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How To Cut Onions For Fajitas (Step-by-Step)

You might wonder how to cut onions for fajitas, there are some simple steps to follow and two essential tips that I'll share here.

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Overhead shot of onions cut for fajita veggies

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Cutting onions for fajitas is simple because there’s no wrong way to do it. There are some simple steps to follow and two truly important tips that I’ll highlight below.


But What are Fajitas?

Fajitas are a staple in Mexican cuisine. And if you’re a fan of Chipotle, you probably know how fantastic fajitas can make your bowl, burrito, or quesadilla taste!

Fajitas are a mix of cooked onions and peppers that give your food a delicious touch of sweetness.

This sweetness comes from the lightly caramelized onions and peppers, which release sugars and give them a beautiful brown color.


What Kind of Onions Should You Cut for Fajitas?

Red onions are the perfect choice for fajitas, and I highly recommend them. However, feel free to use your preferred type of onion, whether it’s white or sweet.

I can say that red onions work exceptionally well for larger cuts in fajitas, so give them a try, and I’m sure you won’t regret it. I also love the pop of color red onions add to fajitas and foods altogether.

Can You Make Fajitas Without Onions

If you’re not a fan of onions, you can make fajitas with bell peppers and perhaps use a variety of colors. So a green and red bell pepper, even a third, like orange bell peppers, for a beautiful fajita rainbow.

Why Does the Way You Cut Fajita Onions Matter?

Fajitas are typically added to a dish for an additional level of flavor and texture, so the integrity of the onions matters in the fajitas.

If the cut of the onion is either too thin or thick, it will affect your dish’s overall taste and texture.

The thinner the slices of onion, the more likely to disintegrate, and the thicker the slices, the more difficult it will be to enjoy the fajitas, and the less likely to cook correctly.

What Is The Best Cut For Fajitas?

Did you know that for perfect fajita onions, it’s best to prepare them using radial cuts? It might sound a bit technical, but trust me, it makes all the difference. The technical name for the amount doesn’t matter, and it’s simple.

Why Is The Radial Cut The Best For Fajitas?

The radial cut gives you control over the width of the sliced onion. You can cut thin strips, but not too thin, because remember that when you cook onions, they release water and shrink slightly.

How To Cut Onions For Fajitas – Step-by-Step

First, start by cutting the onion in half through the root to keep the onion together.

A guide demonstrating the ideal way to cut an onion in half making sure to cut through the middle of the root to keep the onion layers together

Then, remove the dry outer layers.

Tip! Make sure the pairing knife is sharp.

Carefully holding the onion on one side, with fingertips down.

Make radial cuts while slicing the onion.

A guide with the image of an onion identifying the stem and the root
Guide explaining How To Cut Onions For Fajitas with a pairing knife

What Is A Radial Cut?

A radial cut means that you’re cutting slices from the root to the stem. And you’re making the cuts at an angle, from right to left.

Make each slice touch 1/4 of an inch thick.

Once you’ve made all the cuts, release the ones still attached the stem by cutting them off of the stem of the onion.

Once you’ve made all the cuts, release the ones still attached to the stem by cutting them off of the stem of the onion.

Cutting onions can be a hassle, but with these top tips, you can make it a lot easier. Follow these steps for the easiest way to cut onions.

Simple tips for an easy process.

Make sure your knife is extra sharp

It’s easier to slice an onion with an extra sharp knife that won’t crush it and release tear-causing chemicals.

Use A Sturdy Cutting Board

A thick wooden cutting board is sturdy and makes it easier to slice the onion.

See Below for Detailed Instructions


The Right Equipment For This Recipe

  • 1 Wooden Cutting Board
  • 1 Chef or Pairing Knife

Now, once you’ve cut the onions, all you have left are the bell peppers for the perfect fajitas.


What To Serve With The Perfect Fajitas

Lime cilantro rice is the perfect canvas for this Chipotle pollo asado recipe, Chipotle copycat.

Side shot of Chipotle pollo asado recipe

Storage

Once the onions are cooked, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

If you have raw onions, store them in an airtight container ideally up to 2 days.

Reheating

Start by heating up a pan with a tablespoon of avocado oil over medium heat, place the fajitas on the pan and reheat for 1-2 minutes.


Overhead shot of onions cut for fajita veggies

How To Cut Onions For Fajitas (Step-by-Step)

Print Recipe
The easiest step by step process for perfect fajita onions
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword How To Cut Onions For Fajitas, how to cut onions for mexican fajitas, How to Slice Onions for Fajitas, The Perfect Way To Cut Onions For Fajitas
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 people
Author Olga Muñoz

Equipment

  • 1 Pairing Knife
  • 1 Wooden Cutting Board

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Red Onion

Instructions

  • First, start by cutting the onion in half through the root to keep the onion together.
    overhead shot of half an onion on a cutting board
  • Then, remove the dry outer layers.
    Tip! Make sure the pairing knife is sharp.
    Carefully holding the onion on one side, with fingertips down.
    Make radial cuts while slicing the onion.
    Side shot of Radial cuts how to cut onions for fajitas
  • And you’re making the cuts at an angle, from right to left.
    Make each slice touch 1/4 of an inch thick.
    Once you’ve made all the cuts, release the ones still attached the stem by cutting them off of the stem of the onion.
    overhead shot of onions for fajitas on a cutting board

Notes

What Is A Radial Cut?

A radial cut means cutting slices from the root to the stem. And you’re making the cuts at an angle, from right to left.

Cutting onions can be a hassle, but with these top tips, you can make it much more manageable. Follow these steps for the easiest way to cut onions.

Make Sure Your Knife Is Extra Sharp

It’s easier to slice an onion with an extra sharp knife that won’t crush it and release tear-causing chemicals.

Use A Sturdy Cutting Board

A thick wooden cutting board is sturdy and makes it easier to slice the onion.

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