[Save onions in the freezer! ] Introducing storage methods and recipes with photos

Have you ever thought, ``It would be delicious if I added onions, but it's a hassle to cut them up.''

Onions are indispensable as a supporting role in cooking, but it's also true that chopping them into small pieces hurts your eyes, causes them to splatter, and can be a nuisance.

Don't you wish there was a way to make onions easier to use and more delicious?

That's freezing. This time, we will introduce how to freeze it and some delicious recipes.

Advantages of freezing onions

Effective for shortening cooking time

Freezing onions reduces cooking time.

Normally, cells try to store water in their cell walls, but when frozen, the water inside the cells expands and breaks through the cell walls and fibers.

As a result, if you are trying to make caramelized onions, for example, the water will begin to evaporate as soon as you start frying them, making it possible to make them in about 15 minutes instead of the usual hour.

Also, if you use raw onions when making marinades or dressings, you will need time to pickle them and allow them to blend.

If you use frozen onions, the seasoning will quickly reach the broken cells, so you can pickle them for less time.

sweetness increases

Raw onions have a unique spiciness, but frozen onions lose this spiciness and have a stronger sweet taste.

Therefore, it is easy to eat as it is after thawing as it does not have a spicy taste, and it becomes even sweeter when stir-fried or boiled.

Convenient when using only a small amount

If you cut it into pieces and freeze them, you can use only the amount you need when you need it.

Onions are a vegetable that has a long shelf life before they are cut, but once they are cut, they do not last long.

Therefore, preparing one tablespoon of chopped onions may not be very efficient.

If you freeze it in small portions, you can quickly add a little bit to miso soup.

How to freeze onions

The freezing method is very simple. Just chop or slice it, put it in a freezer bag, and put it in the freezer.

If you put it as flatly as possible, it will freeze quickly and it is convenient because you can break it up and use only the amount you need.

How to thaw frozen onions and how long to keep them frozen

How to thaw frozen onions

When boiling or stir-frying, do not thaw and use as is. If you want to use it without heating it, loosen it with your hands and let it thaw naturally at room temperature.

Avoid exposing it to water as it will become watery and lose nutrients.

By the way, some people say that frozen sliced onions lose their crunchy texture and cannot be eaten raw, but many food manufacturers frequently use frozen onion slices.

Most of the onions on the 100 yen conveyor belt sushi salmon and the onions on the seared bonito sold at the supermarket are frozen.

In other words, as long as you don't heat it or expose it to water when defrosting it, it will maintain some level of crunchiness.

Storage period of frozen onions

The approximate storage period is 1 to 2 months. Make sure your freezer is always kept at a low temperature.

　
>> Click here if you are interested in other ways to preserve vegetables.

A nutritionist explains! About onion nutrition

The reason why your eyes stain and tear when you cut onions is due to the lachrymatory component called allyl sulfide. Allyl sulfide is known to promote glucose metabolism in the blood and lower blood sugar levels. Furthermore, onions have the ability to thin the blood. This also involves allyl sulfide, and can be expected to promote blood circulation and prevent blood clots. It also helps eliminate the smell of meat and fish. In addition, it enhances the absorption of vitamin B1, activating the body's metabolism and speeding up recovery from fatigue.

Recommended food pairings with onions: Relieve fatigue
Onions + pork, soybeans, bonito, liver (contains a lot of vitamin B1)

玉ねぎの上手な摂り方
サラダなどで辛味を抑えるために水にさらしますが、硫化アリルは水に溶けだしてしまうため長時間さらすのは避けましょう。そこで、短時間で辛味を抑えるには、縦に半分に切ってから繊維の方向に対して直角にスライスし、お酢を少量加えて水にさらします☝また、加熱することによって甘味が増すので、ソースやスープにもおすすめです！

How to identify fresh onions
1. Well-dry and shiny
2. Sturdy and heavy items
3. Avoid plants with sprouts and roots that are growing as nutrients are being taken away for growth.
4. The item will be damaged starting from the head, so it will not dent when you press it lightly.

Nutritionist Ruri

Obtained nutritionist qualifications from Toita Women's Junior College and graduated from the same university. After graduating from Kyorin University, she also obtained a qualification as a food hygiene manager. Currently at DayBreak Co., Ltd., she oversees various food freezing research and writing informative content about food. Her hobbies are traveling and hula dancing.

3 easy recipes using frozen onions

salad with onion dressing

☑材料（2人分）
・玉ねぎ　　1/4個
・トマト　　小2個
・醤油　　　大さじ2
・米酢　　大さじ2
・砂糖　　小さじ1
・ごま油　　少々

<How to make>
1) Place frozen chopped onions in a bowl, add all seasonings except sesame oil and mix.
2) Slice the tomatoes thinly and arrange them on a plate.
3) Once the onions are mostly melted, pour them over the tomatoes, sprinkle with sesame oil, and it's done.

fried onion soup

☑材料（3人分）
・玉ねぎ　　1/2個
・インゲン　　5本
・水　　600㏄
・塩　　適宜
・サラダ油　　少々

<How to make>
1) Heat salad oil in a frying pan and fry chopped frozen onions.
2) After about 5 minutes, fry for another 5 minutes, being careful not to burn. Pour water into a pot, heat it, and add the fried onions.
3) Add the green beans cut into small pieces, adjust the taste with salt, and it's done.
4) You can also add pepper if you like.

Japanese-style onion salad

☑材料（2人分）
・玉ねぎ　1/2個
・ブロッコリー　1/3個
・ナッツ　適宜
・オリーブオイル　大さじ2
・塩　適宜
・コショウ　少々

<How to make>
1) Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and boil until firm.
2) Arrange on a plate and top with frozen onion slices.
3) Make a dressing by mixing olive oil and salt and pepper.
4) After about 10 minutes, when the onions have mostly melted, arrange the nuts and top with the dressing.

Baby food recipes using frozen onions

onion and potato soup

☑材料
・玉ねぎ　　1/2個
・ジャガイモ　　1個
・水　　500㏄
・卵　　大1個
・塩　　適宜

<How to make>
1) Put water and potatoes cut into small pieces in a pot and heat.
2) When the potatoes are half cooked, add the frozen onions.
3) It doesn't matter if it's chopped or sliced.
4) Boil until soft, then add eggs while whisking.
5) After separating the portions for children, you can add more salt and pepper to make it delicious for adults as well.

Lunch box recipes using frozen onions

fried rice rice ball

☑材料（2人分）
・黒米を入れて炊いたご飯　　茶碗2杯
・玉ねぎ　　1/4個
・ニンジン　　適宜
・ズッキーニ　　適宜
・ハム　　2枚
・オイスターソース　　小さじ2
・塩　　適宜
・コショウ　　少々

<How to make>
1) Stir-fry frozen chopped onions and other finely chopped ingredients in a frying pan.
2) Season with salt and pepper, then add the rice and stir-fry well.
3) Add oyster sauce and stir well to adjust the taste.
4) Roll it into a ball using plastic wrap and it's done. Do not use oil for frying as it will cause it to fall apart easily.

Conclusion

Onions are a very useful ingredient when frozen correctly.

Freezing allows for long-term storage and reduces cooking time.

By preparing onions in your spare time and freezing them, you can actively use onions that are good for your body without going through the hassle.