Recipes
1. Best Blooming Onion Recipe
Ingredients
For the Onion:
1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia)
2–3 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
For the Dipping Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Dash of cayenne pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cut the Onion
Cut off ½ inch from the top (pointy end) of the onion. Leave the root end intact. Place onion cut-side down. Starting ½ inch from the root, make 16 evenly spaced vertical cuts (like slicing a pie), being careful not to cut all the way through. Gently separate the layers (the “petals”) to bloom the onion.
Step 2: Prepare Breading
In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk and eggs until well combined.
Step 3: Bread the Onion
Dredge the onion in the seasoned flour, making sure to get flour in between all the petals. Shake off excess. Dip the onion into the buttermilk-egg mixture. Ensure it gets in between the petals. Return to the flour mixture for a second coating. Press gently to adhere. Shake off excess. Place onion in the fridge for 30 minutes to help the breading stick (optional but recommended).
Step 4: Fry the Onion
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Using a slotted spoon or spider, carefully lower the onion (cut side down first) into the oil. Fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway if needed, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Mix all dipping sauce ingredients together until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
2. Onion Rings
Ingredients
2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced into ½-inch rings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 large egg
1 cup cold club soda or cold beer (for lighter batter)
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Prep the Onions
Peel and slice onions into rings. Separate the rings and place them in ice water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness and help them stay crisp. Drain and pat dry.
Make the Batter
In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Add egg and cold club soda or beer. Whisk until smooth. Batter should be similar to pancake batter—thick but pourable.
Bread the Rings
Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dip onion rings in the batter, let excess drip off, then coat in panko. Set battered rings on a wire rack and let them rest for 5–10 minutes.
Fry
Heat oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Fry onion rings in small batches for 2–3 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Lightly salt immediately.
Optional Dipping Sauce
Mix together:
½ cup mayo
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Dash paprika & cayenne
3. Onion Ring Chips
Ingredients
2 sweet onions
5 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Thinly sliced onions on a mandolin or with a very sharp knife. (I used 1/28th in setting on mandolin).
Spread Parmesan into a layer covering a parchment lined baking sheet.
Spread the onion slices over the Parmesan in a single layer.
Brush the olive oil on the tops of the onions. Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, paprika over the onions.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the cheese is crispy.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing into chips.
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