Use rock chopping for ingredients with tough skin (e.g., peppers)
When tap chopping snags on tough skin, switch to a gentle rock chop to cut through more safely.
He demonstrates that tap chopping a piece of pepper can snag/push because the skin is tough. He then uses a rocking motion (not rocking high near fingers) to go through the skin cleanly.
The short version
- Tough skins can snag with tap chopping.
- Rock gently; keep the motion controlled near the board.
What you need
- chef's knife
How to do it
- 1
If tap chopping is snagging/pushing on the skin, reposition for a rock chop.
Snagging indicates resistance and higher slip risk.
Watch this step - 2
Keep fingers tucked and thumb out of the way.
Maintain the safe hand position while rocking.
Watch this step - 3
Rock the knife gently through the ingredient (don’t rock high near your fingers).
Rocking too high can catch fingers.
Watch this step
What goes wrong
Rocking the knife too high near the guiding hand
Keep the rocking motion low and controlled.
Why it works
A rocking motion maintains contact and slicing action through resistant skins, reducing sudden slips.
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