Quick Tip: Taking the Bite out of Red Onions

If you like the crunch and pungent flavor of raw red onions but not their tongue-tingling bite, give this a try!

Peel and slice the red onion as called for in your recipe, then soak them in a bowl of ice water. Let them sit for at least ten minutes, stirring them once or twice, before draining and using them in your recipe.

Soaking red onion in ice water tames the bite and mellows out the flavor. The sulfur compounds responsible for that biting sensation leach into the water from the cut surfaces.

For added flavor, you can also soak the onions in lime juice, lemon juice, or vinegar. This method also works for other onions and bitter melon.

Give it a try!

(Image: Flickr member Darius Kay licensed under Creative Commons)

Categories: Supplies, Advice, Food Science, Tips & Techniques, Vegetables

Posted by Emma Christensen

Emma is the recipe editor for The Kitchn and the author of "True Brews: How to Craft Fermented Cider, Beer, Wine, Sake, Soda, Mead, Kefir, and Kombucha at Home," available in bookstores nationwide May 14, 2013.
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Comments (6)

I've done this and it works great. Raw onions are too harsh for me, but the ice water soak makes them entirely palatable.

I will definitely give this a try.

My usual method is to quick "pickle" them for sandwiches: Thinly slice the onion, pour boiling water over and let stand about 10 seconds, drain, then refrigerate in a half-water/half-vinegar solution with a little salt. Not crispy, but they keep a long time and add a ton of flavor without the onion breath.

I just soak them in lime juice. It takes the evil bite off and tastes great.

I often make lamb burgers and serve them with red onion that's been marinating in balsamic vinegar for 10 minutes. This takes the bite out of the onion, and adds a sweet note to the flavours. Add some feta cheese for a salty touch.

I also rub them with salt before placing them in cold water. Salt works wonders removing the bitterness.

Not only does the soaking tame their bite, but it also gives them an irresistible, crunchy bite. (I add ice to the water too.)