Classic Bite-Sized Blooming Onions with Buttermilk Ranch Dip
Enjoy these crispy, bite-sized blooming onions, perfectly seasoned and fried, served with a creamy homemade buttermilk ranch dip.
Equipment
- Paper towels
- Shallow dishes
- Whisk
- Wire rack
- Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Thermometer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towel-lined plate
- Small bowl
- Platter
Ingredients
For the Bite-Sized Blooming Onions
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a little kick
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill your pot about 2-3 inches deep)
For the Buttermilk Ranch Dip
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or a splash of white vinegar
Instructions
Prepare the Onions
- Peel the onion, slice into ¼-inch rings, and separate them into individual pieces. Pat the onion pieces dry with paper towels.
Set Up Dredging Stations
- In one dish, whisk together flour and spices. In another, whisk together eggs and milk.
Coat the Onions
- Dip each onion piece in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour. Place coated onions on a wire rack.
Heat the Oil
- Pour vegetable oil into a heavy pot, ensuring 2-3 inches depth, and heat to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Onions
- Carefully add a single layer of coated onion pieces to the hot oil. Fry for 2-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping occasionally.
Drain
- Remove fried onions with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt. Repeat for remaining onions.
Make the Dip
- While onions fry, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and adjust seasoning.
Serve
- Arrange hot, crispy onions on a platter with the homemade buttermilk ranch dip for serving.
Notes
For best results, maintain consistent oil temperature during frying to ensure crispy, non-greasy onions. Vidalia or Walla Walla onions are recommended for their mild flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Do not overcrowd the pot when frying to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much. Adjust the cayenne pepper in both the onions and the dip according to your preferred level of spice.