Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
Yes, you can freeze onions and cilantro, and doing it right keeps their flavor fresh for months.
If you’ve ever chopped too many onions or bought a huge bunch of cilantro that’s about to wilt, freezing is a simple fix.
Both onions and cilantro freeze well when prepped properly, and they’ll save you time in the kitchen later.
In this post, we’ll cover how to freeze onions and cilantro the right way, how long they last, and the best ways to use them after thawing.
Let’s dive in.
Can You Freeze Onions and Cilantro?
Yes, you can freeze onions and cilantro, and both hold up surprisingly well in the freezer.
They won’t stay crisp like fresh ones, but their flavor stays intact for cooking.
That makes them perfect for soups, stews, sauces, and salsas where texture doesn’t matter much.
The key is knowing how to prep each one before freezing, since onions and cilantro behave a little differently.
1. Onions Freeze Beautifully for Cooking
Onions freeze exceptionally well, whether they’re chopped, sliced, or diced.
The freezing process breaks down their cell walls slightly, which actually makes them softer and quicker to cook.
That’s why frozen onions are a favorite shortcut for busy weeknights.
You can freeze raw chopped onions, or sauté them first for even faster meal prep.
Either way, they’ll keep their savory punch for months.
2. Cilantro Freezes Well Too
Cilantro freezes well, though it loses its crisp texture once thawed.
That’s completely fine if you’re tossing it into cooked dishes or blending it into sauces.
Fresh cilantro has tender leaves that don’t survive freezing whole, so chopping it first is the way to go.
You can also freeze cilantro in oil or water using ice cube trays for easy portioning.
3. Both Save You Money and Reduce Waste
Freezing onions and cilantro means you never have to toss out wilted herbs or forgotten onions again.
Buying in bulk when prices are low and freezing the extras is a smart budget move.
It also means you always have these flavor boosters on hand, no last-minute grocery run needed.
How to Freeze Onions and Cilantro the Right Way
Freezing onions and cilantro properly takes just a few minutes, and the payoff lasts for months.
Here’s how to do each one step by step.
1. Prep the Onions First
Peel and chop your onions into the size you’ll want for cooking.
Spread the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about an hour.
This flash-freezing keeps the pieces from clumping together into one solid block.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container.
2. Prep the Cilantro
Wash and thoroughly dry your cilantro before freezing.
Excess moisture leads to ice crystals and mushy leaves, so pat them dry with paper towels.
Chop the leaves and stems, then spread them on a baking sheet to flash-freeze the same way as the onions.
3. Try the Ice Cube Tray Method
For cilantro, chop it finely and pack it into ice cube trays.
Cover with water, olive oil, or melted butter, then freeze until solid.
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag.
Each cube becomes a ready-to-use flavor bomb for soups, stews, and sauces.
4. Label and Store Properly
Always label your freezer bags with the contents and the date.
Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Store everything in the coldest part of your freezer for the best results.
How Long Do Frozen Onions and Cilantro Last?
Frozen onions and cilantro last a long time when stored correctly.
Chopped onions keep for about 6 to 8 months in the freezer.
Cilantro holds up for around 4 to 6 months before it starts losing its bright flavor.
Cilantro frozen in oil or water cubes tends to last a bit longer, up to 6 months.
Always check for freezer burn or off smells before using them.
1. Use Them Straight From Frozen
You can toss frozen onions and cilantro directly into hot pans, soups, or stews.
There’s no need to thaw them first, which saves even more time.
2. Skip Them in Raw Dishes
Frozen cilantro won’t work as a fresh garnish since it wilts once thawed.
Use it in cooked dishes where its softened texture won’t be noticed.
So, Can You Freeze Onions and Cilantro?
Yes, you can freeze onions and cilantro, and both are worth keeping in your freezer.
They save time, reduce waste, and keep their flavor ready whenever you need it.
Just prep them properly, freeze them flat, and store them in airtight containers.
With these simple steps, you’ll always have onions and cilantro on hand for your next meal.