Learn how to cut green onions, also known as scallions, with tips on how to trim and slice them for garnish and diagonally. In this tutorial with step-by-step photos and a short video, you’ll read about what part of the green onion to use and how to cook with this vegetable.
Green onions — or scallions (they’re the same thing!) — are a type of onion that provides a milder flavor than yellow, white, or red onions. If you’re wondering what part of the green onion you use, most recipes call for only the light green and white parts, but the darker green parts are also edible and make a great garnish. Read on to learn how to cut green onions and use them in your cooking!
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How to Clean
First, wash green onions under running water. Use your fingers to rub off any dirt. Pat them dry. Then, remove any wilted leaves.
How to Trim
Next, trim both ends of the green onions. You don’t want to remove too much, so just slice off the stringy root ends and the tips of the dark green tops.
How to Cut into Slices
Since green onions are skinny by nature, most recipes call for them sliced. Cut them crosswise into slices of your desired size.
How to Cut Diagonally
If you are using green onions for garnish, you may want to cut them diagonally. They look extra pretty that way! Just turn the green onions on an angle and slice them crosswise.
How to Store Cut Green Onions
To keep green onions as fresh as possible, it’s best to cut them right before you are going to use them. However, you can cut them in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 5 days. To freeze them, see my tutorial on How to Freeze Green Onions.
Recipes
Now that you know how to cut green onions, let’s talk about how to use them in cooking! Green onions can be used to impart onion flavor to a dish, similar to any other kind of onion. However, they tend to have a milder flavor than more potent varieties like white and red onions. Regardless, they work well as a substitute for other onions in most recipes. They also make a great garnish for stir fries, tacos, nachos, rice, soups, and pastas. The opportunities are endless!
Here are some great recipes that use scallions or ones where they can be substituted for other types of onions:
- Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins with Mushrooms and Scallions
- Slow Cooker Black Beans with Scallions
- Scallion Pesto (Green Onion Pesto) (a great way to use green onion tops when you used the white and light green parts for another recipe!)
- Leek Pancakes (sub scallions for leeks)
- Creamy Ramp Dip (sub scallions for ramps)
- Loaded Sweet Potato Fries
- Vegan Potato Salad Recipe with Fresh Dill
Video
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📖 Recipe
How to Cut Green Onions
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bunch green onions
Instructions
- Wash the scallions under running water, using your fingers to remove any dirt. Pat dry.
- Remove any wilted leaves and discard. Trim off the stringy ends and tips of the dark green tops.
- Slice the onions crosswise into pieces of your desired size. Most recipes call for the white and light green parts only, but the darker green parts are edible and can also be used, even if just as a garnish.
- If you want to slice them diagonally, turn the onions on an angle then cut them crosswise.
- Use cut green onions immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Leave a rating or review by tapping the stars on this recipe card (above) or in the comments section (at the end of the post)!
Video
Notes
- Use sliced green onions as a substitute for other onions in recipes or as a garnish for tacos, stir fries, pasta, and more.
Nutrition
Happy cooking! – Lizzie
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