Small Onion Shallots

Malaysia Small Red Onions (Shallots)

Enjoy the sweet, aromatic and lightly garlicky flavour of Malaysia Small Red Onions, a small onion / shallot-style ingredient used widely in Asian cooking. Also searched as small onions, purple onion, red onion, small onion shallot, are small onions shallots, are shallots small onions, shallots vs small onions, is shallot same as small onion, red onion price, onion peel, 小葱头, 红葱头 or 红洋葱, these small red onions are useful for stir-fries, curries, sambal, marinades, fried shallots, soup bases and everyday home cooking.

Small red onions / shallots have a sharper bite when raw and become sweeter, softer and more fragrant when cooked. When thinly sliced and fried, they turn crisp, savoury and aromatic, making them a popular topping for noodles, rice, porridge, soups, vegetables and meat dishes.

Origin: Malaysia.

Malaysia Small Red Onion Quick Facts

Taste and Texture

Malaysia Small Red Onions have a fragrant onion flavour with a gentle garlic-like note. When eaten raw, they are crisp, sharp and aromatic. When cooked slowly, they become soft, sweet and savoury.

When sliced thinly and fried, small onions become golden, crispy and flavourful. Fried shallots are commonly used as a finishing garnish for rice, noodles, soups, vegetables, porridge, meat dishes and sauces.

• Fresh small red onions from Malaysia
• Also known as shallots or small onion shallots
• Sharp and aromatic when raw
• Sweet and mellow when cooked
• Good for fried shallots and shallot oil
• Useful for sambal, curries, stir-fries and marinades
• Popular base ingredient in Asian cooking

Small Onions, Shallots, Purple Onion and Red Onion

Customers often ask are small onions shallots, are shallots small onions or is shallot same as small onion. In many Singapore and Malaysia shopping contexts, “small onions” usually refers to small red shallots or small red onion bulbs used for frying and cooking.

However, naming can vary. A large red onion or purple onion is usually bigger and rounder, while small red onions / shallots are smaller, more aromatic and often used when a recipe needs a sweeter, more delicate onion flavour.

Shallots vs Small Onions

Shallots vs small onions can be confusing because many customers use the terms interchangeably. For cooking, both are used to add onion sweetness, aroma and savoury depth.

How to Use Small Red Onions

Small red onions are one of the most useful aromatics in Asian cooking. Peel away the dry outer onion peel, trim the ends, then slice, chop, pound or blend depending on the dish.

• Slice thinly for fried shallots
• Blend into sambal, curry paste and spice paste
• Chop for stir-fries, omelettes and fried rice
• Add to soups, stews and braised dishes
• Use in marinades for meat, seafood and tofu
• Pickle with vinegar, sugar and salt
• Use raw in salads, dips and relishes if you enjoy a sharper taste
• Make shallot oil for noodles, vegetables and rice dishes

Fried Shallots and Shallot Oil

Fried shallots are a classic way to use small onions. Slice the onions thinly and evenly, then fry slowly until golden and crisp. Remove them just before they become too dark, as they will continue to deepen slightly after frying.

The leftover shallot oil can be used for noodles, vegetables, fried rice, porridge, soups, sauces and marinades. Store homemade fried shallots and shallot oil safely in clean, dry containers, and use good food hygiene because moisture can shorten shelf life.

Onion Peel and Preparation

Onion peel usually refers to the dry papery outer skin. Remove the dry outer layer before slicing or cooking. If the onion has a slightly dry outer layer but the inside is firm and fresh-smelling, it is usually still usable after peeling.

Discard bulbs that are mouldy, slimy, badly soft, rotten-smelling or wet inside. If the onion has sprouted but remains firm, you can remove the sprout and use the bulb soon, although the flavour and texture may not be as fresh.

Red Onion Price Note

Customers may search red onion price when comparing onion options. Fresh onion prices can change depending on origin, season, supply, shipment cost, size and grade.

This product page does not include a fixed price because pricing may vary by current batch and product option. Please check the live SKC Fruits product page or contact us if you need the latest red onion price, small onion price, bulk quantity or delivery availability.

Nutrition Information

Approximate values for raw shallots / small red onions. These are general nutrition references and are not lab-tested values for the current Malaysia Small Red Onions batch. Exact values may vary by variety, size, freshness, storage and cooking method.

Malaysia Small Red Onions can be enjoyed as part of everyday cooking. This is general food information and should not be treated as medical advice. This product page should not claim that small onions improve blood sugar, fight germs, prevent cancer, promote hair growth, treat diabetes or cure any health condition.

How to Choose Small Red Onions

Choose small red onions that feel firm, dry and heavy for their size. The outer skin should be papery and dry, not wet or slimy.

• Choose firm small onions with dry skin
• Look for clean purple-red outer layers
• Avoid bulbs that feel soft, wet or hollow
• Avoid mouldy, slimy or rotten-smelling onions
• Use sprouted but still firm onions sooner
• Remove any spoiled onions from storage quickly
• Check current batch if you need a specific size or quantity

Storage and Handling

Store whole uncut small red onions in a cool, dry, dark and well-ventilated place. A basket, net bag, paper bag or open container is better than an airtight plastic bag because onions need airflow.

Do not wash onions before storage. Keep them away from excess moisture and direct sunlight. Once cut, store the remaining onion in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it soon.

• Store whole onions in a cool, dry and dark place
• Use a basket, net bag, paper bag or ventilated container
• Avoid airtight plastic bags for long storage
• Do not wash before storage
• Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight
• Refrigerate only after cutting or peeling
• Remove soft or spoiled onions quickly
• Discard if mouldy, slimy, rotten-smelling or badly soft