How to Make a Blooming Onion

A large sweet onion is needed to make a blooming onion appetitzer.

A blooming onion is a must-have hors d'oeuvre when you go out to eat at Outback Steakhouse, the restaurant chain that claims to have originated it. Other restaurants and chefs also lay claim to this massive, deep-fried appetitzer, calling it by such names as a Texas rose, onion mum and an awesome blossom. No matter what name you give it, this dish consists of a large Vidalia or sweet onion, cut into to resemble a flower, that is dusted with flour, deep-fried and served with a savory sauce.

Things You'll Need

• 1 Vidalia or Texas sweet onion
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cup flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 tsp. garlic minced
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 24 oz. beer
• Large bowl
• Deep fryer or large pot with fry basket

Instructions

1. Combine the flour, cornstarch and seasonings in a large bowl. Add the beer and mix until it is evenly combined. Set aside. You can also delete the beer and add one egg instead if you want.

2. Prepare your onion by cutting about 3/4 inch off the top of the onion and peeling it. Cut into the onion and make about 12 wedges. Don't cut all the way through to the bottom because you want the onion to open up like a flower petal. Gently spread the "petals" open.

3. Dust the onion with flour. Dip the onion into the batter. Coat the onion well, shake off excess batter and then recoat any areas that look bare, such as the inside of the onion.

4. Place the onion into a fryer basket and ensure the oil completely covers it for about one to two minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The batter on the onion should turn a golden brown color.

5. Remove the fryer basket from the oil. Drain on paper towels and remove the blooming onion one it has cooled enough to handle. Serve the onion with ranch dip.

Tips & Warnings

• After coating the onion, you can put it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to help keep the batter on the onion.

• Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before you put the onion in.

References

• Food Network; Bloomin' Onion Recipe