How to Cut Onion for Fajitas

Onions are a staple in Mexican cuisine. They are often used as a base for dishes like fajitas. While there are many different ways to cut an onion, there is one method that is particularly well-suited for fajitas.

In this post, we will show you how to cut an onion for fajitas.

Contents

How To Cut an Onion For Fajitas?

There are two important things to keep in mind when cutting onions for fajitas:

  • The size of the onion slices should be uniform. This will ensure that the onions cook evenly.
  • The onion slices should be thin. This will prevent them from overwhelming the other flavors in the dish.

With these tips in mind, let’s get started!

  • Start by peeling off the onion’s skin. This will help release the onion’s natural oils, which will make it easier to cut.
  • Cut the onion in half, then slice it in half again. You should now have four-quarters of an onion.
  • Slice each quarter of the onion into thin strips. The thinner the better!
  • Once all of the onions are sliced, it’s time to start cooking. Heat up a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the onions.
  • Cook the onions for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re soft and lightly browned.
  • Add your favorite fajita toppings (we like bell peppers and mushrooms) and enjoy!

And that’s it! You’ve now successfully cut an onion for fajitas. Just add your other ingredients and enjoy!

Does a Wet Paper Towel Help When Cutting Onions?

If you’ve ever found yourself tearing up while chopping onions, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in good company; even professional chefs have to deal with this problem.

So, what’s the best way to cut onions without crying? Some people swear by putting a wet paper towel on their cutting board, while others say that wearing goggles is the way to go. But what does the science say?

– The Science of Why Onions Make You Cry

Onions contain a gas called propanediol S-oxide, which is released when the onion is cut open. This gas reacts with the water in your eyes to form sulfuric acid. The sulfuric acid irritates the surface of your eye, which is what causes you to tear up. 

Interestingly, not everyone experiences this reaction to onions in the same way. In fact, some people are more sensitive to tear-inducing compounds than others.

This difference is thought to be due to a variation in a gene that codes for an enzyme called lachrymatory factor synthase (LFS). People who have a certain variation of this gene are more likely to experience tearing when they cut onions. 

– How Can You Reduce Chances of Tearing Up?

One option is to put a wet paper towel on your cutting board before you start chopping. The paper towel will help absorb some of the onion gas and prevent it from getting into your eyes.

You can also try chilling your onions before cutting them; this will slow down the release of onion gas and make it less likely to cause irritation.

Finally, if you wear contact lenses, you may want to take them out before cutting onions; otherwise, the onion gas could become trapped under your lenses and cause even more irritation. 

How Do You Dice an Onion for Fajitas?

  • Start by peeling off the onion’s skin. This will help release the onion’s natural oils, which will make it easier to dice.
  • Cut the onion in half, then slice it in half again. You should now have four-quarters of an onion.
  • Slice each quarter of the onion into thin strips. The thinner the better!
  • Once all of the onions are sliced, it’s time to start cooking. Heat up a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the onions.
  • Cook the onions for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re soft and lightly browned.
  • Add your favorite fajita toppings (we like bell peppers and mushrooms) and enjoy!

And that’s it! You’ve now successfully diced onion for fajitas. Just add your other ingredients and enjoy!

How Do Chefs Cut Onions Without Crying?

There are a few different ways that chefs can avoid tearing up while cutting onions. One option is to put a wet paper towel on their cutting board before they start chopping.

pile of red, white and yellow onions for fajitas

The paper towel will help absorb some of the onion gas and prevent it from getting into their eyes. Chefs can also try chilling their onions before cutting them; this will slow down the release of onion gas and make it less likely to cause irritation.

Finally, if chefs wear contact lenses, they may want to take them out before cutting onions; otherwise, the onion gas could become trapped under their lenses and cause even more irritation. 

How Do You Make Onion Fajitas?

Fajitas are a classic Tex-Mex dish that typically consists of steak or chicken, peppers, and onions served on a soft tortilla.

fajitas in a bowl

While there are many different ways to make fajitas, today we’re going to focus on how to make onion fajitas. This dish is perfect for those nights when you’re craving something hearty and filling but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 red pepper, sliced
  • 1 green pepper, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
  • 8 flour tortillas

Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole

How Do I Saute Onions for Fajitas?

Here’s a way to saute onions for fajitas:

1. Peel and Slice Your Onions

The first step is to peel and slice your onions. You’ll want to use about 1 onion per person, or 2-3 if you’re feeding a crowd. Once they’re peeled, slice them into thin strips. The thinner the better!

2. Heat Up Your Pan

Next, heat up a tablespoon or two of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot before you add the onions so they’ll start to caramelize right away.

3. Add the Onions to the Pan

Once the pan is hot, add the onions and let them cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring. This will help them to caramelize and develop a nice brown color on one side. After 4-5 minutes, give them a good stir and let them cook for another 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and golden brown.

4. Season Them Up!

Once they’re finished cooking, season them with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like (we like a little cumin and chili powder). Then transfer them to a plate or bowl so they’re ready to go when your fajitas are done cooking.

There you have it! Now you know how to saute onions for fajitas like a pro. Just remember to peel and slice your onions thin, heat up your pan before adding the oil and onions, let them cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes, then stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they’re golden brown.

Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like, then serve alongside your delicious fajitas! Enjoy!

What Oil Do You Use for Fajitas?

The best oil to use for fajitas is one that has a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.

These oils can withstand the high heat of the skillet without smoking or burning. This will help to ensure that your onions and peppers cook evenly and don’t get burnt.

What Is the Easiest Way to Dice Onions?

  • The easiest way to dice an onion is to first slice it in half, then peel off the skin.
  • Next, cut off the root end and the stem.
  • Finally, cut the onion into thin slices, then cut the slices into small pieces.

That’s it! Now you know how to dice an onion like a pro. Just remember to be careful with those sharp knives!

That’s all there is to it! With these tips, you’ll be able to cut onions for fajitas like a pro. So fire up that skillet and get cooking!

What Kind of Cheese Is Used in Fajitas?

There are many different types of cheese that can be used in fajitas, but the most popular is cheddar cheese.

Other good options include Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Colby. Just choose your favorite!

Do you have any other tips for making perfect onion fajitas? Share them with us in the comments.

What Onion Is Best in Fajitas?

The best onion to use for fajitas is the yellow onion. It has a milder flavor than white onion, so it won’t overpower the other flavors in the dish.

Plus, it’s easier to caramelize, so it will add a nice sweetness to the fajitas.

However, if you prefer the flavor of the white onion, feel free to use that instead.

Can You Make Fajitas Without Onions?

Fajitas are traditionally made with onions, but you can certainly make them without if you prefer. Just leave them out when you’re sauteing the peppers and continue with the recipe as usual.

Your fajitas will be just as delicious, we promise!

What Is the Most Tender Fajita Meat?

There are many different types of meat that can be used for fajitas, but the most tender option is steak. Flank steak, skirt steak, and sirloin are all good choices.

  • Flank steak is a thin cut of beef from the flank. It is often grilled and can be used in tacos, fajitas, or sandwiches.
  • A skirt steak is a thin, long piece of beef that is cut from the cow’s belly. It is a popular cut of meat because it is affordable and has a lot of flavors. Skirt steak can be grilled, pan-fried, or braised.
  • A sirloin is a cut of beef from the loin. It is a moderately tough, but flavorful, cut of meat.

Just remember to slice the meat against the grain so it’s nice and tender when you bite into it. Yum!

What Other Vegetables Can I Add to My Fajitas?

In addition to onions, peppers, and cheese, there are many other vegetables that can be added to fajitas.

Some good options include mushrooms, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and corn.

Just get creative and add whatever you like!

What Sauces Go Well With Fajitas?

1. Salsa Verde.

Salsa verde is a tangy green salsa made with tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice. It pairs perfectly with chicken or steak fajitas.

2. Ranchero sauce.

Ranchero sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. It’s the perfect choice for beef or pork fajitas.

3. Queso Blanco.

Queso Blanco is a creamy white cheese sauce that’s delicious on just about anything. Try it on your fajitas for cheesy goodness that’s hard to resist.

4. Avocado crema.

Avocado crema is a smooth and creamy sauce made with avocado, sour cream, and lime juice. It’s the perfect finishing touch for fish or shrimp fajitas.

There you have it—four of our favorite sauces to pair with fajitas. Whether you’re in the mood for something tangy, spicy, cheesy, or creamy, we’ve got you covered. So fire up the grill and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you later.

Conclusion:

Onions are a key ingredient in many Mexican dishes, including fajitas. While there are many different ways to cut an onion, there is one method that is particularly well-suited for fajitas.

In this blog post, we showed you how to cut an onion the right way for fajitas. By following our simple steps, you can ensure that your onions are uniform in size and thin enough to not overwhelm the other flavors in your dish.

So next time you’re making fajitas, remember our tips on how to properly cut an onion! Onions are a key ingredient in many Mexican dishes, including fajitas.

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About the author

Natalie is a food enthusiast who spends all of her time trying out new recipes, testing out new appliances, and making her kitchen as awesome as possible. She is a professional writer and blogs here about her love of food & kitchen.

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