This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy.
Learn how to cut fennel properly to add flavor and texture to your dishes. This step-by-step guide and video show you how to tackle this unique vegetable with ease, including how to cut a fennel bulb and how to dice fennel.
Video: How to cut fennel
Wondering how to cut fennel but not sure the best way? We love using fennel in our recipes, like in refreshing fennel salad or tender roasted fennel. Here’s our method for how to cut a fennel bulb, including how to both slice and dice fennel. Grab your knife and let’s get started with this step by step guide!
How to cut fennel step by step
Step 1: Using a large chef’s knife, cut off the fennel fronds. (You can use the wispy portions as a garnish if you’d like.)
Step 2: Cut off the root end of the fennel.
Step 3: Remove any tough outer layers of the fennel and discard them.
Step 4: Slice down the center of the fennel bulb.
Step 5: To slice the fennel, place the fennel on its cut side and cut thin half-moon slices parallel to the root end using a circular motion.
Step 6: To dice the fennel, cut slices parallel to the root end, leaving room at the end so the slices stay attached. Make the slices wider for diced, and narrower for minced or small diced. Rotate the fennel and cut slices in the other direction, following the curve. When you’ve cut halfway through, flip the fennel down onto the flat cut side and continue slicing.
And there you have it: how to cut fennel in six easy steps! Let us know if you try our method for how to cut fennel and tell us how it goes in the comments below.
Tip: use a great chef knife
A good knife can drastically improve your time in the kitchen! We’ve had our chef knives for over 10 years and they still work great. Our favorite knife is this 7″ Chef’s Knife. For safe storage, you can use a drawer knife organizer like this one. Make sure to keep your knives sharpened using a local service or home knife sharpener.
Ways to use fennel
Now that you know how to cut fennel, here are some of our favorite fennel recipes for you to try:
- Roasted: As a side dish, try roasted fennel.
- Salads: Try fennel salad with Parmesan and apple, or fennel orange salad.
- Soups: Try Tuscan soup with white beans or vegan lentil soup.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you should remove the stalks before cutting the fennel bulb. The stalks are tough and fibrous, making them difficult to eat raw. However, don’t discard them! The stalks can be used to make flavorful vegetable stock, and the feathery fronds can be used as a garnish or added to salads.
Yes, fennel can be enjoyed raw. It has a crisp texture and a slightly sweet, licorice-like flavor. Thinly sliced or shaved fennel is a delicious addition to salads or slaws.
Store cut fennel in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-5 days. To prevent browning, you can sprinkle a little lemon juice over the cut fennel before storing.
How to Cut Fennel
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup diced 1x
Description
Wondering how to cut fennel? Here’s a step by step guide and video that shows you exactly how to cut a fennel bulb (how to dice fennel).
Ingredients
- 1 fennel bulb
Instructions
- Using a large chef’s knife, cut off the fennel fronds. (You can use the wispy portions as a garnish if you’d like.)
- Cut off the root end of the fennel.
- Remove any tough outer layers of the fennel and discard them.
- Slice down the center of the fennel bulb.
- To slice the fennel, place the fennel on its cut side and cut thin half-moon slices parallel to the root end using a circular motion. OR…
- To dice the fennel, cut slices parallel to the root end, leaving room at the end so that the slices stay attached. (Make the slices wider for diced and narrower for minced.) Then rotate the fennel and cut slices in the other direction, following the curve of the fennel. When you’ve cut halfway through, flip the fennel down onto the flat cut side and continue slicing. When you get to the end that didn’t have the slices, give it a few more chops. See the video for this part!
- Category: Knife Skills
- Method: Cutting
- Cuisine: N/A
Hello,
The 5 stars are for guiding me to cut my first fennel. Very easy to follow.
You have a lovely site.
Carole 😊
PS I’m going to try the Tuscan White Bean Fennel soup. Sounds delicious.
Thank yoU!
Thanks! I’m making a soup and wasn’t familiar with fennel. Much less intimidating after watching your video!