If you’ve ever dined at the Outback Steakhouse, you’ve likely been tantalized by their famous Bloomin’ Onion. It’s an appetizer that has achieved legendary status for its crispy, golden exterior and its mouthwatering flavor. But what if I told you that you can recreate this culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen? Yes, you read that correctly! In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the steps to create your very own Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion that will rival the original. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just want to impress your friends and family, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is for anyone who enjoys a crunchy and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or simply craving a delicious snack, the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion is a crowd-pleaser. It’s also a fantastic option for vegetarians looking for a hearty and satisfying dish.
Why It’s Great
The Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion is great for several reasons:
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of seasoned flour, crispy batter, and the unique Outback Dipping Sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’s impossible to resist.
- Impressive Presentation: The Bloomin’ Onion’s distinctive “bloom” shape is not only visually stunning but also adds to the crispy texture.
- Fun to Share: This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family, making it an ideal appetizer for gatherings.
- Easy to Make: While it may look complex, with our step-by-step instructions, even novice cooks can achieve excellent results.
- Customizable: You can adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the seasoning or dipping sauce, making it suitable for a variety of palates.
Now, let’s dive into the details of creating this culinary masterpiece.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Before we get started, make sure you have the following kitchen equipment on hand:
- Deep fryer or a large, deep pot for frying
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels
Storing Leftovers
While it’s unlikely you’ll have many leftovers given how delicious this Bloomin’ Onion is, if you do, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to regain their crispy texture.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
- Spicy Kick: If you love spicy food, add more cayenne pepper to both the seasoned flour and the batter for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Twist: For a cheesy variation, sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese over the Bloomin’ Onion after frying and let it melt slightly. Yum!
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the mayonnaise in the dipping sauce with a vegan alternative, and use a plant-based beer in the batter.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of onion if I can’t find Vidalia onions?
A: While Vidalia onions are preferred for their sweet flavor
, you can use other sweet onion varieties like Walla Walla or Maui onions.
Q: Do I need a deep fryer to make this recipe?
A: While a deep fryer is convenient, you can also use a large, deep pot filled with oil to deep fry the Bloomin’ Onion.
Q: Can I make the Outback Dipping Sauce in advance?
A: Absolutely! In fact, the sauce tastes even better if you let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving.
Q: How do I know when the Bloomin’ Onion is done frying?
A: The onion should turn a golden brown color, indicating that it’s crispy and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully check its doneness.
Ingredients
- For the Bloomin' Onion:
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 24 ounces beer
- 4 Vidalia onions
- For the Seasoned Flour:
- 2 cups flour
- 4 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- For the Outback Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons creamed horseradish
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 dash black pepper
- 1 dash cayenne
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 4 teaspoons of paprika, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.
Step 2: Make the Outback Dipping Sauce
In another bowl, blend 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons of ketchup, 2 teaspoons of creamed horseradish, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 dash of black pepper, and 1 dash of cayenne. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 2 hours or, ideally, overnight to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Prepare the Batter
In a separate bowl, mix 1/3 cup of cornstarch, 1 1/2 cups of flour, minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper until well blended.
Gradually add the 24 ounces of beer to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously to create a smooth batter. Set this aside.
Step 4: Prep the Onion
Cut about 3/4 inch off the top of each Vidalia onion and peel them.
Cut each onion into 12-16 vertical wedges, making sure not to cut through the bottom root end. This will allow the onion to "bloom" as it fries.
Remove about 1 inch of petals from the center of each onion to create space for the batter. You can place the cut onions in cold water for a few hours to help "open" them up, but be sure to drain them well before proceeding.
Step 5: Batter and Fry
Dip each prepared onion into the seasoned flour mixture, shaking gently to remove excess flour.
Next, dip the onion into the batter, ensuring that all the petals are thoroughly coated.
Gently place the battered onion in a fryer basket, and deep fry it at 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 1/2 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown.
Carefully flip the onion over and fry for an additional 1 1/2 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once the Bloomin' Onion is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the fryer and drain it on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve the Bloomin' Onion hot, accompanied by the delicious Outback Dipping Sauce you prepared earlier.