How to Prepare Raw Onions

Pro tips

• Slice onions into thin rings or half-moons before soaking for maximum surface area exposure to ice water
• Pat onions completely dry with paper towels after soaking to maintain crunchiness and prevent salad sogginess
• Drain immediately after soaking to prevent over-softening; 30 minutes is the upper limit for crunch retention
• Add a pinch of salt to the soaking water for subtle flavor enhancement while reducing bitterness

Substitutions

• Yellow onion → red onion (sweeter, less sharp even after soaking)
• Yellow onion → white onion (milder base flavor, similar soaking results)

Storage & make-ahead

Drain and pat dry after soaking, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How long do you soak onions in ice water?

Soak raw onions in ice water for 15-30 minutes to reduce harshness while maintaining crunch. Longer soaks may soften the texture.

Why does ice water make onions less bitter?

Cold water dilutes and reduces the sulfur compounds responsible for raw onion's harsh, pungent bite, making them taste sweeter.

Can you use regular cold water instead of ice water?

Ice water works best because the colder temperature is more effective at reducing harshness, but cold tap water will provide similar results if chilled enough.

What types of onions work best for this method?

Yellow, red, and white onions all benefit from the ice water soak. Red onions become even sweeter and lose their sharp bite effectively.

How do you store soaked onions?

Drain and pat dry with paper towels, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.