Blooming Onion

Blooming Onion appetizers were made by famous Outback Steakhouse and they are actually really easy to make at home.  Sweet onions are battered and deep fried until golden brown and served up with the classic tangy dipping sauce.

Deep fried appetizers are always a hit with the crowd. We love Onion Strings, Fried Pickles and Fried Okra, Fried Onion Rings and all of them go great with Blooming Onion Sauce.

Blooming Onion ~ Outback Steakhouse Copycat Appetizer Recipe

There are a few steps to making blooming onion appetizers at home but the outcome is totally worth the effort. This recipe tastes just like the restaurant version, just don't skip the sauce!

Ingredients Needed:

• Sweet Onions: Vidalia or Walla Walla if you can find them.
• Milk
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• All Purpose Flour
• Ground Cumin
• Smoked Paprika
• Granulated Garlic
• Dried Oregano
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Vegetable Oil for Frying

How to Cut Blooming Onions:

• Slice the top of the onions off and remove the peel. Trim the dry part of the root end, but leave the root intact.
• Place onions on a cutting board with the root end up. Slice the onions about ¼ inch out from the root, moving the knife downward, making a clean slice. Repeat to create 4 equally spaced slices. Then make 3 cuts between each slice. 
• Turn the onions over and carefully spread the onion petals apart.

How to Bread Blooming Onions:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and seasonings. 
• Using another bowl, deep enough to dunk the whole onions, mix the milk, buttermilk and eggs together until well combined.

• Place an onion in the flour mixture and sprinkle the flour over the onions, getting the flour down between the petals. Lightly shake off the excess.
• Dunk the onion into the egg mixture, coating the onion completely. Carefully drain the excess.
• Place back into the flour mixture, sprinkling the flour mixture over the onion.  Shake off the excess flour. 
• Repeat once more into the egg mixture and back into the flour. 
• Place on a lined baking sheet.
• Place onions in the freezer for 30 minutes. This will help the batter stick to the onions and not fall off during frying.

• Make the Blooming Onion Sauce while you have the onions in the freezer.

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How to Fry Blooming Onions:

• Add vegetable oil to a dutch oven or heavy bottom pan and place over high heat, bringing the oil to 350° using an oil fry thermometer.
• Use a spider strainer or spatula to lower the onions, root side up, down into the hot oil. Cook for 6- 8 minutes or until golden brown. 

• Carefully lift with a strainer, draining excess oil. Place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and a wire rack. 

• Turn the onions, root side down and place on a serving platter with Blooming Onion Sauce and serve immediately.

More Delicious Deep Fried Appetizers:

Fried Cheese Curds have a crispy crust with gooey cheese inside for an irresistible bite-sized appetizer. 

Fried Tortellini is everyone's favorite cheese filled pasta rolled in panko and deep fried to crisp perfection. Great to dip in ranch or marinara. 

Bacon Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls are crispy fried egg roll stuffed with creamy mac and cheese and crispy bacon for an appetizer unlike any other. 

If you find yourself craving a Blooming Onion from Outback, you can now make it at home right along with the Blooming Onion Sauce for the ultimate deep fried appetizer. 

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