Bite-Sized Blooming Onions Recipe
Discover how to make delicious Bite-Sized Blooming Onions, crispy on the outside and tender inside, served with a zesty dipping sauce. This recipe guides you through prepping mini cipollini onions, coating them in a seasoned flour blend, and frying them to golden perfection for a perfect appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Onions and Coating
- 2 pounds cipollini onions (peeled and sectioned)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Onions: Slice off the root end of each cipollini onion, keeping the cuts minimal to hold the layers together. Peel the onions carefully. Using a sharp knife, cut each onion into eighths vertically, stopping before cutting all the way through at the tip end to keep the onion intact. Gently press each onion to separate the layers slightly, forming a blooming effect.
- Marinate Onions: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. Toss the prepped onions in this mixture and let them soak for at least 5-10 minutes. For enhanced flavor, you can marinate them overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Remove the onions from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, and heavily dust them with the seasoned flour, making sure to get flour into all the cracks to help them bloom when fried. Place coated onions on a clean plate.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the bite-sized onions for approximately 4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Drain and Serve: Remove fried onions with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels for about a minute. Serve hot with the prepared dipping sauce.
- Make Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. Serve alongside the blooming onions for dipping.
Notes
- Marinating the onions overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure oil temperature is consistently at 350°F for crispiness without greasiness.
- Use cipollini onions or small sweet onions for best blooming effect.
- Be cautious while slicing to keep the onion layers intact to bloom properly during frying.
- Drain onions well to avoid sogginess and maintain crispiness.
Find it online: https://bitezly.com/bite-sized-blooming-onions-recipe/
