Description
Bite-Sized Blooming Onions are crispy, golden-fried onion petals coated in a flavorful seasoned breading. These bite-sized pieces offer a delightful crunch paired with a zesty, creamy dipping sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, and spices. Perfect for sharing as an appetizer or snack, they bring the classic blooming onion experience in an easy-to-eat, shareable form.
Ingredients
Scale
Onion Bites
- 2 large sweet onions – Firm, smooth-skinned onions
- 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
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
- Prepare the onions: Peel and slice the onions into bite-sized petals or wedges to create manageable pieces for frying and eating.
- Mix coatings: In one bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Pour buttermilk into a second bowl. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Coat the onion pieces: Dip each onion petal first into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum crispiness.
- Heat oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for frying.
- Fry the onion bites: Fry the coated onion petals in batches for 2 to 3 minutes each until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- 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.
- Serve and enjoy: Plate the crispy blooming onion bites with the zesty dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature remains steady at 350°F for even frying and best crispiness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper in the coating to control the spice level to your preference.
- The horseradish in the dipping sauce is optional but adds a nice tangy heat that complements the fried onions.
- Use fresh, firm sweet onions to ensure crispy texture and balanced sweetness.
- Drain fried onion bites well on paper towels to remove excess oil for less greasy results.
