Crispy Bloomin' Onion with Spicy Dipping Sauce
Indulge in the ultimate appetizer with this Crispy Bloomin' Onion recipe, inspired by the famous Outback Steakhouse dish! With its signature crispiness and flavorful spices, this dish makes a grand centerpiece for any gathering, especially during fun events like the Super Bowl! The fried onion petals are complemented perfectly by a rich, zesty dipping sauce that elevates the entire experience. Gather your friends and family and enjoy the crunchy goodness of this enticing dish that's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing guests and adding a festive touch to your meal.
8
Servings
437.5
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
cornstarch
1/3 cup (none)
flour
1 1/2 cups for batter, 2 cups for seasoning (none)
garlic, minced
2 teaspoons (minced)
paprika
6 teaspoons (4 for seasoning, 2 for batter) (none)
salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (1 for seasoning, 1/4 for dipping sauce) (none)
pepper
1 teaspoon and a dash for dipping sauce (none)
cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (1/2 for batter, 1/2 for dipping sauce) (none)
beer
24 ounces (none)
vidalia onions
4 (peeled and trimmed)
mayonnaise
1 pint plus 1/2 cup (none)
sour cream
1 pint (none)
tomato chili sauce
1/2 cup (none)
ketchup
2 teaspoons (none)
creamed horseradish
2 teaspoons (none)
dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the seasoned flour. In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne. Mix well and set aside.
2
For the creamy chili sauce, in another bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, tomato chili sauce, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
3
Next, prepare the dipping sauce by blending the remaining mayonnaise, ketchup, creamed horseradish, paprika, salt, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix thoroughly and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for flavors to meld.
4
Now, for the batter, combine the cornstarch, flour, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the beer while whisking until the batter is smooth and well combined.
5
Prepare the onions by cutting about 3/4 inch off the top and peeling them. Then, carefully cut each onion into 12-16 vertical wedges, taking care not to cut through the root end.
6
Remove about 1 inch of petals from the center of the onion. You can soak the onions in cold water for a few hours to help them open up, but remember to drain them well before proceeding.
7
Dip the onion in the seasoned flour and gently shake off the excess. Carefully separate the petals to ensure even coverage with the batter.
8
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Gently place the battered onion in a fryer basket and fry for 1 1/2 minutes.
9
After that, turn the onion over and fry for another 1 1/2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain the fried onion on paper towels to remove excess oil.
10
Once cooled slightly, place the onion upright in a shallow bowl and remove the center core with a circular cutter or apple corer.
11
Serve the crispy bloomin' onion hot, surrounded by the creamy chili sauce and spicy dipping sauce for a delicious and impressive appetizer!
Nutrition Information
26.25g
Fat
38.75g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Crispy Bloomin' Onion?
It is a popular appetizer consisting of a large onion cut to resemble a flower, battered, and deep-fried until crispy, served with a zesty dipping sauce.
How many calories are in a serving of this Bloomin' Onion?
Each serving contains approximately 437.5 calories.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What kind of onions should I use for this recipe?
Vidalia onions are recommended for this recipe because of their sweet flavor and size.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 26.25 grams of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrate and protein counts per serving?
Each serving contains 38.75 grams of carbohydrates and 6.25 grams of protein.
How do I cut the onion to get the 'bloomin' effect?
Cut 3/4 inch off the top, peel it, and then cut 12-16 vertical wedges into the onion without cutting through the root end.
Why should I soak the onions in cold water?
Soaking the onions for a few hours helps the petals open up, making it easier to batter and fry.
How long should the dipping sauces be refrigerated?
The sauces should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
What ingredients are in the creamy chili sauce?
The creamy chili sauce is made of mayonnaise, sour cream, tomato chili sauce, and cayenne pepper.
What ingredients make up the spicy dipping sauce?
This sauce consists of mayonnaise, ketchup, creamed horseradish, paprika, salt, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne.
What is the secret to a smooth batter?
Gradually add the 24 ounces of beer to the dry batter ingredients while whisking until the mixture is completely smooth.
What spices are used in the seasoned flour?
The seasoned flour contains paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
At what temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit (190-200 degrees Celsius).
How long do I fry the onion?
Fry the onion for 1 1/2 minutes, then turn it over and fry for another 1 1/2 minutes until golden brown.
How do I remove the core of the onion after frying?
Once slightly cooled, use a circular cutter or an apple corer to remove the center core of the onion.
Should I shake off excess flour before battering?
Yes, after dipping the onion in seasoned flour, gently shake off the excess to ensure the batter adheres properly.
Is this recipe suitable for the Super Bowl?
Absolutely! Its impressive presentation and crunchy texture make it a perfect centerpiece for Super Bowl parties.
What should I do with the onion petals after cutting?
Remove about 1 inch of petals from the center to create space for the sauce and help the onion cook evenly.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the batter mixture.
How many total ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 15 distinct ingredients, including the spices and the components for two sauces.
What liquid is used in the batter?
The batter uses 24 ounces of beer to provide flavor and a light, crispy texture.
Can I use regular onions if Vidalia is not available?
Yes, but sweet onions are preferred. If using regular onions, ensure they are large enough to be cut into wedges.
How do I drain the onion after frying?
Place the fried onion on paper towels to allow any excess oil to drain away before serving.
What kind of cornstarch amount is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of cornstarch to be used in the batter.
Is there horseradish in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of creamed horseradish are used in the spicy dipping sauce.
How much paprika is used in total?
A total of 6 teaspoons of paprika are used: 4 for the seasoning and 2 for the batter.
Does the recipe contain oregano?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of dried oregano is included in the spicy dipping sauce.
How much mayonnaise is needed for all the sauces?
The recipe requires 1 pint plus an additional 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
Is the onion served hot or cold?
The bloomin' onion should be served hot immediately after frying for the best texture.