Craving onion rings but with more elegance and flavor? Check out this iconic appetizer.
If you think all fried foods taste the same, think again. That was my perspective before trying the famous blooming onion, but ever since testing its rich and crispy petals, I’ve changed my mind.
This one-of-a-kind appetizer, characterized by a golden and flaky crust on tender slices of white onion, tastes like good, old-fashioned bar food but with an elegant twist. Although it’s similar to onion rings, it’s crafted in a way that mimics a flourishing lotus flower or blooming rose. Hence, the name “blooming onion.”
The key is in cutting it just right so that each piece is coated evenly in batter before it’s deep-fried until crisp and brown. Bursting with sweet and savory flavor, the blooming onion can take any event—even a casual weeknight dinner—to the next level. That’s why I prefer to make this as a party appetizer. Whether it’s game day or a birthday, everyone enjoys snatching up a piece of blooming onion to dip in their favorite sauce.
The origin of blooming onions
Originally, the blooming onion was created by a chef named Jeff Glowski—a friend of Tim Gannon, co-founder of the Outback Steakhouse. Inspired by his friend’s original culinary masterpiece in 1985, Gannon brought the recipe for this majestic fried onion with him into business so that his restaurant would have its own signature item on the menu. Since then, the Outback’s iconic “Bloomin’ Onion” has become a popular dish in the US. Typically, it’s served with horseradish, BBQ sauce, or a mayo-based dip.
How do I store leftovers?
While a blooming onion is best enjoyed fresh, you can also transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for 3-4 days. I recommend eating it sooner rather than later because the onion will become soggy over time. Reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, until it’s crispy again.
Similar recipes to try
The blooming onion is a fabulous way to impress your dinner guests, but if you’re looking for a more laid-back recipe with similar flavors, try Baked Onion Rings or Keto Onion Rings. You’d be surprised by how deliciously dynamic this vegetable is. From sautéing them to frying them, onions can be enjoyed in myriad ways.
Craving a fried appetizer that isn’t onion-based? Try Mozzarella Sticks—a cheesy and crispy American classic that tastes blissful when dipped in marinara sauce.
Blooming Onion
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion about 13 ounces
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch ground cumin
- Vegetable oil for deep frying, about 2 quarts
- Preferred sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Cut off the top of the onion and peel away the outer skin, leaving the root end intact. Starting about 1/2 inch from the root, make 12 to 16 evenly spaced cuts around the onion. Gently fan out the onion petals.
- In one bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. In another bowl, combine the flour with paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and ground cumin.
- Dip the onion into the dry flour mixture first, shaking off any excess. Then, submerge it in the egg mixture so the liquid soaks into the petals. Finally, coat the onion again in the flour mixture, making sure the seasoning gets in between the petals.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to 350°F. Carefully lower the coated onion into the hot oil with the root side down. Fry for about 5-6 minutes until the bottom is golden.
- Flip and fry for another 2 to 4 minutes until the entire onion is deep golden and crispy. Remove the onion and let it drain on paper towels. Serve warm, optionally with your favorite dipping sauce.
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