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Best Ever Blooming Onion

Best Ever Blooming Onion
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The Best Ever Blooming Onion is a crispy, golden appetizer featuring intricately sliced petal-like layers of a large onion, fried to perfection and served with a flavorful creamy dipping sauce. This engaging recipe offers a crunchy exterior with a tender center, combining bold spices in both the batter and sauce to create a savory, irresistible treat perfect for entertaining or special dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Blooming Onion

  • 1 large yellow onion (firm and fresh)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative for vegan option)
  • Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Dipping Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise (or plant-based mayo for vegan)
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cut the Onion: Peel the onion and slice off the top so it can stand upright. Make 12 to 16 cuts from the top toward the root without cutting through the root end to keep the petals intact. Gently spread the petals apart to create the blooming effect.
  2. Soak the Onion: Place the cut onion in a bowl of ice water and soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps the petals open further and firms them for better frying texture.
  3. Prepare the Batter and Dipping Sauce: In one bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk. For the sauce, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
  4. Coat the Onion: Remove the onion from ice water and dry carefully. Dip the entire onion into the egg mixture ensuring you get between all petals. Then dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Repeat dipping in egg and flour for extra crispiness.
  5. Deep Fry: Heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep fryer or large pot. Fry the coated onion for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove carefully and drain on paper towels.
  6. Serve Hot and Enjoy: Place the blooming onion on a serving plate with a bowl of the prepared dipping sauce. Best enjoyed warm to savor the crispy crunch and fresh flavors.

Notes

  • Use large sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for best results.
  • Take care when slicing to avoid cutting through the root; this keeps petals intact.
  • Double dipping the onion in egg and flour ensures an extra crispy crust.
  • Maintain oil temperature at 375°F (190°C) for even frying and to prevent greasiness.
  • Serve immediately for optimal crunch and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: blooming onion, fried onion appetizer, crispy onion, dipping sauce, party appetizer, American appetizer

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/best-ever-blooming-onion/