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Crispy Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion Recipe Easy Homemade Snack for Dad

Outback Steakhouse blooming onion recipe - featured image
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A crispy, golden blooming onion recipe inspired by Outback Steakhouse, perfect for a fun snack or celebration. This homemade version features a flavorful seasoned crust and a tangy dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large yellow onion (about 2 pounds), peeled but with root intact
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice as a substitute)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onion: Trim the top of the onion and peel off the skin, leaving the root end intact. Place the onion cut-side down. Make 12-16 vertical cuts from the top down, stopping about ½ inch from the root. Gently spread the petals outward to form the blooming shape.
  2. Make the Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Dip in Buttermilk: Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl. Dunk the onion into the buttermilk, making sure the liquid gets between the petals. Let soak for a couple of minutes.
  4. Coat with Flour: Transfer the onion to the flour mixture, sprinkling flour between each petal and coating the entire onion thoroughly. Repeat the buttermilk and flour steps once more for extra crispiness.
  5. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry the Onion: Using tongs, gently lower the onion into the hot oil, cut side down. Fry for 3-4 minutes, then flip and fry another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Drain and Serve: Remove the onion from oil and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let cool for a few minutes.
  8. Make the Dipping Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  9. Enjoy: Serve the blooming onion warm with the dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Use a very sharp knife to avoid snapping the root. Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F (175°C) to avoid burning or greasy coating. Fry one onion at a time to maintain crispiness. Soaking the onion in buttermilk helps the flour stick and keeps the inside tender. Leftovers can be reheated in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Baking is an alternative for a lighter version but less crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: blooming onion, Outback Steakhouse, crispy onion, appetizer, snack, homemade, fried onion, dipping sauce

Find it online: https://grubella.com/crispy-outback-steakhouse-blooming-onion-recipe-easy-homemade-snack-for-dad/