How to Cut Bell a Pepper

This is a simple tutorial to show my technique for cutting bell peppers. Learn the easiest way to cut bell peppers into rings, strips or dice for any recipe

Follow along to learn the best methods for cutting up a bell pepper. Whether sliced into rings, matchsticks, or a fine dice, these sweet, zingy veggies are a key ingredient of chilis, stir-fries, omelets, sauces, salsa, crudité plates and more.

The bell pepper’s fresh flavor is matched only by its nutritional profile. They are bursting with vitamin C (especially red bell peppers) and offer up vitamin A, potassium, fiber, folic acid, and iron.

CUTTING PEPPERS INTO RINGS

To begin: Lay the pepper on its side on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife, preferably a chef’s knife, to slice off about ½ ” piece from the stem end and another 1/2″ inch from the bottom of the pepper. (Use the ends for snacking or freeze away for later use in soups, stews, or veggie broth.)

Run the knife around the inside of the flesh to remove the core; discard. Lay the pepper on its side and slice thinly slice into rings.

Rings can be used for a crudité plates or sandwich toppers. They can be fried in an air fryer or make a bold presentation in chilis or ratatouilles.

SLICING PEPPERS

As with slicing the bell peppers, start with cutting 1/2″ off the top and bottom of the bell pepper and reserve for another use.

Next, cut two vertical slits through the flesh. Open the bell pepper and use the knife to remove the core; discard. Lay the pepper halves on the cutting board, skin-side down, and use a sharp knife to thinly slice into strips.

Put your cut-up bell pepper strips in salads, on crudité plates, or sauté them into chilis, soups, and stews.

DICING BELL PEPPERS

Again, when it comes to cutting up bell peppers into large or small dices, start by cutting 1/2″ off the top and bottom of the bell pepper. For a small dice, you can use these parts, too.

Cut two vertical slits through the flesh of the bell pepper. Open the pepper and use the knife to remove the core; discard.

Lay the pepper halves on the cutting board, skin-side down, and use a sharp knife to cut into strips.

Rotate the pieces by 90 degrees and cut the strips into whatever size dice you wish. For a higher yield, dice the ends of the pepper as well.

Diced bell pepper goes right into all sorts of recipes especially egg dishes, like omelets. Diced bell peppers are also part of the mirepoix for soups or stews, especially in Creole cuisine.

become sweeter and more nutritious. Red bell peppers have six times the vitamin A and over twice the vitamin C of green peppers.

Can I freeze cut peppers?

Yes. Chop into your desired cut then flash freeze on sheet pans and store in airtight, freezer-safe container. They’ll stay nice for up to six months. In the regular fridge, they are good for about three days.

Is it worth paying more for organic bell peppers?

Bell peppers are among the foods designated by the Environmental Working Group as retaining high levels of pesticides on their skin even after washing. It is something to keep in mind.

Whether crisp and juicy when eaten raw or smoothly piquant after being fire roasted or cooked slow, bell peppers are a staple in my kitchen, and I hope you’ll make them one in yours, too.