Delight Your Taste Buds: Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onions
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onions recipe – a mouthwatering appetizer that promises to tantalize your taste buds with its crispy, golden-brown exterior and flavorful seasoning. Inspired by the iconic dish from the renowned Outback Steakhouse, this homemade version allows you to recreate the magic of dining out in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, game day gathering, or simply craving a savory snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Join us as we dive into the world of deep-fried deliciousness and discover the secrets to making the perfect Bloomin’ Onion.
Ingredients:
- 3 large sweet onions
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Bloomin’ Onion Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the onions. Cut off the top of each onion and peel away the outer layer. Place an onion on a cutting board, root side down. Using a sharp knife, make cuts into the onion, starting about 1/2 inch from the root end and slicing downwards towards the root, but not all the way through. Make about 12-16 cuts around the onion to create “petals.”
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
- Dip each onion into the egg mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Next, dredge the onion in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the flour to the onion and making sure to get in between the “petals.”
- Place the coated onion on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the coating to set.
- Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower the coated onion into the hot oil, root side down. Fry for 3-4 minutes, then carefully flip the onion over and fry for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the onion from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining onions.
- To make the Bloomin’ Onion dipping sauce, simply combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve the Bloomin’ Onions hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning mixture.
- Experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor of the coating. Smoked paprika, onion powder, or chili powder would all add a delicious twist.
- If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can also fry the onions in a large skillet with enough oil to cover the bottom, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Serve the Bloomin’ Onions with additional toppings such as shredded cheese, bacon bits, or green onions for added flavor and texture.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, you can use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for the coating.
- Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream for a lower-carb option.
- Serve the Bloomin’ Onions with a keto-friendly dipping sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices.
In conclusion, Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onions are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will take your taste buds on a flavor-filled journey. With their crispy exterior, tender onion petals, and bold seasoning, they are sure to be the star of any gathering. Whether enjoyed as a prelude to a steak dinner or as a standalone snack, they are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. So gather your ingredients, heat up your oil, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible goodness of Bloomin’ Onions.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use regular onions instead of sweet onions?
- Yes, you can use regular yellow onions or Vidalia onions for this recipe. However, sweet onions tend to have a milder flavor and may be more preferable for some palates.
- Can I make Bloomin’ Onions ahead of time and reheat them later?
- While Bloomin’ Onions are best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
- Can I bake the Bloomin’ Onions instead of frying them?
- Yes, you can bake the coated onions in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Spray the onions with cooking spray before baking to help them crisp up.
- Can I freeze leftover Bloomin’ Onions?
- While it’s best to enjoy Bloomin’ Onions fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Reheat them in the oven until heated through before serving.
- Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the dipping sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just give it a good stir before serving.
- Can I make Bloomin’ Onions without a deep fryer?
- Yes, you can fry the onions in a large skillet with enough oil to cover the bottom. Just be sure to flip the onions halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
