Here's How To Properly Peel Pearl Onions

I was never taught how to cook, but I have always loved eating. So when it was time for me to feed myself, I began collecting cooking hacks — and this swift and simple trick for peeling pearl onions is one of my favorites. If you've ever spent a frustrating evening chasing pearl onions around your cutting board, cursing their slippery skins and tiny size, you're not alone. These bite-sized beauties are a favorite in stews, soups, and holiday sides like creamed pearl onions — but peeling them? That's a test of patience most of us might fail. The good news is, there's a secret that will save your sanity (and your fingertips). To peel pearl onions properly, all you need is a pot of boiling water and a quick blanch. Yes, it's that easy. No more endless fiddling — just a simple process that takes your onion prep from torturous to effortless.

Not convinced? Think of this as the onion version of the best way to peel tomatoes; or even the ultimate garlic peeling hack, except less fiddly and infinitely more satisfying. Vinegar makes hard-boiled eggs easier to peel, but boiling water is the pearl onion's best friend (and yours).

Ready to transform your onion game? Here are the super simple, juicy details. Start by trimming off the root end of each pearl onion — not the stem end, just the root. This step is key because it helps the skin loosen during blanching. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then drop your trimmed onions in for about two minutes. You'll notice the skins start to pucker, signaling that they're ready for action. Drain the onions and immediately plunge them into an ice bath. The cold water shocks them, stopping the cooking process and further loosening the skins.

Once cooled, grab each onion by the untrimmed stem end and give it a gentle squeeze — the onion will pop right out of its skin, leaving you with a smooth, ready-to-cook pearl. Easy, right? Whether you're prepping for a savory creamed pearl onion dish or tossing them into a stew, this method will save you time, frustration, and maybe even your love of onions. Go on, show those pearl onions who's boss.