Easy Blooming Onion Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 large onion (Vidalia or sweet onion works best)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Begin by prepping the onion. Cut the top off the onion, leaving the root intact to hold everything together. Peel the outer layer carefully to avoid damaging the 'petals'. Place the onion cut-side down on a stable surface and make 12-16 vertical cuts from the top towards the root, being careful not to cut through it.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg and whisk until smooth.
4. Dip the prepared onion into the wet mixture, ensuring that it’s fully coated. Allow any excess to drip off.
5. Next, dredge the onion in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all the petals thoroughly. Gently shake off any excess flour.
6. In a large, deep saucepan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 375°F (190°C).
7. Carefully lower the coated onion into the hot oil, being cautious of splatter. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then gently turn the onion to cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
8. Once fully cooked and golden, carefully remove the blooming onion from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. While the onion cools, mix the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl: combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve the blooming onion warm, with the dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrition