Making a blooming onion is a delicious and visually impressive appetizer. Here's a basic recipe for you to follow:
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Walla Walla onions work well)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Dipping sauce of your choice (e.g., spicy mayo, ranch dressing)
Instructions:
Prepare the onion: Trim off the top and root ends of the onion, leaving the root intact. Peel the onion skin and cut about 1/2 inch off the pointy top of the onion.
Create the "petals": To make the classic blooming effect, cut the onion vertically from the top down, stopping about 1/2 inch from the root end. Make 4 to 6 evenly spaced cuts around the onion.
Separate the "petals": Gently spread out the "petals" to create a blooming effect. Be careful not to snap any off.
Prepare the dry mix: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Coat the onion: Dip the onion in the buttermilk, ensuring it's coated all over. Let the excess buttermilk drip off.
Dredge the onion in the dry mix: Roll the onion in the dry mix, pressing the coating into the crevices and between the "petals" to ensure an even coating.
Rest the onion: Place the coated onion on a baking sheet or plate and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the coating to set.
Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the blooming onion: Carefully lower the onion into the hot oil, root end down. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, then carefully flip it over and fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and drain: Using tongs, carefully lift the fried onion out of the oil and let any excess oil drain off.
Serve: Place the blooming onion on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining oil. Serve it while hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Remember to exercise caution while working with hot oil to avoid any accidents. Enjoy your homemade blooming onion!