Description
This Outback-Style Bloomin’ Onion recipe creates a crispy, golden appetizer resembling a blooming flower made from a large sweet onion. Coated with a flavorful seasoned batter and deep-fried to perfection, it is a delightful crowd-pleaser served hot with a tangy dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Onion
- 1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia)
Batter and Coating
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
Frying
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Prepare the onion: Peel the large sweet onion and slice approximately 1/2 inch off the top while keeping the root end intact. Place the onion cut side down and carefully make 12 to 16 vertical cuts from top downward towards the root, ensuring not to cut through the root so that the onion layers remain attached.
- Separate layers: Turn the onion over and gently pull apart the sections to create a flower-like bloom effect.
- Make the flour mixture: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoned flour mixture.
- Prepare egg wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk until well combined.
- Coat the onion: Dip the onion into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to get the coating in between the petals thoroughly. Then dip it into the egg wash, and again into the flour mixture for a double coating that adds extra crispiness.
- Chill: Place the coated onion in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes; this helps the batter stick better during frying.
- Heat oil: Preheat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Deep fry the onion: Carefully lower the onion root side up into the hot oil and fry for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried onion from oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Choose a large sweet onion with a firm root end to ensure the petals hold together during cutting and frying.
- A simple dipping sauce can be made by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, and a dash of cayenne pepper to complement the bold flavor of the onion.
- Be cautious while frying and ensure the oil temperature remains consistent for even cooking and crispiness.
- Use a deep pot large enough to fully submerge the onion to avoid uneven cooking.
