Blooming Onion and Dipping Sauce Recipe

Onion: The star of the dish, providing a sweet and savory base.

All-purpose flour: Used to create the crispy coating for the onion.

Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color to the batter and sauce.

Cayenne pepper: Provides a spicy kick to both the batter and the dipping sauce.

Garlic powder: Infuses the batter with a rich, savory taste.

Dried oregano: Adds a hint of herbal flavor to the batter and sauce.

Dried thyme: Contributes an earthy, aromatic note to the batter.

Milk: Helps bind the batter to the onion.

Egg: Adds richness and helps the batter adhere to the onion.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying the onion to a golden brown.

Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dipping sauce.

Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang to the dipping sauce.

Horseradish: Provides a sharp, spicy flavor to the dipping sauce.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the sauce.

When cutting the onion to create petals, make sure to leave about half an inch at the base uncut. This will help the onion hold together during the frying process and ensure that it blooms beautifully. Use a sharp knife to make precise cuts, and consider chilling the onion in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before battering to help it maintain its shape.

• large onion - Substitute with sweet onion: Sweet onions have a milder flavor and can provide a similar texture and taste.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: A gluten-free flour blend can be used for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that can enhance the dish.

• cayenne pepper - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder provides a similar heat level and can be used if cayenne is unavailable.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano has a more vibrant flavor and can be used in a slightly larger quantity.

• dried thyme - Substitute with fresh thyme: Fresh thyme provides a more intense flavor and can be used in a slightly larger quantity.

• milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a slight tang and can help tenderize the onion.

• beaten egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water) is a good vegan alternative.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative that provides a similar creamy texture.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste can be mixed with a bit of vinegar and sugar to mimic the flavor of ketchup.

• horseradish - Substitute with wasabi: Wasabi provides a similar pungent heat and can be used in smaller quantities.

• paprika - Substitute with ancho chili powder: Ancho chili powder offers a mild heat and a slightly sweet flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat without the black specks.

• cayenne pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes offer a similar heat level and can be adjusted to taste.

• To store a blooming onion, allow it to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For the dipping sauce, transfer it to a small airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• To reheat the blooming onion, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the onion on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
• Avoid using a microwave to reheat the blooming onion as it can make it soggy.
• If you wish to freeze the blooming onion, first flash freeze it. Place the cooled onion on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month.
• To reheat a frozen blooming onion, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the frozen onion on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
• The dipping sauce can be frozen as well. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the leftover blooming onion on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until it’s crispy and heated through.
• For a quicker method, use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and place the blooming onion in the basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t burn.
• If you’re in a hurry, the microwave can work, but it may not retain the crispiness. Place the blooming onion on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking for desired warmth.
• To reheat the dipping sauce, simply place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, you can warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely cut and prepare the onion.

• Sharp knife: Essential for making precise cuts to create the blooming onion petals.

• Mixing bowls: Used to mix the flour and spice mixture, and the milk and egg mixture.

• Whisk: Handy for beating the egg and mixing it with the milk.

• Deep fryer: Necessary for frying the onion to achieve a crispy, golden brown exterior.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the onion when dipping it into the batter and for removing it from the hot oil.

• Paper towels: Used to drain excess oil from the fried onion.

• Serving plate: To present the blooming onion once it’s ready.

• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing the dipping sauce ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring spices and other small quantity ingredients.

• Measuring cups: For measuring larger quantities like flour and milk.

• Peeler: To peel the onion before cutting it into petals.

Prepare the onion ahead: Peel and cut the onion into petals the night before and store it in the fridge to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-mixed spices: Buy a pre-mixed spice blend that includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme to speed up the batter preparation.

Preheat the oil: Start heating the oil while you prepare the batter and coat the onion to reduce waiting time.

Make the sauce in advance: Prepare the dipping sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge to save time on the day of serving.