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+ servings
Crispy, golden-fried appetizer with a layered, petal-like presentation

Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Onion

A crispy and golden fried Bloomin Onion, made with sweet Vidalia onions, seasoned flour, beer batter, and a creamy horseradish dipping sauce.
1 Servings

Ingredients

For the Beer Batter:

  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 24 ounces beer preferably a light lager
  • 4 large Vidalia onions

For the Seasoned Flour:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons creamed horseradish
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 dash black pepper
  • 1 dash cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

Prepare the dipping sauce.

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, creamed horseradish, paprika, salt, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir until smooth and well blended. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) to allow the flavors to develop.

Create the seasoned flour mixture.

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Set aside.

Prepare the batter.

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in the beer while whisking, until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to coat the onion evenly but not too heavy.

Prepare the onions.

  1. Slice approximately ¾ inch off the top of each onion (opposite the root). Peel off the outer skin. With the root end intact, make 12 to 16 vertical cuts into the onion, taking care not to cut through the root. Gently spread apart the sections to create a blooming flower shape. For optimal blooming, soak the cut onions in cold water for 1 to 2 hours, then drain and dry thoroughly.

Coat the onion.

  1. Dredge each prepared onion in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring all petals are fully coated. Shake off any excess. Dip the floured onion into the beer batter, using a spoon or spatula to ensure the batter reaches between the petals.

Deep fry the onion.

  1. Preheat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower the battered onion, root-side up, into the oil. Fry for approximately 1½ minutes, then carefully turn the onion and fry for an additional 1½ minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Drain and serve.

  1. Remove the onion from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with the prepared dipping sauce placed in the center or on the side.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour in both the seasoned flour and beer batter with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for frying. Ensure the cornstarch and all spices used are certified gluten-free. Additionally, replace the beer with a gluten-free beer or carbonated water to maintain the light texture of the batter. Cooking times remain the same.
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