Crispy Blooming Onion with Dipping Sauce

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Crispy Blooming Onion with Dipping Sauce.

1. Step 1

   Begin by assembling all your ingredients for this delightful dish.

2. Step 2

   In a small bowl, whip up a zesty dipping sauce by blending mayonnaise, horseradish sauce, ketchup, paprika, salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper.

3. Step 3

   Once mixed, cover it and let it chill in the refrigerator until you're ready to indulge.

4. Step 4

   In a separate large bowl, whisk together milk and egg until they form a smooth mixture, perfect for dunking your onion.

5. Step 5

   Next, create a flavorful flour blend by combining flour, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, and cumin in another bowl.

6. Step 6

   Now, prepare your onion by trimming about an inch from both the top and bottom, peeling away the outer skin, and carefully removing the core.

7. Step 7

   With a sharp knife, make vertical cuts down into the onion, stopping about three-quarters of the way through, then rotate and repeat to create 16 sections without cutting through the base.

8. Step 8

   Gently open the onion petals and immerse it in the milk mixture, ensuring every petal is coated.

9. Step 9

   Follow this by rolling the onion in the flour mixture, sprinkling some flour between the petals for extra crunch.

10. Step 10

    For a double coating, dip the onion back into the milk mixture and then into the flour again.

11. Step 11

    Place the battered onion in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to help the coating adhere.

12. Step 12

    While the onion chills, heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring there's enough to fully submerge the onion.

13. Step 13

    Once the oil is hot, carefully lower the onion in, frying it upright until it achieves a beautiful golden brown, which should take about 10 minutes.

14. Step 14

    Once fried, let it drain on a rack or paper towels.

15. Step 15

    Finally, open the center of the onion wide enough to nestle a bowl of your zesty dipping sauce and serve it warm, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy this crispy, flavorful treat.