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Outback-Style Blooming Onion

Blooming Onion

This homemade blooming onion is a crispy, flavorful appetizer that's perfect for sharing, featuring a golden, crunchy coating and a tender sweet onion interior.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Onion
  • 1 large sweet onion Choose a large sweet onion for best results.
For the Coating
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust for more heat if desired.
  • 1 tsp salt
  • optional pinch of dried herbs Add for extra flavor.
For the Wet Mixture
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
For Deep Frying
  • as needed vegetable or peanut oil Ideal for frying.
For the Dipping Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp prepared horseradish
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice Splash for flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by peeling a large sweet onion and trimming just a small portion from the top while leaving the root intact.
  2. Place the onion root-side down on a cutting board and carefully make evenly spaced cuts from the top toward the root, stopping about half an inch before reaching the bottom to create multiple 'petals.'
  3. Gently separate the layers with your fingers to help the onion bloom.
Mix the Seasoned Coating
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, and optional dried herbs.
Prepare the Wet Mixture
  1. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs and milk until smooth.
Coat the Onion
  1. Carefully dust the onion with the seasoned flour, ensuring it reaches between every layer.
  2. Shake off any excess, then dip the onion into the egg mixture.
  3. Finish by coating the onion with another generous layer of the seasoned flour.
Chill Before Frying
  1. Place the coated onion in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Fry Until Golden Brown
  1. Heat the oil to approximately 350°F (175°C) and carefully lower the onion into the hot oil.
  2. Fry until beautifully golden and crispy, turning if necessary.
  3. Transfer the onion to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce
  1. In a bowl, stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and lemon juice.
  2. Refrigerate the sauce for a few minutes.
Serve Immediately
  1. Place the blooming onion on a serving platter with the dipping sauce in the center.
  2. Serve while hot so every petal stays crisp.

Notes

For best results, choose a large sweet onion and chill the coated onion before frying. Double-coat for extra crunch and drain on a wire rack.