Crispy Tempura Onion Rings Delight
Indulge in the perfect blend of crunch and flavor with these Crispy Tempura Onion Rings! This recipe features sweet Vidalia or Spanish onions, dipped in a light and airy tempura batter that creates an irresistible crispy coating. Ideal for snacking, as a side dish, or a fun appetizer, these onion rings are delectably paired with zesty ketchup and creamy ranch dressing. Gather your friends and family, and share the joy of this mouthwatering treat!
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
onions
2 large (cut into 1/4-inch rings (preferably Vidalia or Spanish))
vegetable oil
for frying
flour
1 1/4 cups
cornstarch
1/2 cup
baking powder
1 tablespoon
salt
1 teaspoon
ice water
1 1/4 cups
ketchup
to serve
ranch dressing
to serve
Instructions
1
Start by soaking the sliced onion rings in a large bowl of cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps to mellow the onion's sharpness and ensures a crispier texture.
2
After soaking, drain the onion rings on paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3
In a large, deep pot or skillet, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 360°F, as measured by a deep-fry thermometer. Maintain this temperature for optimal frying.
4
Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl halfway with ice. In a separate medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add 1 1/4 cups of ice-cold water, mixing gently until just combined. The batter should remain thin and have some small lumps.
5
To keep the batter cold and ensure crispiness, place the bowl of batter in the ice bath.
6
Using tongs, dip each onion ring into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Working in small batches, carefully drop the battered onions into the hot oil.
7
Fry the onion rings for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, or until they are light golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to remove the rings, placing them on paper towels to drain any extra oil.
8
Adjust the oil temperature to 360°F between batches to achieve the perfect crispiness every time.
9
Serve your crispy tempura onion rings immediately with ketchup and ranch dressing for dipping.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
150mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Tempura Onion Rings?
They are a delightful snack or appetizer made from sweet onions dipped in a light, airy tempura batter and fried until perfectly crunchy.
Which types of onions are best for this recipe?
Sweet onions like Vidalia or Spanish onions are the best choices for these onion rings.
Why should I soak the onion rings in cold water?
Soaking helps mellow the sharpness of the onion and contributes to a crispier texture after frying.
How long do I need to soak the onions?
You should soak the sliced onion rings for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
What is the ideal temperature for the frying oil?
The oil should reach and maintain a temperature of 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
What ingredients are used in the tempura batter?
The batter is made from a combination of flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and ice-cold water.
Why is ice-cold water used in the batter?
Ice-cold water helps create a light and airy texture that becomes very crispy when it hits the hot oil.
Should the tempura batter be smooth?
No, the batter should remain thin and it is perfectly fine for it to have some small lumps.
Why is the batter bowl placed in an ice bath?
Keeping the batter cold ensures the final product is extra crispy.
How thick should I slice the onion rings?
The onions should be cut into approximately 1/4-inch rings.
How long do the onion rings need to fry?
They should be fried for about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes per batch.
What color should the onion rings be when finished?
They should be a light golden brown and have a crispy texture.
What should I do after removing the rings from the oil?
Place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil before serving.
What dipping sauces go well with these onion rings?
Ketchup and creamy ranch dressing are the recommended pairings for this recipe.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 12.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the onion rings?
There is approximately 1.25 grams of protein per serving.
What is the sodium content?
There is 150mg of sodium per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these tempura onion rings are vegetarian-friendly.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You need enough vegetable oil to fill a large pot or skillet to a depth of 2 inches.
Can I fry all the onion rings at once?
No, you should work in small batches to ensure even cooking and prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much.
Why is cornstarch used in the batter?
Cornstarch helps achieve a lighter, crispier coating compared to using flour alone.
What equipment do I need for the batter prep?
You will need a medium bowl for mixing the batter and a large bowl to create an ice bath.
What is the role of baking powder in this recipe?
Baking powder helps the batter puff up slightly, making it light and airy.
Is it necessary to drain the onions after soaking?
Yes, you should drain them on paper towels to remove excess moisture so the batter adheres better.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include tempura, snack, appetizer, crispy, vegetarian, and party food.
How do I handle the oil between batches?
Always adjust the heat to ensure the oil returns to 360 degrees Fahrenheit before starting a new batch.
How many ingredients are required in total?
This recipe requires 9 ingredients, including the onions and dipping sauces.
Can these be prepared in advance?
For the best results and maximum crunch, they should be served immediately after frying.