The Blooming Onion, a favorite appetizer in many steakhouses, is a fun and delicious way to enjoy onions. This recipe transforms a humble onion into a crispy, golden-brown delight that’s perfect for sharing. With its crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful interior, the Blooming Onion is sure to impress your family and friends. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, it’s an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Onion:
- 1 large onion (Vidalia or any sweet onion)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onion
- Cut the Onion: Peel the onion, keeping the root intact. Slice off the top (opposite the root) and place the onion cut-side down. Starting about 1/2 inch from the root, make a downward cut all the way to the board. Repeat to make 16 evenly spaced cuts around the onion. Turn the onion over and gently separate the “petals.”
- Soak the Onion: Place the onion in a bowl of ice water for 1 hour to help the petals open up.
Step 2: Make the Batter and Coating
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until well combined.
Step 3: Coat the Onion
- First Coating: Remove the onion from the ice water and pat dry. Dip the onion into the flour mixture, ensuring all the petals are well-coated. Shake off the excess flour.
- Second Coating: Dip the flour-coated onion into the buttermilk mixture, making sure it’s fully covered. Let the excess buttermilk drip off.
- Final Coating: Return the onion to the flour mixture for a final coat, ensuring all the petals are thoroughly coated.
Step 4: Fry the Onion
- Heat the Oil: Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the Onion: Carefully lower the coated onion into the hot oil, root side up. Fry for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the onion from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Serve: Transfer the dipping sauce to a serving bowl and serve alongside the hot Blooming Onion.
Cooking Notes
- Choosing the Right Onion: Vidalia onions are ideal for their sweetness, but any large, sweet onion will work.
- Cutting the Onion: A sharp knife is crucial for making clean cuts. Be careful to keep the root intact to hold the onion together.
- Frying Tips: Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F (190°C) for optimal frying. If the temperature drops too low, the onion may become greasy.
Variations
Spicy Blooming Onion:
- Add extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture for an extra kick.
Cheesy Blooming Onion:
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the onion immediately after frying and place it under a broiler until the cheese melts.
Gluten-Free Blooming Onion:
- Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make this dish gluten-free.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Patience with Petals: Take your time to separate the petals without breaking them to ensure an even coating and frying.
- Consistent Heat: Keep the oil temperature consistent to avoid uneven cooking and excessive oil absorption.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the Blooming Onion as soon as it’s fried.
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer: Serve as a show-stopping appetizer at parties or gatherings.
- Side Dish: Pair with grilled steaks, burgers, or barbecued meats.
- Game Day Snack: Perfect for serving at game day parties with a variety of dipping sauces.
The Blooming Onion is a fantastic way to enjoy a unique and delicious appetizer that’s sure to be a hit. With its crispy, golden exterior and tender, flavorful interior, it’s a treat that’s hard to resist. Follow this recipe to create a restaurant-quality Blooming Onion at home, complete with a tangy dipping sauce that perfectly complements the savory onion. Enjoy the process of making and sharing this delightful dish with your loved ones!
