Bite-Sized Blooming Onions Recipe
Introduction
Bite-Sized Blooming Onions are a fun and crispy appetizer perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack. These golden, crunchy onion petals come with a flavorful coating and a zesty dipping sauce that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet onions – Firm, smooth-skinned
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon horseradish (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel the onions and slice them into bite-sized petals or wedges, keeping the pieces firm and intact.
- Step 2: In one bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt to create the dry coating.
- Step 3: Pour the buttermilk into a second bowl, and place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl for easy coating.
- Step 4: Dip each onion piece first into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, and finally coat it well with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 6: Fry the coated onion petals in batches for about 2–3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 7: For the dipping sauce, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Step 8: Serve the crispy onion bites warm with the dipping sauce on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the best balance of flavor and sweetness.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to make the coating as mild or spicy as you prefer.
- Try substituting buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice if needed.
- For an extra crunch, double-dip the onion pieces by repeating the flour-buttermilk-panko steps.
- Experiment with adding herbs like dried parsley or thyme to the flour mixture for extra flavor.
Storage
Store leftover blooming onion bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the blooming onion bites instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option. Arrange coated onion pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This will mimic buttermilk’s acidity and help tenderize the onions.
PrintBite-Sized Blooming Onions Recipe
Delight in these crispy, golden Bite-Sized Blooming Onions, coated with a flavorful blend of spices and panko breadcrumbs, then deep-fried to perfection. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, served alongside a tangy and creamy dipping sauce with a hint of smoky paprika and horseradish for an irresistible flavor combination.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Onion Bites
- 2 large sweet onions – Firm, smooth-skinned
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil – for deep frying
Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon horseradish (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the onions: Peel the sweet onions and slice them into bite-sized petals or wedges, ensuring even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Prepare the coating: In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. In a separate bowl, pour the buttermilk. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs ready for coating.
- Coat the onions: Dip each onion piece first into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs, making sure each piece is well-covered for a crispy crust.
- Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Fry the onions: Fry the breaded onion petals in batches, carefully placing them in the hot oil without overcrowding until they turn golden brown and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Serve: Arrange the crispy blooming onion bites on a platter and serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For best texture, use firm sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla varieties.
- Ensure oil reaches 350°F before frying to get a crispy crust without absorbing excess oil.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to desired spice level or omit for milder flavor.
- The dipping sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for enhanced flavor blending.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for consistent frying results.
- Drain fried onion bites well on paper towels to keep them crispy.
Keywords: blooming onion, bite-sized onion petals, deep-fried onion, crispy onion appetizer, panko breadcrumb onion bites, dipping sauce
