something substantial but simply lack the time or energy to put on a large performance. Simply add some protein, toss the peppers and onions in a pan, and then combine everything in a tortilla. Simple and tasty.
I had been unable to correctly slice onions for fajitas, or really any other food, for a long time. However, after learning this method, I was able to put dinner on the table much more quickly and made fajita night much easier! (Psst: You can slice onions this way for a variety of recipes.
Jump to:
- What You'll Need
- How to Cut An Onion For Fajitas
- Step 1: Choose the Right Onion
- Step 2: Gather Your Tools
- Step 3: Prepare the Onion
- Step 4: Cut the Onion in Half And Peel The Outer Layer
- Step 5: Begin Slicing
- Step 6: Turn and Continue Slicing
- Step 7: Repeat for the Other Half Of The Onion
- Step 8: Store Any Leftovers
- Helpful Tips
- How To Cook Onions For Fajitas
- What Else Do I Need For The Perfect Fajita?
- Popular Fajita toppings
- More Delicious and Easy Recipes
- Recipe
- The Best Way to Cut An Onion Into Strips for Fajitas
What You'll Need
- One big onion. You can use any variety here, and I'll go over how to choose the correct type of onion for your recipe later, but I prefer larger onions, or if you only have small onions, use a couple. Sautéing onions causes them to cook down significantly. I generally think I have more than I need, but once they cook, the amount is perfect for my family of four.
- A exceedingly sharp knife. This is essential since you'll want to be able to simply slice the onion into thin strips. A dull knife will make this extremely tough, therefore use your sharpest knife.
- Large chopping board. Give yourself some room here to make things simpler.
How to Cut An Onion For Fajitas
It only takes a few simple steps to cut an onion into slices for fajitas. Here's how to accomplish it.
Step 1: Choose the Right Onion
Choosing the appropriate type of onion is the first step in making the ideal fajita. Although you can use red, yellow, or white onions, each will contribute a unique flavor to the dish. While yellow onions have a natural sweetness that goes well with hotter peppers, red onions are renowned for their brighter color and milder flavor. The stronger flavor of white onions might make your fajitas more intense.
Feel free to use your favorite onion because ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. For my part, I prefer red onions for steak fajitas and sweet onions for chicken fajitas. However, the kind of fajita you're creating will determine which onion is ideal for you.)
Step 2: Gather Your Tools
Make sure you have the appropriate equipment before you begin chopping your raw onion. A large cutting board and an extremely sharp knife are required. To ensure smooth cuts and avoid onion splits, a sharp blade is necessary.
Step 3: Prepare the Onion
Start by chopping off and throwing away the onion's two ends. This will make the onion more sturdy and manageable by producing a level surface at the top (stem end) and bottom (root end).
Step 4: Cut the Onion in Half And Peel The Outer Layer
Following the onion's natural lines, cut the onion in half vertically after removing both ends. Now you'll have two flat-sided halves. The papery exterior peel of the onion should be carefully removed and thrown away.
Step 5: Begin Slicing
On the chopping board, place one half of the onion, cut side down. Beginning at one end of the onion and working your way toward the center, make radial slashes to create thin vertical slices at an angle. For fajitas, the angle helps produce long, thin strips of onion. To prevent any mishaps, make sure your fingers are tucked in.
Step 6: Turn and Continue Slicing
Slice the onion on one side, then flip it over, keeping the flat side facing down. To get to the center of the onion, begin slicing again from the other end at the same angle. The consistent onion slices produced by this method will cook through in your fajitas.
Step 7: Repeat for the Other Half Of The Onion
Slice the remaining half of the onion in the same manner. Now you'll have an abundance of gorgeously sliced onion strips that are prepared for your fajita dish.
Step 8: Store Any Leftovers
You can keep your onion slices in an airtight jar if you won't be using them all right away. To preserve their freshness, make sure to store them in the refrigerator.
Helpful Tips
- Be mindful of your fingertips! Be really careful with that sharp knife since you will be holding the onion layers together with your hands while you cut.
- Diminish the taste. Strong, bitter onions can be soaked in cold water for a few minutes to give them a more mellow flavor, but sautéing will usually decrease their powerful flavor.
How To Cook Onions For Fajitas
Fajitas can be prepared in a variety of ways! My two preferred methods are as follows:
- over the stove. Put the chopped onions and peppers in a big skillet and cook them over medium-high heat in a small amount of oil until they are soft and tender.
- Fajitas on a sheet pan. Perhaps this is the simplest method. On a sheet pan, combine the fajita vegetables, chopped peppers, and chopped onions. Cook until the protein is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Serve with warm tortillas after that!
What Else Do I Need For The Perfect Fajita?
- Veggie Fajitas. For extra taste and color, think about slicing or thinly slicing bell peppers to add to your fajitas.
- protein. Although chicken breasts or skirt steak are frequently used in traditional fajitas, you may also prepare tasty fajitas using ground beef, shrimp, or even a mix of your preferred meats. Although tofu, fish, or even tempeh can be used as a protein, we at the house prefer chicken or steak fajitas.
- Make Your Own Fajita Seasoning. Although making your own fajita seasoning is really easy, I frequently buy store-bought. For added flavor, marinade your protein and veggies in a homemade fajita seasoning blend made with chili powder, lime juice, and olive oil.
- toppings. Remember to include your preferred toppings, such as shredded cheese, avocado slices, fresh salsas, and sour cream.
- tortillas. Depending on your desire, serve your fajitas on heated corn tortillas or flour tortillas.
- sides. Remember to include the sides! Fajitas go well with Mexican rice, black beans, and re-fried beans.
Popular Fajita toppings
When it comes to fajitas, the main ingredients are undoubtedly the peppers, onions, and protein, but don't overlook the toppings! Utilize these suggestions to enhance your dish:
- Sour cream
- Fresh Salsa
- Slices of avocado
- Crema with avocado
- Cheese Grated
- Tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Jalapenos
- Lime juice
- lettuce
- Salsa
- Corn from Chipotle salsa
- Mexican Coleslaw
- Guacamole
I hope this tutorial has helped you understand how to cut an onion for fajitas. This procedure consistently yields precisely sliced onion slices.
If you tried this The Best Way to Cut An Onion Into Strips for Fajitas or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
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Recipe
The Best Way to Cut An Onion Into Strips for Fajitas
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large onion yellow, red or white
- 1 very sharp knife
- 1 large cutting board
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cut off both ends of onions with a very sharp knife and throw away.
- Following the onion's vertical lines, cut the onion in half lengthwise. The papery outermost layer of skin should be peeled off and thrown away.
- On the chopping board, place one half of the onion, cut side down, flat end facing down.
- Beginning at one end of the onion, cut it at an angle until it reaches the middle. Place the sliced pieces aside.
- After turning the onion over, cut it again at an angle, beginning at the other end, until you reach the center.
- Use the slices for fajitas or other recipes that require long strips of onion, then repeat the process with the remaining half of the onion.
NOTES
- To avoid cutting yourself, be mindful of your fingers when slicing the onion!
- Keep any leftover onions in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- If you have a strong, bitter onion, soak the slices in cold water for 5 to 10 minutes before using to mellow the flavor.
- Serve with other Mexican food, such as enchiladas, tostadas, or fajitas.
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