Chopping onions for every meal can sometimes feel like a chore, which is why some people prefer to slice or dice their onions all at once. Another popular reason for such is to avoid the onions from sprouting or getting covered with molds. However, is it possible to freeze chopped onions?
Quick Answer
Definitely! In fact, freezing chopped onions is popular among cooks and chefs because having an ample stock lessens the work when preparing ingredients for a meal. As such, they can make better preparations of ingredients for the other recipes.
It also enables them to buy large quantities of onions without worrying of sprouting and molds. With a simple procedure and several precautionary tips, one can make frozen chopped onions that can last for weeks or months.
Can You Freeze Chopped Onions?
Unlike other vegetables, freezing chopped onions does not require blanching. In fact, blanching chopped onions will soften it to a mush.
Chopped onions tend to freeze into lumps, which is why thawing requires breaking the frozen lumps into chunks. Hitting the bag containing frozen chopped onion against the side of the counter is one way to break the frozen lumps into desired sizes.
Also, there is no need to worry about ice covering the chopped onions. Lukewarm water can easily melt the ice. Some cooks even throw in the whole frozen chunk of chopped onion into the pan as the water will evaporate in seconds.
While a sturdy moisture-free and airtight container is what most people will use for storing chopped onions for freezing, a simple bag with a locking mechanism can be space-saving. It also makes thawing easier.
However, make sure that the chosen container is airtight to avoid the onion’s odor from spreading in the refrigerator. Ideally, chopped onions stored in a good container can last up to three to six months.
Others use parchment-lined trays and quick-freezing the onions before transferring them into containers. This enables the chopped onions to freeze in batches and makes it easier to use when cooking.
How To Freeze Chopped Onions?
Everyone can make frozen chopped onions. Unlike other vegetable goods, freezing chopped onion can be done in just a minute or two. These are the basic steps in freezing chopped onions:
- First, peel the onion and remove the undesirable layers to keep the entire batch fresh
- Then, cut it into desired sizes
- Put the chopped onions in a container; remember that opening the container will hasten the action of enzymes leading to spoilage or molds. As such, it is better to use several small containers than a single large one.
- If you prefer to be more economical, several freezer bags can be more space-saving than a single large container.
- For chopped onions placed in a freezer bag, flatten the bag containing chopped onions as much as possible before putting in the freezer to avoid an oddly-shaped, space-hogging frozen block. Furthermore, it will be more accessible and efficient this way.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Chopped Onions?
Onions are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. But what do you do when you have extra chopped onions? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover chopped onions:
- Add them to scrambled eggs – Scrambled eggs are a classic breakfast food, and they’re even better when you add in some chopped onions. Just sauté the onions until they’re soft, and then add them to your eggs before scrambling.
- Make an omelette – Omelettes are another great way to use up leftover chopped onions. Just add them into the mix with your other favorite ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.
- Use them as a pizza topping – Pizza is always better with onions. Just add them to your favorite pizza recipe, and you’ll have a delicious and flavorful meal in no time.
- Sauté them as a side dish – Sautéed onions make a great side dish for any meal. Just cook them in a pan with some oil until they’re soft and golden brown, and you’ll have a delicious addition to any meal.
- Add them to soup – Onions are a classic ingredient in soup. Just add them to your favorite soup recipe, and you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal in no time.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover chopped onions. Next time you find yourself with extra onions, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Chopped Onions Recipes
Chopped steak with mushroom and onion
People can use chopped onions on any viand that requires sautéed onions and garlic—like this chopped steak. However, this particular recipe uses onion rings rather than minced onions.
Salsa
Nachos are incomplete without salsa, and chopped or minced onions are one of its key ingredients. Coupled with tomato and a few extra ingredients, one can make a tasty dip for the nachos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_Q3oQswGR0
Caramelized onion
Caramelized onion is a perfect complement for baked potato or grilled pork chops. With salt and olive oil, one can make a tasty complementary dish to an otherwise ordinary meal.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze chopped onions. Frozen will last for months or weeks depending on the container and your experience with freezing vegetables. To freeze them in preparation for cooking, just follow these basic steps: peel onion, cut into desired size pieces, place in a freezer bag (or an airtight container of choice), flatten as much as possible before putting it in the freezer to avoid an oddly shaped block when frozen. If you have any tips about how to freeze chopped onions correctly please share below!