A Cozy Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion Recipe: Your New Favorite Shareable Snack
Ah, the delight of sharing food with loved ones! There’s something so comforting about gathering around a plate of crispy, golden, and tender delights, especially when it’s something as iconic as the Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion. I remember my first bite of this masterpiece at a family celebration—its zesty crunch followed by a rich, creamy dipping sauce created a flavor explosion I simply couldn’t resist. Every petal brings back memories of laughter and connection, making this recipe a must-try in my cozy kitchen.
Whether you’re planning an easy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this Blooming Onion is sure to become a favorite. Just imagine the cheerful chatter as everyone pulls off a petal dipped in that creamy sauce—this recipe is a heartwarming tradition waiting to happen. So, fire up the fryer and let’s get cooking! This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ideal for sharing, turning any gathering into a cozy celebration.
- Crispy and flavorful, bringing a delightful crunch to every bite.
- Simple to make at home, no need for restaurant visits!
- A showstopper that’s sure to impress your guests or family.
- Perfect companion for your favorite dipping sauce or snacks.
- An irresistible treat that’s both savory and satisfying.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to make your own Blooming Onion at home:
- 1 large sweet onion
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Oil for frying
Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- Dash of black pepper
- Dash of cayenne pepper
How to Make Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion
Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps for a perfectly crispy Blooming Onion:
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Prepare the Onion: Start by cutting off the top of the onion and peeling it. Carefully make 16 vertical slices from the top to near the base, creating petal-like shapes. Soak the onion in ice water for 2 hours to help those petals open up beautifully.
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Make the Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt, creating a fragrant blend.
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Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined, forming a lovely golden mixture.
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Coat the Onion: Carefully dry the onion with a towel. First, coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg mixture, and dredge again in the flour. Make sure every petal is well-covered for that extra crunch!
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Fry the Onion: Heat the oil to 350°F in a deep pot or fryer. Fry the onion until it turns golden brown, roughly 4 minutes, and then drain on paper towels to absorb extra oil.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine all the dipping sauce ingredients, stirring until smooth and creamy. This zesty sauce is what dreams are made of!
Delicious Variations to Try
Here are a few fun ways to customize your Blooming Onion:
- Spicy Twist: Add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for an extra kick!
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the onion just before frying for a rich, gooey touch.
- Herb Infusion: Mix finely chopped herbs like parsley or dill into the dipping sauce for a fresh flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy: Incorporate a bit of honey or maple syrup into the dipping sauce for a touch of sweetness countering the heat.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Blooming Onion turns out perfectly:
- Make-Ahead Advice: You can prepare the onion ahead of time and store it in the fridge coated in flour until you’re ready to fry it, just remember to soak it in ice water first!
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use gluten-free flour or cornstarch if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Slicing Tricks: Use a sharp knife to make clean, precise cuts, ensuring even cooking.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain its crispiness.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1/4 Blooming Onion with Sauce
- Calories: 270
- Carbs: 20g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the onion and have it ready to fry when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to get creative. Substitute with your favorite spices or herbs.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy them within two days.
How long does it last?
Though best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it—your new favorite shareable snack, perfectly crispy and packed with flavor! The cozy memories of laughter and delightful flavors are bound to unfold when you serve this recipe at your next gathering. Save this Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Blooming Onion
Ingredients
For the Blooming Onion
- 1 large large sweet onion
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper add more for extra kick
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- for frying Oil
For the Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- Dash black pepper
- Dash cayenne pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut off the top of the onion and peel it. Make 16 vertical slices from the top to near the base, creating petal-like shapes. Soak the onion in ice water for 2 hours.
Make the Flour Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined.
Coat the Onion
- Dry the onion with a towel. Coat it in the flour mixture, dip it in the egg mixture, then dredge again in the flour.
Frying
- Heat the oil to 350°F. Fry the onion until golden brown, roughly 4 minutes, then drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine all dipping sauce ingredients, stirring until smooth.
