How to halve an onion safely with a stable grip
Grip the onion firmly and slice through it carefully to create two stable halves for further cutting.
Hold the onion with your thumb, index finger (and optionally middle finger), keeping the rest of your fingers arched away from the blade. Slide the knife in carefully and press down against the board to split the onion into two parts.
The short version
- Use a firm grip and keep fingers arched away
- Press the knife down against the board for control
What you need
- chef’s knifeSharp knife recommended
- cutting board
How to do it
- 1
Place the onion on the board and hold it firmly using your thumb and index finger (optionally middle finger).
Keep the remaining fingers arched away from the blade.
Watch this step - 2
Slide the knife in carefully and press down against the cutting board to split the onion into two halves.
Maintain control so the onion doesn’t wobble.
Watch this step
What goes wrong
Letting the onion wobble while cutting
Create a stable base and keep a firm grip before slicing
Why it works
A firm grip and stable contact with the board reduces wobble and helps keep fingers out of the blade path.
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