Onions - soaking in cold water to soften the flavor
When preparing raw onions, soak in cold water before hand to remove some of the pungency and soften the flavor. However since soaking too long will dilute the flavor, soaking in cold water for 5 to 10 minutes is recommended. Squeeze out excess water before using.
Onions - thinly sliced
[Thinly sliced along the grain]
Cut the onion with its outer skin removed vertically in two. Then insert the knife in a V-shape to remove the stems, and thinly slice cut-side down vertically along the grain from end to end. This cutting method is often used for sautéing or boiling.
[Thinly sliced against the grain]
Cut the onion with its outer skin removed vertically in two. Then insert the knife in a V-shape to remove the stems, and thinly slice cut-side down at right angles to the grain from end to end. This cutting method is recommended for raw consumption.
Onions - finely chopped
Cut the onion with its outer skin removed vertically in half, and thinly slice cut-side down without cutting as far as the base. Then lay the knife flat and insert horizontal cuts, finely chopping from end to end.