Description
This crispy Blooming Onion is a delightful appetizer made from a large sweet onion, coated in a seasoned batter and deep-fried until golden brown. Perfect for sharing, it pairs beautifully with your choice of dipping sauce, enhancing its sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia or Walla Walla)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: Dipping sauce (like ranch or spicy mayo)
Instructions
- Start by selecting a large sweet onion. Peel the onion and cut off the top while leaving the root intact.
- Place the onion root-side down on a cutting board. Make four vertical cuts down into the onion, about 1/4 inch apart, stopping just before you reach the root.
- Turn the onion and make four more cuts in between the first cuts, creating a total of 16 petals. Gently pull apart the petals to create the bloom shape. Rinse under cold water and let drain upside down on a paper towel.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until well combined.
- Dip the drained onion into the wet mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let excess liquid drip off.
- Transfer the onion to the dry mixture, coating all the petals thoroughly. Return to the wet mixture for a second dip, then back to the dry mixture for a final coating.
- In a large, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to submerge the onion (about 2-3 inches deep). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower the coated onion into the hot oil, root-side down. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, then gently flip it over.
- Continue frying for another 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare your dipping sauce while the onion cools. Serve the blooming onion on a platter with the petals facing up and the dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite combination.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes