Onion Petals with Spicy Sauce (Printable version)

Crispy onion petals served with a spicy, tangy dipping sauce for an irresistible snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Onion Petals

01 - 2 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia)
02 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
03 - 1 cup buttermilk
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
11 - Vegetable oil for deep frying (2 to 3 inches depth)

→ Spicy Dipping Sauce

12 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
13 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
14 - 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
15 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
17 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
18 - 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
19 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How to Make:

01 - Trim stem end and peel onions. Place root side down and slice vertically from top to bottom to form 8 to 12 petals per onion. Gently separate petals to bloom.
02 - Combine all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl and whisk thoroughly.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs until smooth and fully blended.
04 - Dip each blooming onion into the flour mixture, coating all petals evenly. Shake off excess flour.
05 - Submerge the floured onions into the buttermilk and egg mixture, then immediately return to the flour mixture for a thorough second coating to create a crisp crust.
06 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C) with 2 to 3 inches of oil depth for deep frying.
07 - Carefully lower onions cut side down into hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
08 - Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
09 - Present hot fried onion petals alongside the chilled spicy dipping sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and honestly addictive in a way that surprises people.
  • The spicy dipping sauce cuts through the richness with horseradish bite, making each bite feel intentional instead of heavy.
  • You can prep everything ahead and fry them fresh just before serving, which is a real confidence booster when you're feeding a crowd.
02 -
  • The oil temperature is non-negotiable; if it drops even 10 degrees, your onions will drink oil instead of crisping up, and there's no saving them after that.
  • Don't skip the double-coating step, no matter how impatient you feel. That extra layer is the difference between a good onion petal and one that makes people close their eyes and smile.
03 -
  • If your onion petals are falling apart while frying, your oil is probably too hot or your temperature has dropped significantly. Check your thermometer and wait for it to stabilize.
  • Keep a small spider or slotted spoon specifically for frying; it drains oil faster and keeps your petals crispier than regular spoons.
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