How to Use Different Types of Onions

Understanding the different types of onions and what each one is used for, most of the time. Once you do, you can make all sorts of great onion recipes!

If you’re ready to learn about all the different types of onions, you’re in for a treat. Most people tend to think that there are only white and red onions, but it really goes a lot deeper than that. Let us share these cooking basics with all of you. (affiliate links present)

What are the four types of onions for cooking?

Yellow, red, white and sweet onions are the most commonly used varieties when you cook. Choosing one over another depends on the dish you are creating, or recipe you are following. What you’ll find in this post is great information about which type are available, and the best in a number of scenarios.

Which onion is best to eat raw?

Red onions are generally considered the best to eat raw due to their mild, sweet flavor and crisp texture. They add a pleasant bite and vibrant color to salads, sandwiches, and salsas without being overpowering. Sweet onions, such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, and Maui, are also excellent choices.

Now keep in mind some of this is subjective. I am not crazy about any of them without being cooked but others think that is the only way they want to eat them. Over the years my tastes have changed slightly though, a bit. Only when I made chicken salad with finely chopped red onions, that was good.

How many types of onions are there?

There are actually 21 types of onions. And once you open your eyes to the variety that can be used for cooking, you’re going to realize just how much the flavor changes depending on the type that you use.  The most popular and most well-known type are:

• Pearl or Bermuda onions
• Leeks
• I love yellow onions and use them in just about everything. One must during the holidays is this onion gravy recipe.
• Sweet or Spring onions
• We use red onions in our chicken salad sandwich recipe you see below
• White or Welsh onions
• Shallots / Green Onions are great diced and sprinkled on top of dishes to add some color and texture
• Scallions

I use them all in a variety of recipes combined with some diced air fryer roasted garlic too. Both are great add ins for flavor.

What is the most common onion?

This can vary depending on the location that you live, but if you reside in the US, the most commonly used onion are Spanish Onions. This type of onion can look quite different and is a great onion for most recipes. 

Even though those are some of the most common, some of the lesser-known ones that deserve to be highlighted are of the Welsh variety (used most commonly in onion cake recipes). Bermuda make some of the most flavorful yums like Instant Pot French onion soup. 

How long does it take to cook onions?

You can easily change up the entire flavor and taste of an entire dish with the addition of these babies. Most of the time you will dice and saute to get a golden color and flavor before adding in your other ingredients which takes 5-10 minutes. If making caramelized onions with brown sugar you are looking at closer to 30 minutes.

Which is the sweetest onion?

Red onions are actually the sweetest onion and saw people prefer to eat this type of onion either raw or cooked. When eaten raw, the taste offers a really good sweetness that is quite pleasant in salads or as toppings to other dishes. If you’re looking forward to eating raw onions, the red onion is the one you want. 

Why do onions make us cry?

This is probably the worst aspect of onions. They like to make us cry – or at least it feels that way! But the truth is, it’s actually part of their chemical makeup that makes us release those tears. The stronger that reaction, the more quickly the tears are going to flow. 

How do you prevent onions from making you cry?

Refrigerating onions for 30 minutes before cutting can slow down the release of the tear inducing chemical, that causes this to happen. Slice near a running fan or under a kitchen vent hood to disperse the fumes away from your eyes. Slicing under running water or in a bowl of water can prevent the chemicals from reaching your eyes too.

Now that we’ve answered a few of the main questions that people tend to have in regard to onions, let’s dive a bit deeper into the various types of onions and fun ways that you can cook them up, too. 

What are Different Types of Onions used for?

• Leeks (good in soups and stir fry)
• Pearl Onions (great for soups, stews, casseroles)
• Yellow onions (perfect for almost any recipe that calls for onions)
• Sweet onions (great on salads or to eat raw) 
• Red onions (can be used on burgers or enjoyed raw) 
• White onions (perfect for toppings or dips) 
• Shallots (good for soups) 
• Scallions/Green onions (delicious topping options) 

Each onion serves a purpose and has different flavors and tastes. Depending on the dish that you’re making you can typically just use what you have on hand.

What type of onions work well for making homemade onion rings? 

Sweet onions are great for making crispy fried onions rings, especially the Walla Wallas onion. They’re typically a bigger and thicker onion which means that they’re going to be sturdy for holding the batter easily.

We have used several different types to make a batch of air fryer onions to serve on burgers. They all turn out fantastic. The added sweetness is also a great contrast to the outer layering of the onion ring as well. 

What type of onion works great for stir-fries? 

Yellow are great for Instant Pot stir fry dishes because they’re versatile and have a mild flavor. You can also use green onions as a fun topping for stir-fries and pearl onions as a fun side dish to grill up and serve with the dish. 

Which onion tastes best raw in salads or dips?

White onions are going to be your best bet for eating raw in salads, dips, or even on top of nachos or tacos. This is because it’s a tad bit sweeter than other onions but not quite as sweet as your sweet onion or Vidalia onions. 

What is the difference between a white onion and a Vidalia onion?

The main differences between these two types of onions is that the Vidalia onion is sweeter and not as strong flavored. Vidalia onions are quite versatile as are white onions, so people do tend to use them in a wide variety of dishes. 

Onion Recipes You’ll Love

Like I said, I add diced varieties to almost every single Instant Pot recipe, Ninja Foodi recipe and oven baked dish on my site. When it comes to something with primarily this ingredient though, these are probably our favorites:

1. Air fryer frozen onion rings just because they’re quick
2. This Roast with onion soup mix is pretty darn fabulous
3. You can make Instant Pot liver and onions some night

I have a Crockpot French onion soup that even my kids love.

Other Uses For Onions 

Even though most are great for tossing in recipes or eating raw, don’t forget that many can be a great topping as well. If you’re ever in doubt about the type that you have, cut a small piece and try a bite. You’ll immediately know what type of it is (sweet or not) by the taste and flavor.

Once you do that, you’ll know exactly how you should use it in your recipes as well.  When it comes to all the different types of onions, do you have a favorite that you love to cook with or add to your dishes? Want to learn more about other foods, here are different kinds of cheese too.