Have a bunch leftover and wondering how to freeze green onions to use later? It only takes a few quick minutes to prep them with this easy method. Once you learn this simple hack, you can always have scallions on hand when you need a fresh punch of flavor!
Green onions, or scallions, are one of those vegetables that many recipes call for because they add so much flavor. Unfortunately, they are also something many people leave out because scallions are not the easiest to keep on hand.
What if I told you there was a way to be sure you always have green onions on-hand anytime you need them?!?
There are 3 ways to store green onions in the refrigerator or at room temperature that are simple and sustainable.
From soups, stews, stir-fries, rice dishes, and more, once you learn the best way to freeze them you’ll never miss out on this integral flavor again!
Remove the rubber bands and run the scallions under cold water. Ensure there is no dirt or debris left on the onions.
Thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Do not leave any liquid as this will form ice crystals when freezing. Excess moisture can also increase freezer burn.
After thoroughly washing the green onions, trim them down and remove the bulbs. When freezing, dispose of the roots.
Slice or chop the green parts to your preference. Cutting the onions into small pieces is recommended since frozen green onions are best used in cooked foods. After they’re thawed, the texture becomes soggier and doesn’t work great as a garnish.
Place the sliced green onions into a freezer-safe storage container. After 1-2 hours, toss them so they do not stick together.
Flash freezing is another great method to freeze green onions. The quicker they are frozen, the fresher they will stay.
Prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper. Place your chopped or sliced green onions in a single layer on the tray.
Put the pan in the freezer for 1-2 hours. This process will also keep the green onions from freezing into a chunk making them difficult to use later.
Whichever method was used, place the green onions in a freezer-safe container. Either a freezer bag or container will work. Store frozen green onions in smaller portions for ease of use down the road.
Freezing green onions is a viable option for preserving this pungent veggie. You can freeze every part of the plant: the leafy green tops, the white bulb end, and the stem in between. After freezing, the texture changes somewhat. Stem and bulb portions become soft, while the green parts sometimes become tough.
Fresh green onions that are properly stored in freezer-safe airtight containers or bags with as much air as possible removed will last for 3 to 4 months in the freezer. Remember to pat them dry before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
When thawed, frozen green onions can get mushy. That’s why it’s recommended to use them in hot or cooked dishes and not in raw preparations.
Spread the sliced green onions out on a lined baking sheet. Put it in the freezer, somewhere it won’t get bumped, for about an hour or until frozen solid. Transfer the onions to freezer bags, such as Stasher bags, and store in the freezer.
I’d love to hear how you like this recipe! Rate/review using the stars on the recipe card or in the comments, and follow the Veg World on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Looking for something totally different? Browse the recipe library.
Learn how to freeze green onion to preserve it for later use! Plus, you’ll learn how to use frozen green onions in delicious recipes.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Clean ‘em up. Be sure to wash well and remove limp or rotten stalks.
- Chop ‘em small. Cut green onions the size you plan to use after thawing. The smaller the better.
- Save the roots. Keep the root end and place them in a jar of water. This will grow new green onions.
- Spread ‘em out. Freeze green onions on a tray in a single layer, not touching. You don’t want a frozen clump!
- Just a bit. To make using frozen green onions easier, store them in single serving sizes.
Chopped green onions do freeze well and easily. However, it is best to use frozen green onions in baked or cooked dishes since they become soggy once thawed.
You can leave frozen green onions in the freezer for up to 6 months.
When prepared and stored properly, green onions have a shelf life of up to 3 weeks in the fridge. You can also freeze green onions for up to 6 months. Check out these tips on storing green onions.
Freezing Green Onions ~ Money Saving Tips ~ No More Cash in the Trash! ~ Noreen’s Kitchen
FAQ
How long do green onions last in freezer?
How do you thaw frozen green onions?
Do green onions need to be blanched before freezing?
Can you freeze green onions?
Place the dry green onions on a tray lined with baking paper.Ensure your tops, and scallions are spread on a single layer without touching. Put the tray in the freezer for p to 30 minutes or until your green onions are firm to the touch. This process will prevent the green onions from clamping together. Place them in a freezer bag & freeze them.
Is onion oil good and safe for all?
Onions are low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds in them. It is a good antibiotic and antioxidants as it contains selenium which is very important to maintain the body’s resistance or immunity. Onion oil is rich in vitamin C. Just by consuming 100g of onion, you have meet 12 percent of the daily vitamin C requirement of adults. Hence, consumption of onion oil can really help a person in an effort to meet the needs of vitamin C which is often not met for various reasons. In addition to getting health benefits, onions can also pose a risk to health if consumed in excess. Eating onions can give you an allergic reaction. This is because this kitchen spice contains aspirin which can increase a person’s sensitivity to this ingredient. Onions can also provide benefits for lowering blood sugar levels. However, diabetics who need to maintain normal sugar levels should check their sugar levels carefully before consuming onions so it does not get too low. People with bleeding disorders and post-operative patients also need to be wiser in consuming onions. Especially for those who will undergo surgery because onions can facilitate the process of blood clotting.
Are frozen green onions good?
Frozen green onions will still have a bright, savory onion flavor, but slightly milder than when used fresh. This makes them ripe for all sorts of recipes, from stuffing to a certain rather classic and flavorful dip . Why Freeze Green Onions?
Do frozen green onions thaw?
Sautéing: If you’re sautéing or stir-frying, you can add the frozen green onions to the hot oil or pan, and they will thaw and cook in moments. “You may want to add them early in the cooking process if you prefer them to be softer, or later for a milder flavor and a slightly firmer texture,” Larson says.