Description
This Blooming Onion recipe is a homemade copycat of the iconic Outback Steakhouse appetizer. Featuring crispy, perfectly battered sweet onions fried to a golden brown and served with a tangy creamy dipping sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser perfect for game days or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ tablespoons creamy horseradish
- 1 ½ tablespoons ketchup
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Breading
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Main Ingredient
- 3 medium sweet onions
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, creamy horseradish, ketchup, paprika, garlic powder, and ground cayenne pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a wide and deep bowl that can fit an onion, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
- Mix the Breading: In another wide bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, ground cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to evenly mix the spices with the flour.
- Cut the Onions: Trim a small flat piece off the non-root end of each onion to create a stable base. Remove any dry or damaged outer peels. Place the onion flat side down on a cutting board with the root end facing up. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the onion vertically into quarters, cutting about ½ inch from the root so the onion remains intact. Then cut each quarter into 3-4 smaller sections to form the petal-like slices. Turn the onion root side down and gently fan out the slices to resemble a blooming flower.
- Coat the Onions with Flour: Using your hands, carefully dredge the onion in the flour mixture, separating petals as you coat each part well to ensure full coverage.
- Dip in Egg Mixture: Next, dunk the floured onion into the egg and milk mixture, making sure to saturate between the onion petals.
- Final Flour Coat: Return the onion to the flour mixture and coat again thoroughly using your hands for full breading coverage.
- Heat Oil: In a heavy pan, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Use enough oil to cover at least half the depth of the onion when placed in the pan.
- Fry the Onions: Carefully place the coated onions root side up into the hot oil. Fry for 7-10 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and crisp.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried onions with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This recipe replicates the famous Outback Steakhouse blooming onion, making it easy to enjoy this appetizer at home.
- Use sweet onions such as Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best flavor and texture.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F to ensure crispy breading without greasiness.
- For even coating, use your hands to carefully separate the onion petals during breading.
- Serve immediately for optimal crispness, as the breading can soften if left too long.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blooming onion
- Calories: 638 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1084 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.04 g
- Carbohydrates: 86 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 138 mg
