How To use Different Onions
Going to the grocery store to pick out an onion can be challenging when your recipe just says “onion”. There are a lot of options you can use in most recipes, but the below is a quick guide to help if you need a push in the right direction! The main types of onions sold in the United States are:
Onions Varieties:
- Sweet Onions
- Red Onions
- White Onions
- Yellow Onions
- Green Onions
- Shallots
- Pearl Onions
The Types of Onion
Red Onions: These are very versatile onions. Often the onion of choice for items like guacamole, salads, sandwiches, and other places where you eat the onion raw. They hold up really well on the grill, too! I love to use Red Onions in a shishkabob and when grilling pizza!
White Onions: Great onions for a lot of situations with a more mild flavor. Can work for frying, eating raw, or cooking. Most commonly, I end up buying white onions at the store because it can used raw and holds up well while cooked. They have a shorter shelf life than others, so buy these closer to when you want to use them.
Yellow Onions: Known as the cooking onion with strong flavor. This is my go-to for most recipes that just call for an onion and is usually what a recipe means when they say “Onion”. Common to use in soups, sauces, and other recipes where you want some of the great onion flavors, without an overpowering flavor.
Green Onions: Also known as a scallion, these are a milder and more herbaceous onion option. Great for salads and garnishing.
Shallots: Mild and more subtle onion flavor. Also, usually a much smaller bulb. Used in dressings and garnishes commonly.
Pearl Onions: Sweet, small onions that can be red, white, or yellow. Very versatile as they can be roasted, braised, or pickled among many other styles of cooking.
Overall, there is no bad choice with your selection of an onion. Be sure to pick whatever is your favorite based on what you are cooking to get the most bang for your buck! Give this tip a try the next time you cook with onions, and be sure to let us know how it works for you! Because onion’s are not everyone’s favorite, there are a lot of simple substitution options when cooking, so check out a bunch of others at that tip!
