Name: Crispy Fried Onion Blossom with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sour cream; 1½ tablespoons ketchup; 1½ teaspoons prepared horseradish; ½ teaspoon sweet paprika; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper; Vegetable oil, for frying (amount will vary depending on the size of your pot or electric fryer); 1 large Vidalia onion (approximately 1 pound); 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1½ teaspoons sweet paprika; 1½ teaspoons garlic powder; 1½ teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1½ to 2 cups buttermilk

Introduction

The Awesome Blossom is a show-stopping appetizer featuring a whole Vidalia onion cut and fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside with tender, flavorful layers inside, it comes with a tangy, creamy dipping sauce that complements every bite. It’s perfect for sharing at parties or as a unique snack.

A large, golden-brown fried blooming onion sits in the center of a white plate with a faint gray rim. The onion is cut into many petal-like layers, each crispy with textured batter and a consistent warm color from light to deep gold, spreading outward and upward from the base, giving it a flower shape. On the right side of the plate, a small white bowl holds a creamy, light orange dipping sauce with a smooth texture. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a glass of water, two whole onions, and salt and pepper shakers in the soft background. Crumbs from the fried onion are scattered lightly around the plate edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sour cream

1½ tablespoons ketchup

1½ teaspoons prepared horseradish

½ teaspoon sweet paprika

¼ teaspoon salt

⅛ teaspoon black pepper

⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Vegetable oil (for frying; amount varies by pot or fryer size)

1 large Vidalia onion (approximately 1 pound)

1½ cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1½ teaspoons sweet paprika

1½ teaspoons garlic powder

1½ teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1½ to 2 cups buttermilk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dipping sauce by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, horseradish, sweet paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to combine, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F. The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the onion.

Step 3: Trim about ½ inch off the top of the onion to create a flat surface. Flip it and trim the roots slightly, keeping them intact. Peel away the outer skin.

Step 4: Place the onion cut side down. Make four equally spaced cuts from top to bottom, stopping just before the root to keep the onion intact.

Step 5: Cut each quarter into halves or thirds, again not cutting through the root, until you have 16 to 24 sections resembling petals.

Step 6: Carefully flip the onion onto a plate and gently pull the sections apart to create a blooming flower shape.

Step 7: In a medium bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly.

Step 8: Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl large enough to submerge the onion.

Step 9: Sprinkle about ¼ cup of the flour mixture over the entire onion, making sure to get between all the petals.

Step 10: Dip the floured onion into the buttermilk, root side up, fully submerging it so the milk penetrates between the petals.

Step 11: Remove the onion with a slotted spoon, letting excess buttermilk drip off. Place it back on the plate and coat generously with the remaining flour mixture, ensuring the petals are well covered.

Step 12: Carefully lower the onion into the hot oil using a fryer basket or spider. Fry for 4–6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 13: Remove the fried onion from the oil and let excess oil drain on paper towels.

Step 14: Place the Awesome Blossom on a serving plate with the dipping sauce.

Step 15: Serve immediately while warm and crispy for the best experience.

Tips & Variations

Use Vidalia onions or any sweet onion for the mildest, sweetest flavor.

Make the dipping sauce up to 48 hours ahead; store it covered in the refrigerator.

For extra crunch, double-dip the onion in buttermilk and flour before frying.

Adjust cayenne pepper in the sauce to control the spice level to your liking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of onion?

Yes, but sweet onions like Vidalia are preferred for their mild flavor. Other onions may be stronger or more pungent.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 375°F. Proper temperature is key for a crispy, not greasy, blossom.

Dessert

Crispy Fried Onion Blossom with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe