Description
This Easy Blooming Onion recipe transforms a large sweet onion into a crispy, golden flower-like appetizer perfect for sharing. Coated in a seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture and deep-fried to perfection, it’s served with a tangy and spicy dipping sauce that complements the onion’s natural sweetness. Ideal as a crowd-pleasing starter or a fun snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Onion and Breading
- 1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion: Peel the onion and slice off the top, ensuring the root end remains intact. Place the onion cut side down on a cutting board and carefully cut into 12-16 wedges, being careful not to cut through the root so that the onion stays together as one piece.
- Separate the Petals: Gently pull apart the onion wedges (petals) to create a blooming flower shape, allowing for even coating and frying.
- Prepare the Breading: In one bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. Place breadcrumbs in a third bowl ready for coating.
- Coat the Onion: Dip the blooming onion first into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat thoroughly and get inside between petals. Next, dip it into the egg and buttermilk mixture. Finally, coat it well with breadcrumbs, separating the petals to ensure a crispy finish on every part.
- Fry the Onion: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place the coated onion into the hot oil and fry for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. If your pot is small, fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the onion is frying, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well to create a tangy and slightly spicy dipping sauce.
- Serve: Remove the fried onion from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with the prepared dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use a sweet onion like Vidalia for milder, sweeter flavor that balances the spices.
- Ensure the root end is intact when slicing to keep the onion in one piece while blooming and frying.
- Be careful while frying to maintain the oil temperature and avoid burning.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy coating; regular breadcrumbs can be used but results will vary.
- Allow excess oil to drain after frying to maintain crispiness.
- The dipping sauce can be adjusted for spice level by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
