Cooking can feel overwhelming at times, but Rachael Ray continues to prove that small tricks make the biggest difference. The beloved television host and chef recently reminded fans of her go-to onion hack, a tip that not only makes chopping easier but also keeps fingers safe.
In a clip shared with her followers, Ray highlighted one of her favorite kitchen shortcuts: always keep the onion’s root intact while slicing. With her trademark wit, she captioned the photo, "A wise woman once said, leave the toupee on the onion when you cut it." Oh, wait, that was me!”
She explained that leaving the root uncut holds the onion layers together, preventing slips and uneven cuts. “It keeps the onion steady, saves your fingers, and delivers perfect slices,” she said. Once finished, she advised tossing the leftover root “straight into the garbage bowl.”
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Why Prep Matters in Everyday Cooking
Beyond onion tricks, Ray encourages home cooks to prepare ingredients in advance. In a Facebook reel, she shared that meal prep is the real secret to stress-free cooking. “Wash, chop, peel—do whatever you can ahead of time,” she advised. “That way, when it’s time to cook, you’re not playing catch-up, you’re cooking with confidence.”
She revealed that she always preps anything that can be stored safely, a habit that has guided her cooking style throughout her career. By doing so, mealtime feels less rushed and more enjoyable.
More Clever Hacks from Rachael Ray
Ray has built her reputation on making cooking approachable, and her tips go far beyond onions. In a 2019 segment on The Rachael Ray Show, she shared a handful of practical kitchen solutions, including:
1. Using a wire rack to remove avocado pits with ease.
2. Baking bacon to cut down on stovetop mess.
3. Freezing extra sauce in portions so it’s ready when needed.
4. Storing nuts in the freezer to extend freshness.
5. Grabbing a wine bottle as a rolling pin when one isn’t handy.
She even showed an easy way to scoop out stray eggshells from a bowl, proving that even the simplest problems have smart fixes.
Keeping Cooking Fun and Accessible
Instagram | @rachaelray | Rachael Ray keeps cooking fun, simple, and family-friendly.
Although fans often see her as a professional chef, Ray once admitted to ABC7 that she’s “a competent cook” who could maybe “pass as a chef,” though she laughed and called that “a lie.” Her focus has always been on keeping food approachable, fun, and family-friendly.
Today, she continues to inspire with an active presence on social media. From quick tips to clever recipes, Ray uses her platforms to encourage home cooks to experiment, try new flavors, and enjoy the process of making meals at home.
Why Her Tips Continue to Resonate
What makes Ray’s advice so enduring is its practicality. Every hack comes from years of experience yet remains simple enough for anyone to apply. From prepping ingredients in advance to using time-saving tools, her approach turns everyday cooking into something enjoyable instead of stressful.
Rachael Ray’s onion trick may be simple, but it reflects her larger philosophy: small adjustments make a big difference. With her enthusiasm, humor, and practical guidance, she helps fans cook with confidence and have more fun in the kitchen.
