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Crispy Fried Onion Blossom with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 134 reviews
  • Author: Thomas
  • Total Time: 26 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Awesome Blossom recipe features a beautifully battered and deep-fried Vidalia onion, releasing a crispy, flavorful appetizer perfect for sharing. Accompanied by a tangy, zesty dipping sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, and spices, this dish offers a delightful crunch and blooming presentation that impresses at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Dipping Sauce

  • 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

Onion and Batter

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, prepared horseradish, sweet paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended. Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into an electric fryer or a large 6 to 8-quart pot. Heat the oil to 375°F, ensuring it is deep enough to fully submerge the onion when frying.
  3. Prepare the Onion: Trim about ½ inch off the top of the onion to create a flat surface. Flip it over and trim the roots slightly, keeping the root intact. Peel off the outer layer of skin and discard.
  4. Slice the Onion: Place the onion cut side down with the root side up on a cutting surface. Make 4 evenly spaced vertical cuts from the top toward the root, without cutting through the root, dividing the onion into quarters.
  5. Create More Petals: Slice each quarter into halves or thirds, again avoiding cutting through the root, increasing the number of petals for a blooming effect.
  6. Open the Blossom: Carefully flip the onion over and gently separate the petals with your fingers to create the characteristic flower-like “bloom”.
  7. Mix the Flour Coating: In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing evenly.
  8. Prepare the Buttermilk: Pour 1½ to 2 cups buttermilk into a bowl large enough to dip the whole onion.
  9. Initial Flour Dusting: Using your hands, sprinkle up to ¼ cup of the flour mixture over the opened onion, carefully separating the petals to ensure coverage between layers.
  10. Dip in Buttermilk: Lift the floured onion gently and submerge it root side up into the buttermilk, making sure the liquid reaches between all petals.
  11. Final Flour Coating: Remove the onion with a slotted spoon allowing excess buttermilk to drip back. Place it on a plate and thoroughly coat with the remaining flour mixture, covering all surfaces and between petals.
  12. Fry the Onion: Carefully lower the battered onion into the hot oil using a fryer basket or spider. Fry for 4-6 minutes or until the coating turns golden and crispy.
  13. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried onion from the oil and let excess oil drip back into the fryer or pot. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb remaining oil.
  14. Serve: Place the Awesome Blossom on a serving plate alongside the prepared dipping sauce. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
  15. Storage Tip: The dipping sauce can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored refrigerated in an airtight container. The Awesome Blossom is best enjoyed fresh and not recommended for refrigeration or freezing.

Notes

  • Ensure the oil temperature stays around 375°F for optimal crispiness without burning.
  • Keep the root intact to hold the onion petals together during frying.
  • Careful handling when dipping and coating prevents the onion from falling apart.
  • Serve immediately for the best crispy texture; leftovers are not recommended to be reheated.
  • You can substitute Vidalia onion with other sweet onions if Vidalia is unavailable.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Awesome Blossom, fried onion appetizer, blooming onion, dipping sauce, deep-fried onion, party snack

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Find it online: https://mealmagicplace.com/crispy-fried-onion-blossom-with-spicy-dipping-sauce-recipe/