The Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion is a popular appetizer known for its crispy, golden-brown exterior and flavorful dipping sauce. Here’s a recipe to make it at home
The Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion is a legendary appetizer that has become synonymous with indulgent dining experiences and mouthwatering flavors. This iconic dish features a colossal onion, expertly cut to resemble a blooming flower, coated in a seasoned batter, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, it’s a show-stopping starter that’s perfect for sharing or indulging in all by yourself.
Creating a Bloomin’ Onion at home requires a bit of culinary finesse, but with the right technique and a few key ingredients, you can enjoy this Outback Steakhouse favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen.
To start, select a large, firm onion and carefully remove the skin, leaving the root end intact. With a sharp knife, make vertical cuts around the onion, being careful not to slice all the way through. Then, make horizontal cuts to create the signature petal-like shape.
Next, prepare the seasoned batter by combining flour with a blend of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Dip the onion into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat each petal thoroughly.
Once the onion is coated in the seasoned batter, carefully transfer it to a deep fryer or pot filled with hot oil. Fry the onion until it’s golden brown and crispy, making sure to rotate it occasionally to ensure even cooking.
As the Bloomin’ Onion fries, it will begin to open up and take on its distinctive flower-like shape, with each petal becoming crisp and delicious. Once fully cooked, remove the onion from the oil and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
While the Bloomin’ Onion is still warm, transfer it to a serving platter and garnish it with a sprinkle of additional seasoning, such as salt and paprika, for extra flavor and visual appeal. Serve the Bloomin’ Onion alongside your favorite dipping sauce, such as a creamy horseradish or spicy aioli, for the ultimate indulgent experience.
The Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion is more than just an appetizer; it’s a culinary sensation that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its crispy exterior, tender onion petals, and bold flavors, it’s the perfect way to kick off any meal or celebrate a special occasion in style.
Ingredients:
For the Bloomin Onion:
- – 1 large onion
- – 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1 teaspoon paprika
- – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- – 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- – 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- – 1 cup buttermilk
- – Vegetable oil, for frying
For the dipping sauce:
- – 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- – 2 tablespoons ketchup
- – 2 tablespoons cream-style horseradish sauce
- – 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- – 1/4 teaspoon salt
- -/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- – /8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- – /8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the dipping sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. To make the Bloomin’ Onion, first, prepare the onion by cutting off the top (about 1/2 inch) and then cutting off a small portion of the bottom to create a flat base. Peel the outer skin of the onion.
3. Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board. Starting about 1/2 inch from the root end, make 4 vertical cuts around the onion to quarter it, being careful not to cut all the way through. Then, make 4 to 8 additional vertical cuts between the quarters to create petal-like sections.
4. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Mix well.
5. In another shallow dish, pour the buttermilk.
6. Dip the prepared onion into the buttermilk, making sure to coat it well.
7. Then, carefully place the onion into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down gently to coat the entire onion, including between the petals.
8. Shake off any excess flour and carefully transfer the coated onion to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Allow the onion to rest for about 10 minutes to let the coating set.
9. While the onion is resting, heat vegetable oil in a large deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
10. Carefully lower the coated onion into the hot oil, cut-side down. Fry for about 3-5 minutes, then carefully flip it over and continue frying for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is golden brown and crispy.
11. Remove the Bloomin’ Onion from the oil and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
12. Serve the Bloomin’ Onion hot with the prepared dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy your homemade Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion as a delicious appetizer for any occasion!