5 Genius Ways to Mince Onions Without Crying (And How to Store Them Like a Pro!)

If you’ve ever tried to mince an onion and ended up with tears streaming down your face, you’re not alone. But what if I told you there’s more than one way to hack the onion? From kitchen gadgets to clever fridge tricks, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to minced onion like a seasoned chef — without needing a box of tissues.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Hack #1: Chill Out with the Freezer
• Hack #2: Slice It in Its Sleep
• Hack #3: Use a Food Processor (Like a Boss)
• Hack #4: Soak Your Slices
• Hack #5: Invest in a Tears-Free Onion Chopper
• Storing Your Minced Onions Like a Pro
• Conclusion

Hack #1: Chill Out with the Freezer

Onions release their tear-inducing gases when you cut into them. The cooler they are, the less active those sulfuric compounds become. That means putting your onion in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before chopping can seriously reduce the sting!

Pro Tip: If you don’t have time for the freezer trick, try refrigerating your onions ahead of time. They’ll be cool enough to handle with fewer tears.

Hack #2: Slice It in Its Sleep

Another sneaky method is to chop the onion while it's submerged in cold water. This might sound odd, but the sulfuric compounds dissolve into the water instead of wafting up into your eyes. Just make sure to drain and pat dry afterward if you're cooking them later.

Method	Tear-Free?	Prep Time	Equipment Needed
Slicing in Water	✅ Yes	5–10 mins	Bowl + Water
Freezer Chill	✅ Yes	15 mins	Freezer
Sharp Knife Only	❌ No	5 mins	Kitchen knife

Hack #3: Use a Food Processor (Like a Boss)

For those who want speed and consistency, a food processor is your best friend. Simply peel and quarter the onion, toss it in the processor, and pulse until it’s finely chopped. Bonus: You get uniform pieces every time!

Recommended Models:

• Cuisinart Elemental DFP-2BCB
• Ninja BN601 Multi-Speed
• Hamilton Beach Food Processor

Hack #4: Soak Your Slices

If raw onions are too strong for your recipe (like salads or salsas), soak your minced slices in cold water for 10–15 minutes. This removes some of the sharp bite and mellows the flavor beautifully.

Hack #5: Invest in a Tears-Free Onion Chopper

Yes, they exist! Onion choppers are small devices that dice onions inside a sealed container. Since the fumes stay trapped inside, your eyes stay happy. Some even come with interchangeable blades for different cuts.

Storing Your Minced Onions Like a Pro

You've done all the hard work mincing those onions — now let’s make sure they last!

Refrigerator Storage

• Use an airtight container
• Add a paper towel to absorb moisture
• Store for up to 7 days

Freezer Storage

Want to prep ahead? Freeze your minced onions flat on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a ziplock bag or vacuum-sealed container. They’ll keep for up to 6 months and can go straight from the freezer to the pan!

Storage Method	Shelf Life	Flavor Retention	Best For
Fridge (Airtight)	5–7 Days	Good	Daily Cooking
Freezer (Flash Frozen)	6 Months	Excellent	Batch Cooking
Canned	1–2 Years	Moderate	Long-term storage

Conclusion

From freezer tricks to gadget hacks, mastering how to minced onion doesn’t have to be a tear-jerking experience. Whether you’re slicing by hand or using a food processor, there’s a technique for everyone. And once you’ve got those onions chopped, proper storage ensures none of your hard work goes to waste.

So next time you reach for that onion, remember: a little prep goes a long way — both in flavor and in saving your eyes!

Last Minute Tip: Want extra-flavorful dishes? Try sautéing your minced onions slowly over low heat — it brings out natural sweetness and makes every bite better!