Bloomin’ Onion

This favorite restaurant appetizer gets its name because of its resemblance to flower petals. Now you can make your own Outback-style bloomin’ onion at home! Tip: Refrigerating the onion before frying helps the breading adhere more easily.


MAKES

1

PREP TIME

35 min

COOK TIME

6-8 min

Ingredients

  • 1
    large sweet yellow onion, such as Vidalia
  • 2 1/2
    cups all-purpose flour
  • 1
    teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2
    tablespoons paprika
  • 1/2
    teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1
    teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1
    teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2
    large eggs
  • 1
    cup whole milk
  • 1
    gallon peanut oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Aioli of your choice, for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Cut the top of the onion; place it cut-side down, and, using a sharp knife, make ½-inch cuts in a circular motion to create “petals.”

  2. 2

    Flip the onion over and, using your hands, begin coaxing apart its layers.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, combine flour, cayenne, paprika, oregano, salt, garlic powder and black pepper.

  4. 4

    Place the onion cut-side down in the bowl, cover with a plate, and shake to coat onion and each “petal.” Shake off any excess flour.

  5. 5

    Meanwhile, in a separate medium bowl, mix eggs with milk. Dip onion in egg wash cut-side down; shake off excess egg wash and return onion to flour mixture to coat a second time. Shake off any excess flour.

  6. 6

    In a deep-fryer or a heavy Dutch oven, heat oil to 375 F, adding enough oil so the entire onion will be able to float.

  7. 7

    In the deep-fryer or Dutch oven, add the onion cut-side down in the oil for 2-3 minutes, then carefully flip the onion and allow it to fry for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the batter is golden brown.

  8. 8

    Move it to a plate covered in paper towels to drain off excess oil and season with a little salt.

  9. 9

    Serve immediately with aioli of choice for dipping.

Recipe source: Popsugar