Ingredients
For the Onion:
- 1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of lemon juice)
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce (or grated horseradish for heat)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Dash of cayenne pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Onion:
- Peel the onion and cut about ½ inch off the top (leave the root intact).
- Place the onion root-side down. Starting about ½ inch from the root, cut downward to create “petals.” Make 12–16 cuts around.
- Flip the onion over and gently separate the layers into a blooming shape.
2. Batter the Onion:
- In a bowl, whisk flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, pepper, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk egg and buttermilk.
- Dredge onion in the flour mixture, making sure petals are coated.
- Dip into buttermilk mixture, then dredge again in flour mixture for a thicker coating.
3. Fry the Onion:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully lower the onion into the oil, root-side up. Fry about 7–9 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sauce:
Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
✅ Serve hot with the creamy-spicy dipping sauce. Perfect crispy appetizer—just like at Outback!