Classic Baby Bloomin Onions
These classic baby bloomin onions are a delightful appetizer, featuring meticulously cut onions that bloom when fried to a golden crisp, served with a tangy, flavorful dipping sauce.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Bowl
- Shallow dishes
- Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Candy thermometer
- Paper towels
- Tongs
- Slotted spoon or spider
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the onions
- 4 small yellow or white onions
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
For the Dipping Sauce
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch cayenne pepper optional
- Dash Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Onions
- Trim the top and bottom of each onion, leaving the root intact, then place cut-side down on a cutting board.
Cut the 'Bloom'
- Make 12-16 cuts from the top towards the root, stopping 1/2 inch from the root, then gently spread the petals apart.
Ice Bath
- Submerge the cut onions in ice water for 15-20 minutes to help them open and crisp up.
Set Up Dredging Stations
- Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and spices in one shallow dish, and eggs and milk in another.
Heat the Oil
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C) for deep frying.
Coat the Onions
- Remove an onion from the ice bath, pat it very dry, and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring flour gets into all the petals.
Egg Wash & Second Flour Coat
- Dip the floured onion in the egg mixture, then immediately transfer it back to the seasoned flour for a second coating, pressing gently.
Fry the Onions
- Carefully lower one or two onions into the hot oil and fry for 5-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally.
Drain
- Remove fried onions with a slotted spoon, place them on a wire rack over paper towels to drain, and season lightly with salt.
Make the Sauce
- Whisk together all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
Serve
- Serve the hot Baby Bloomin Onions with the prepared dipping sauce.
Notes
For best results, ensure the oil temperature remains consistent throughout frying. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy onions. You can prepare the dipping sauce in advance and refrigerate it. For extra crispiness, you can freeze the coated onions for about 15-20 minutes before frying.