Blooming Onion and Dipping Sauce 🌼🧅
Ingredients:
For the Blooming Onion:
– 1 large onion (preferably a sweet onion)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar)
– Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Dipping Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon ketchup
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Onion:
1. Start by peeling the onion and cutting off the top (the root end should remain intact).
2. Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make 8-12 evenly spaced cuts downwards, stopping about 1 inch from the bottom to keep the onion intact. Carefully separate the petals to create the “bloom.”
Prepare the Coating:
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
4. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk.
Coat the Onion:
5. Dip the prepared onion into the buttermilk, ensuring it is fully coated.
6. Then, dredge the onion in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all the petals thoroughly. For extra crunch, repeat the buttermilk and flour coating process.
Fry the Onion:
7. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 375°F (190°C).
8. Carefully place the coated onion into the hot oil, cut-side down. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, then gently turn it over and fry for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove the onion from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
10. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
11. Place the blooming onion on a serving platter and serve it hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6
Enjoy this crispy and flavorful Blooming Onion with a zesty dipping sauce that’s perfect for sharing! 🌼🧅