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Crispy Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion Recipe

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A homemade version of the iconic Outback Steakhouse blooming onion, featuring a perfectly crispy battered onion with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce. This recipe delivers a crunchy, flavorful appetizer that’s great for entertaining or a fun treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Walla Walla preferred)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups)
  • Dipping Sauce Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Trim the top of the onion and peel off the outer skin. Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board.
  2. Make 12-16 vertical cuts around the onion about 3/4 inch apart, cutting down toward the root but not through it to keep petals connected.
  3. Gently separate the petals to form the bloom. Soak in ice water briefly if stubborn.
  4. In one bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. In a second bowl, mix beaten eggs and buttermilk.
  6. Dip the onion into the egg mixture, making sure to get between all petals.
  7. Transfer to the flour mixture, sprinkling and pressing flour into every petal evenly.
  8. Repeat dipping in egg and flour mixture once more for a double coating.
  9. Pour vegetable oil into a large pot about 3-4 inches deep and heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
  10. Carefully lower the onion into hot oil, cut-side down first. Fry about 3 minutes, then flip and fry another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  11. Remove onion and drain on paper towels or wire rack. Let rest for 1-2 minutes.
  12. While frying, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper until smooth for dipping sauce.
  13. Serve the blooming onion hot with dipping sauce in the center.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F to avoid greasy or burnt onion. Double-dip the onion in egg and flour for extra crispiness. Soak onion in ice water if petals are stubborn. Use a thermometer for best frying results. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Dipping sauce flavors improve if made ahead and chilled.

Nutrition

Keywords: blooming onion, copycat recipe, Outback Steakhouse, appetizer, fried onion, dipping sauce, crispy onion

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/crispy-copycat-outback-steakhouse-blooming-onion-recipe-easy-step-by-step-guide/