If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal at Outback Steakhouse, you probably know that a Bloomin’ Onion is one of their most popular appetizers. This crispy, golden-brown onion, shaped like a flower in full bloom, is a treat that many people want to recreate at home.
The good news is that making a restaurant-quality blooming onion is easier than you might think, and with a few simple tips, you can make your own right in your kitchen.
One of the common issues when making a blooming onion at home is getting the onion to “bloom” properly. Sometimes, the onion might not open up as you expect, leaving you with a bud rather than a blossoming flower. But don’t worry, there’s a simple trick to help your onion bloom beautifully: give it a soak in cold water.
The Secret to a Blooming Onion: A Cold Water Soak
After you’ve selected a large, sweet onion like a Vidalia and sliced it into the classic blooming onion shape, resist the urge to pull the segments apart. Instead, place the entire onion into a bowl of cold water and let it soak for about an hour. This cold water bath will help the onion’s petals naturally separate, making it easier to fry and giving you that perfect blooming effect.
For an even milder flavor and a more pronounced bloom, you can soak the onion overnight. This extended soak time not only helps the petals open up but also reduces the onion’s strong flavor, making it more enjoyable for those who prefer a less potent taste.
Once the soaking is done, it’s important to pat the onion completely dry. A wet onion won’t fry properly and might even result in a soggy rather than crispy bloom. Use a towel or paper towel to ensure the onion is as dry as possible before moving on to the battering process.
Preparing Your Onion for Frying: Tips for Maximum Crispiness
Now that your onion is perfectly bloomed, it’s time to coat it in batter. The key to a crunchy blooming onion is in the flour mixture and how you apply it. A dry batter made from flour mixed with spices like paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and thyme will give you that classic Outback flavor.
Before applying the flour mixture, you’ll need something for it to stick to, so dip the onion in an egg wash or milk. For the best results, make sure every petal is thoroughly coated with the flour mixture. One great tip is to double-dip the onion: after the first coating, dip it back into the egg wash and then into the flour mixture again. This ensures a thick, crispy coating on every part of the onion.
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Frying Your Blooming Onion: The Final Step
With your onion thoroughly battered, it’s time to fry it. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to about 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower the onion into the hot oil, making sure it’s fully submerged. Fry the onion until it’s golden brown and crispy, which should take about 10 minutes.
Once it’s done, carefully remove the onion from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve your blooming onion with a dipping sauce of your choice, and watch as your friends and family enjoy picking off the crispy petals, just like at the restaurant.
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Reheating Leftovers: Keep It Crispy
If you have leftovers, an air fryer is the best way to reheat your blooming onion. While the microwave will make it soggy, an air fryer will bring back the crispiness, making it just as tasty as when it was first fried.
Final Thoughts
Making a blooming onion at home might seem daunting, but with these simple tips, you can create a restaurant-quality appetizer that’s sure to impress. By soaking the onion in cold water, double-dipping it in batter, and frying it to golden perfection, you’ll have a blooming onion that’s crispy, flavorful, and just as good as any you’ve had at Outback Steakhouse.