how to cook green onions

How to Cut Green Onions and Store Them So They Stay Fresh

Our photo guide will show you how to cut onions a variety of ways, plus how to store them so they stay fresh.

It's no wonder that green onions are a ubiquitous garnish and ingredient in everything from ramen bowls to coleslaw to scallion pancakes. After all, they're members of the onion (allium) family—they add fresh, pungent flavor to everything they're included in. You can use every part of a green onion except the roots, from the white and pale green root end to the hollow dark green leaves. You can even regrow new green onions from the unused root ends.

What's the difference between green onions and scallions? Nothing! They're both names for immature globe onions that are pulled from the ground before the bulb really starts to grow. They are, however, different from spring onions, which are are left to grow a little longer and have small rounded bulbs that distinguish them from the slender green onions and scallions. (Learn the difference between chives and green onions, as well).

whole green onions

At the store, look for bunches with perky, snappy leaves and avoid those that look wilted or droopy. Once you get home, rinse them well and start chopping.

Here's how to cut green onions and tips on how to store them for long-lasting freshness.

How to cut green onions into rounds

Cutting green onions into round pieces on a wooden cutting board

Hold your knife perpendicular to the onion stalks and slice straight across the leaves and stems in a rocking motion to make thin rounds.

This shape is most often used as a garnish for meals and makes a colorful finishing touch. Try them in place of chives, or in this recipe for Spicy Noodles with Pork, Scallions and Bok Choy.

How to cut green onions on the bias (diagonally)

cutting green onions on the bias (diagonally) on a wooden cutting board

When sautéing green onions in stir-fries and other skillet meals, a bias (diagonal) cut gives you more surface area to work with.

Slice off the roots of each green onion and set aside to regrow (see below) or discard. Hold your knife at a 45-degree angle to the bulb end and slice into pieces about 1/2 inch wide.

The white and light green parts of the green onion are most frequently used for cooking with this cutting method, but the green leaves can also be sliced into wider pieces on the bias for garnish.

How to cut green onions lengthwise

cutting green onions lengthwise on a wooden cutting board

As another way to garnish your dish, raw green onion strips or curls are easy to make by cutting the leaves lengthwise.

Separate the green leaves from the light green and white bulb ends of the onions. Reserve the bulb ends for another use.

Working with one tubular leaf at a time, use a paring knife or the tip of your chef's knife to carefully slice the green leaves into thin strips.

green onion curls in a bowl

To make curls for garnish, place the sliced strips in a bowl of ice water and let stand for about 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry before garnishing.

How to store chopped green onions

Sliced green onion rounds in a small jar

To save on time, you can pre-chop green onions while you're prepping for future meals. Simply fill an airtight container like a mason jar with sliced onions and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

For longer pieces of green onion with the bulb end attached, wrap in a damp towel and place in a reusable zip-top bag, then refrigerate. This helps keep the onions in a humid—but not wet—environment, so they won't get slimy.

How to regrow green onions

green onions in a glass

Regrowing green onions is as easy as placing the bulb ends in a small glass and submerging their roots in water. Leave in a sunny spot and change the water frequently, and you'll have a fresh crop in days!