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Blooming Onion

A golden-brown, crispy blooming onion appetizer served on a gray plate, sprinkled with herbs.
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A crispy, deep-fried whole onion cut into a flower shape, served with a zesty dipping sauce. This recipe recreates a popular restaurant appetizer for home cooks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups vegetable oil, for frying
  • For the Dipping Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the onion: Peel the onion. Trim about 1/4 inch off the stem end, but leave the root end intact. Place the onion root-side down on a cutting board.
  2. Cut the onion: Starting about 1/2 inch from the root, make a vertical cut down to the cutting board. Rotate the onion 90 degrees and make another cut. Repeat this process, making cuts every 45 degrees, for a total of four cuts.
  3. Continue cutting: Turn the onion so the cuts are between the previous ones. Make cuts between each of the previous cuts, stopping about 1/2 inch from the root. You should have 8-12 petals.
  4. Separate the petals: Gently spread the onion petals apart with your fingers, being careful not to break them off.
  5. Prepare the batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  6. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs.
  7. Dip the onion: Dip the entire onion into the milk and egg mixture, ensuring all petals are coated.
  8. Dredge the onion: Lift the onion and let excess liquid drip off. Dredge the onion in the flour mixture, making sure to get the flour between all the petals. Press gently to help the flour adhere.
  9. Fry the onion: Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Carefully place the coated onion, root-side down, into the hot oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  11. Remove the onion from the oil using a spider strainer or tongs and drain on paper towels.
  12. Prepare the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until well combined.
  13. Serve the blooming onion immediately with the dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or dipping sauce.
  • Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for optimal crispiness.
  • You can substitute other spices like chili powder or cumin in the flour mixture for different flavor profiles.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/blooming-onion-recipe/