Onions are a key ingredient in many dishes, and freezing them is a great way to preserve them for later use. However, their strong scent can be off-putting to some. You can do a few things to freeze onions without the smell.
The key is to freeze them to prevent them from coming into contact with the air. One method is to wrap the onions tightly in plastic or aluminum foil. Another is to place them in a ZIP-lock bag and squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it shut.
Continue reading for more tips on how to freeze onions without the smell.
How do you keep Onions from getting Soggy when Frozen?
Soggy onions are the worst, and no one wants to eat them. But what if there was a way to freeze onions without them getting soggy?
It is possible to freeze onions without getting soggy. The best way to prevent onions from becoming soggy when freezing involves storing them in a high-quality freezer bag or airtight container.
Here’s how:
- Start with fresh, firm onions. Clean and towel dry them before storing them.
- Cut the onions into the size pieces you want before freezing them. This way, you won’t have to thaw and chop them later.
- Place the onion pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Ensure they’re not touching each other so they don’t stick together.
- Freeze the onions for at least 2 hours or until solid. Double bag them to ensure your frozen onions don’t get soggy during freezing.
- Place the bag back in the freezer and freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to use them, chop the frozen onions as needed and cook as usual.
How should you Prepare Onions for Freezing?
The best way to prepare onions for freezing is to slice them and dab them dry with a paper towel. Then, place the onions on a cookie sheet and set them in the freezer for about one hour. Next, transfer the frozen onions to a freezer bag, pressing out as much air as possible.
Using this method to freeze onions helps keep them separate in the freezer, making it possible to pull out only a few slices at a time when you do not need the entire bag.
How do you Store Frozen Onions Long-term?
When storing onions in the freezer for an extended period, you must seal them in an airtight container. To help reduce the onion odor from overtaking your freezer, first, seal the onions in a zip-locking freezer bag and then place the bag in an airtight container.
When packing the onions in the airtight container, leave at least half an inch of space between the onions and the lid.
Though you have prepared your onions for long-term freezer storage, for the best flavor, use the onions within three to six months.
Can you Store Onions in a Ziploc Bag when Freezing?
It is possible to store onions in a Ziploc bag when stored in the freezer. When placed in the freezer bag, push out as much air as possible before sealing. Then, use the onions for cooking within six months of freezing.
How long do Fresh Onions last in the Fridge vs. the Freezer?
Typically, fresh onions last between seven to ten days when stored in the fridge. When frozen, the onions are best used within three to six months but can survive in the freezer for up to eight months. Chopped onions may last longer than whole or sliced onions.
Are Frozen Onions as Good as Fresh?
The freezing process typically breaks down the texture of onions, which means when eaten raw, fresh onions are far better than frozen. However, if you plan to cook with frozen onions, they sautee, caramelize, grill, roast, and fresh onions.
Why are Fresh Onions better than Frozen?
Fresh onions have a heartier texture which is better for cooking than frozen onions, and maintain a milder flavor. Conversely, frozen onions lose some texture and often develop a more robust flavor.
Can you Refreeze Onions once Thawed?
It is safe to refreeze onions, especially if you defrosted more than you need for a recipe. Return the onions to the freezer-safe bag and store them as if they were fresh.
Can you Freeze Whole Onions?
Though it is possible to freeze a whole onion; however, defrosting may take additional time to thaw. It is far better to cut, slice, or dice the onions before freezing to help save freezer space and time defrosting. Place the onion in a zip-locking freezer bag, sealing it in an airtight container to reduce the onion aroma from filling up your freezer.
Can you Vacuum Seal Whole Onions before Freezing?
Vacuum-sealing food helps preserve it longer because all air is removed from the packaging, preventing the formation of crystals that cause freezer burn. For example, it is possible to vacuum seal whole onions and freeze them, but it could take a significant amount of time to thaw when needed.
Therefore, even when vacuum sealing the onions, it is best to slice, dice, or cut them into smaller pieces for a faster thawing process.
What can you do if you have too many Onions?
If you chop onions for a recipe and realize you have more onions than you need, it is possible to freeze the extra onions. Saving the extra onions later helps save time and money when needing onions for a recipe.
Can you Freeze Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions by frying sliced onions in a pan with olive oil until they become brown and tender is the best way to pull plenty of flavor to the surface. However, what happens when you make too many caramelized onions? Most people may throw them away or place them in the fridge, where they get forgotten.
It is possible to freeze leftover caramelized onions, helping preserve their flavor and saving them to use in the future. To freeze, allow onions to cool down and pack them into cupcake tins or ice cube trays. Then, place in the freezer; when frozen, you will have ready-to-go cubes of onions.
Can you Freeze Onions with Celery and Carrots?
You can freeze onion with celery and carrots in the same freezer! Freezing these vegetables together is a great way to save time and space in your freezer.
First, wash the onion, celery, and carrots thoroughly. Then, chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Next, spread the chopped vegetables on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them for about an hour.
Once the vegetables are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then store them in the freezer for up to six months. When ready to use the frozen vegetables, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Can you Freeze Onions and Garlic together?
It is possible to freeze onions and garlic together, but not highly recommended. Many chefs do not recommend this mixture because not all recipes call for garlic and onions. Most of the time, you only need onions or you only need garlic.
It is best to freeze these items separately, which also helps with measuring to ensure a recipe that calls for both ingredients is not too garlicky or overpowered by the onion.