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Blooming Onion with Creamy Dipping Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 107 reviews

This Blooming Onion recipe features a crispy, golden fried onion flower served with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, the sweet onions are cut into petals, coated in a seasoned flour mixture, and deep-fried until crisp. The accompaniment sauce combines mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, and spices for an irresistible flavor that complements the savory onion perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale

Dipping Sauce

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ tablespoons creamy horseradish
  • 1 ½ tablespoons ketchup
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Breading Mixture

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Main Ingredient and Cooking

  • 3 medium sweet onions
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, creamy horseradish, ketchup, paprika, garlic powder, and ground cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Mix the Egg Wash: In a large bowl wide and deep enough to dunk the onion, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined.
  3. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In another large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, ground cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
  4. Prepare the Onions: Cut a small flat slice off the non-root end of each onion to create a stable base. Remove any dried or damaged outer peels. Place the onion flat side down on a cutting board, with the root side facing up for stability.
  5. Cut the Onion Petals: Using a sharp knife, make vertical cuts about ½ inch from the root to quarter the onion. Then, cut each quarter into three to four smaller segments to form petals. Turn the onion root side down, and gently fan out the petals, taking care not to break the root connection.
  6. Coat the Onion in Flour Mixture: Using your hands, carefully spread and separate the onion petals to coat thoroughly with the flour mixture, ensuring every petal is covered. Then dunk the coated onion into the egg wash, making sure it is fully submerged and coated between the petals.
  7. Double Coat with Flour Mixture: After egg wash, return the onion to the flour mixture and coat it again thoroughly using your hands to separate and cover every petal, giving it a crispy outer layer once fried.
  8. Heat Oil for Frying: In a heavy pan, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the onion when placed. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature carefully for optimal frying results.
  9. Fry the Onion: Gently place the breaded onion root side up into the hot oil. Fry it for 7 to 10 minutes until the petals are golden brown and crispy. Carefully turn if necessary to ensure even frying, but avoid disturbing the petals.
  10. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried onion from oil and place it on paper towels to drain off excess oil. Let it cool slightly to avoid burning when eating.
  11. Serve: Serve the blooming onion promptly while hot and crispy along with the prepared dipping sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the best flavor and texture.
  • Ensure oil temperature is consistent at 375°F for perfect frying—too hot and it burns, too cool and the onion becomes soggy.
  • Be careful when cutting the onion to keep the petals connected at the root so it retains its blooming shape.
  • Double coating with flour mixture after egg wash helps achieve a crunchier crust.
  • Drain the fried onion well to avoid excess greasiness.
  • This appetizer is best served immediately for maximum crispiness.

Keywords: blooming onion, fried onion appetizer, onion flower, appetizer recipe, party snack, southern cooking

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/blooming-onion-with-creamy-dipping-sauce-recipe/