Bite-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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/bite-sized-blooming-onions-recipe/
