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Ultimate Homemade Blooming Onion Recipe

A perfectly cooked, golden-brown blooming onions appetizer served on a white plate.
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Make the signature restaurant-style fried onion appetizer at home with this easy-to-follow recipe, complete with the best batter and spicy dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or similar)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup club soda or seltzer water
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the onion: Peel the onion. Make a vertical cut near the root end, stopping about 1/2 inch from the base. Rotate the onion 45 degrees and make another cut, repeating until you have 16 to 20 wedges. Do not cut all the way through the root. Gently press the onion down on a cutting board to open it like a flower. Place the opened onion in a bowl of ice water for 15 minutes to help it bloom further.
  2. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, pepper, and thyme.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and club soda until combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable. Do not overmix.
  5. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat the oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  6. Dredge the onion: Remove the onion from the ice water and pat it very dry with paper towels. Dip the entire onion into the batter, ensuring all crevices are coated. Lift it out and let excess batter drip off.
  7. Fry the onion: Carefully lower the battered onion into the hot oil, holding the root end until the batter sets slightly (about 30 seconds). Then, release it. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Remove the onion from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle immediately with a little extra salt. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For the best ‘bloom,’ use a large, round onion. Make sure your cuts are deep enough but leave the root intact to hold the structure together.
  • If you prefer an air fryer blooming onion, use less batter, spray heavily with cooking spray, and cook at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • The dipping sauce is key: Mix 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/blooming-onions-recipe-ultimate-homemade-guide/