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Blooming Onion

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A crispy, golden-fried blooming onion with a flavorful seasoned coating and a creamy, tangy dipping sauce, perfect as a shareable appetizer or snack.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 to 2 cups buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Peel the onion and trim a small portion off the top while keeping the root intact. Place root-side down and slice into 12–16 sections without cutting through the root. Gently separate the petals.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. In another bowl, mix eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
  4. Coat the onion in the flour mixture, making sure to get between the petals. Shake off excess.
  5. Dip the onion into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it is fully soaked.
  6. Return the onion to the flour mixture for a second coating, pressing gently to adhere.
  7. Heat oil to 180°C (350°F) in a deep pot.
  8. Carefully place the onion cut-side down in the oil. Fry for 5–7 minutes, then turn and fry for another 3–5 minutes until golden and crispy.
  9. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  10. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to make the dipping sauce.
  11. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Use a sweet onion like Vidalia for best flavor and tenderness.
  • Ensure oil is at the correct temperature to achieve crispiness.
  • Double coating helps create a thicker, crunchier crust.
  • Substitute buttermilk with milk and a splash of lemon juice if needed.
  • Best served immediately for maximum crispness.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in oven at 180°C (350°F) to restore crispiness.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg