Bloomin Onion Recipe

The Bloomin Onion is a spectacular restaurant-style appetizer featuring a large Vidalia onion sliced into a “flower,” battered in a beer-infused coating, and deep-fried to golden perfection. The result is a pull-apart masterpiece with crispy, spiced petals that are tender on the inside, perfectly designed for dipping into a zesty horseradish sauce. It is the ultimate game-day snack or party centerpiece that tastes exactly like the famous steakhouse favorite.

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Bloomin Onion Ingredients

For the Onion and Coating:

• 4 Vidalia or Sweet Onions: Large size. Sweet onions are essential to contrast with the spicy coating.
• 12 oz Beer: Cold. A light lager works best for the batter bubbles.
• 1/3 cup Cornstarch: Helps the batter crisp up.
• 3 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour: Divided. (1 1/2 cups for the wet batter, 2 cups for the dry dredge).
• 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic: For the wet batter.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: For the batter.
• 2 tablespoons Paprika: Divided between wet and dry mixes.
• 2 1/2 teaspoons Black Pepper: Divided.
• 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder: For the dry flour mix.
• 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper: Adds the signature heat.
• Vegetable Oil: For deep frying.

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: The creamy base.
• 2 tablespoons Ketchup: For color and sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons Creamy Horseradish: Provides the nose-tingling kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon Paprika: For color.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt: To taste.

How To Make Bloomin Onion

1. Prepare the onion: Cut about 3/4 inch off the top of the onion, then peel off the papery skin. Place the onion cut-side down. Starting about 1/2 inch from the root (do not cut through the root!), make 12 to 16 vertical cuts downwards. Flip the onion over and gently separate the “petals” with your fingers until it blooms open.
2. Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, the cornstarch, minced garlic, salt, 2 teaspoons of paprika, and 2 teaspoons of black pepper. Slowly pour in the cold beer while whisking constantly. The mixture should resemble thick pancake batter.
3. Season the flour: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 cups of flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, remaining paprika, and remaining black pepper.
4. Coat the petals: Place the onion in the seasoned flour bowl. Toss to coat, using your fingers to separate the petals so flour gets deep inside. Shake off excess. Next, dip the floured onion into the wet beer batter. Again, separate the petals to ensure they are fully coated. Finally, place the onion back into the dry flour mixture for a second coat. Shake off excess.
5. Fry the onion: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower the onion into the oil, root-side down. Fry for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, then flip carefully and fry for another 1 1/2 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve the dish: Remove the onion and drain upside down on paper towels. Use a spoon or corer to remove the center core of the onion to create a space for the dipping sauce bowl. Mix the sauce ingredients and place in the center. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• The Double Dip: The secret to the thick, crunchy crust is the order: Flour -> Wet Batter -> Flour. This creates layers that puff up in the oil. If you skip the first flouring, the batter slides right off the slick onion skin.
• Cutting Technique: Be extremely careful not to cut through the root. The root is the anchor holding all the petals together. If you sever it, you will just have a pile of onion rings.
• Oil Depth: You need enough oil so the onion can float freely. A Dutch oven is usually better than a skillet for this.
• Spreading the Petals: If the onion is tight and won’t “bloom,” you can soak it in ice water for an hour after cutting (dry it thoroughly before flouring). This naturally forces the petals to curl open.

What To Serve With Bloomin Onion?

This is a heavy appetizer intended for sharing. It pairs perfectly with other pub-style favorites like potato skins or buffalo wings. To balance the grease, serve with crisp celery sticks or a cold coleslaw. An ice-cold pitcher of beer or a sweet iced tea is the mandatory beverage pairing.

How To Store Leftovers Bloomin Onion?

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will lose its crunch quickly.
• Reheat: To restore the texture, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 5-8 minutes, or in a hot oven. Do not microwave, or it will be a soggy mess.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended.

Bloomin Onion Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~800 kcal
• Fat: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 85g
• Protein: 10g
• Nutrition information is estimated per onion (meant for sharing).

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