When it comes to making bloomin onion petals, it’s all about that satisfying crunch and irresistible flavor. These onion petals are not just any appetizer; they become a star on the table, especially when served with a zesty lemon aioli.
This recipe addresses soggy onion petals and bland dipping sauce, offering a crispy texture and flavorful experience that enhances any occasion.
I’ve had my fair share of dry and bland onion dishes, but this recipe turns that all around. With just a little prep, you won’t have to worry about lifeless onion petals again. It’s great for a busy weeknight or those unexpected guests showing up. Trust me, nothing beats the smell of fresh, crispy onion petals wafting through the kitchen!
This dish is actually well-tested, and it only takes about an hour from start to finish to pull together. The frying technique yields beautifully crispy petals that retain their flavor without overwhelming sweetness. If you enjoy teaming up flavors for an impressive appetizer, you’ll want to check out my Onion Bagels too!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Profile , The sweetness of Vidalia onions shines through in each crispy petal, enhanced by seasonings like smoked paprika and garlic powder for a delectable combination that excites your palate.
- Perfectly Crisp Texture , Achieving a satisfying crunch is easy with this recipe. The coating of seasoned flour, in harmony with a light frying method, results in petals that crunch delightfully in every bite.
- Ideal for Sharing , These onion petals are a fun and interactive dish for social settings. Their unique presentation invites friends and family to enjoy them together, enhancing any casual get-together.
- Simple Preparation , The steps are straightforward, making this dish approachable for cooks of all levels. From blending the dipping sauce to frying the petals, it’s a delightful cooking experience perfect for a reachable culinary adventure.
Crispy Bloomin Onion Petals for Sharing
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cool Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy Vidalia onion petals served with a zesty lemon aioli dipping sauce, perfect for a vegan appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) unflavored and unsweetened non-dairy milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) white vinegar
- 1 large Vidalia onion
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 to 5 cups (720 ml to 1200 ml) vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegan mayo
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) ketchup
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) prepared horseradish
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vegan Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, optional
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Flaky salt
- Minced parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine vegan mayo, ketchup, prepared horseradish, vegan Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as preferred. Set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Buttermilk: In a large bowl, whisk together the non-dairy milk and white vinegar to create a vegan buttermilk substitute. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Step 3: Cut the Onion: Peel the Vidalia onion, slicing off both ends. Halve the onion vertically, then cut each half into thirds to produce approximately 1-inch wedges. Carefully separate the petals from these wedges. Submerge the petals in the vegan buttermilk. Let them soak for 30 minutes to absorb moisture and flavor.
- Step 4: Coat the Petals: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, smoked paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the soaked onion petals from the vegan buttermilk to the flour mixture, coating them thoroughly. Ensure each petal is evenly covered with the flour mixture.
- Step 5: Fry the Onion Petals: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the onion petals in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan, for about 5 to 8 minutes or until petals turn golden brown and crispy. If oil starts to brown the petals too quickly, reduce the heat slightly and continue frying for an additional 2 minutes to cook through without burning.
- Step 6: Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked onion petals using a slotted spoon, transferring them to a wire rack or plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still hot, sprinkle with flaky salt if desired. Serve immediately alongside the dipping sauce. Garnish with minced parsley if preferred.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store onion petals in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to preserve crispness.
- Refrigeration: Once cooled, place petals in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven to regain crispness before serving.
- Freezing: Individually wrap petals in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in an oven before serving.
- Ensure the oil temperature reaches 350°F (175°C) before frying; it generally takes about 5 minutes after heating to reach this temperature. Proper temperature prevents soggy petals and promotes crispiness.
- Use a slotted spoon to coat petals immediately after soaking to prevent uneven batter.
- To reduce oil splattering, partially cover the pot with a lid while frying to allow steam to escape but trap splatter.
- If the dipping sauce tastes too tangy, adjust by adding 1 teaspoon of vegan mayo at a time until achieving desired flavor.
- If petals brown too quickly during frying, lower heat slightly after initial browning to cook thoroughly without burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Not explicitly specified
- Sugar: Not explicitly specified
- Sodium: Not explicitly specified
- Fat: Not explicitly specified
- Saturated Fat: Not explicitly specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not explicitly specified
- Trans Fat: Not explicitly specified
- Carbohydrates: Not explicitly specified
- Fiber: Not explicitly specified
- Protein: Not explicitly specified
- Cholesterol: Not explicitly specified
Ingredient Notes
- Onion: Choose a large yellow onion for the best flavor. Look for ones that feel heavy and firm. Softer spots can indicate spoilage.
- Gluten-free flour: A good quality gluten-free measure-for-measure flour works well here. It helps create a nice, crispy texture without the gluten. Some brands have xanthan gum added, which can make a difference.
- Cornstarch: This is important for achieving that crispy coating. It reduces gluten in the batter, allowing for a lighter texture. Make sure it’s fresh for optimal crispiness.
- Egg: One large egg will help bind the crust and improve the overall texture. Use a room temperature egg; it mixes in better than a cold one!
- Buttermilk: This adds tanginess and moisture to the batter. For a quick replacement, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar to mimic buttermilk.
- Paprika: Adding paprika gives a nice color and a hint of smokiness. Go for smoked paprika if you want a deeper flavor profile.
- Garlic powder: This brings a savory note that elevates the onion flavor. Look for a fine powder for easier incorporation into the batter.
- Onion powder: This enhances the onion flavor in your coating. Using a quality onion powder ensures a strong punch without being overwhelming.
- Onion: Choose a large yellow onion for the best flavor. Look for ones that feel heavy and firm. Softer spots can indicate spoilage.
- Gluten-free flour: A good quality gluten-free measure-for-measure flour works well here. It helps create a nice, crispy texture without the gluten. Some brands have xanthan gum added, which can make a difference.
- Cornstarch: This is important for achieving that crispy coating. It reduces gluten in the batter, allowing for a lighter texture. Make sure it’s fresh for optimal crispiness.
- Egg: One large egg will help bind the crust and improve the overall texture. Use a room temperature egg; it mixes in better than a cold one!
- Buttermilk: This adds tanginess and moisture to the batter. For a quick replacement, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar to mimic buttermilk.
- Paprika: Adding paprika gives a nice color and a hint of smokiness. Go for smoked paprika if you want a deeper flavor profile.
- Garlic powder: This brings a savory note that elevates the onion flavor. Look for a fine powder for easier incorporation into the batter.
- Onion powder: This enhances the onion flavor in your coating. Using a quality onion powder ensures a strong punch without being overwhelming.
Recipe Tips
- If the onion petals aren’t crispy, ensure the oil is heated to 350°F (175°C) before frying, about 5 minutes after turning on the heat.
- When the coating is uneven, make sure to coat each petal thoroughly in flour using a slotted spoon right after submerging in buttermilk.
- If the dipping sauce is too tangy, tweak it by adding 1 teaspoon of vegan mayo at a time until the desired flavor is achieved.
- For oil splatter, cover the pot with a lid partially while frying; this allows steam to escape but reduces mess, especially during the first few minutes.
- If the petals start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly after frying for about 2 minutes to evenly cook through without burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bloomin onion petals with a side of gluten-free ranch dressing or a fresh garden salad for contrast. Pair with crispy baked sweet potato fries or a plate of zucchini fritters for additional crunch.
Use to make a fun topping for nachos or a crunchy addition to tacos. Add to a veggie platter for an exciting appetizer at gatherings.
Top with lemon aioli for a zesty finish, or drizzle with a spicy vegan mayo sauce. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use a large Vidalia onion as the main ingredient for crispy bloomin onion petals, known for its natural sweetness and sturdy petal structure.
- Add 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the flour coating mix for flavor.
- Either unflavored non-dairy milk combined with white vinegar for the vegan buttermilk or regular buttermilk can soak the onion petals before coating.
- If making a larger batch, increase vegetable oil to 5 cups and double all seasoning and flour amounts, frying petals in batches to avoid overcrowding.
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How to Store?
To keep your crispy bloomin onion petals fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place petals in a single layer inside an airtight container. Store at room temperature up to 1 day to keep crispiness intact.
Refrigeration: Arrange cooled petals in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven to restore crisp texture before serving.
Freezing: Wrap petals individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator and reheat in oven.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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