The Texas Tonion from LongHorn Steakhouse features tender, hand-battered onion petals seasoned with zesty spices and fried to a golden crisp, served with a bold Cajun horseradish dipping sauce for a flavorful and crunchy appetizer.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Deep fryer or large heavy pot (for frying)
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels
- Baking sheet or tray (for draining)
- Small bowls (for dipping sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- For the onion petals:
- 2 large sweet onions
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Cajun horseradish dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Sweet onions are ideal for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and mild flavor, which balance well with the bold spices. Using a mixture of all-purpose flour and cornstarch ensures a crispy and light batter when fried to golden perfection. Buttermilk plays a key role in tenderizing the onion petals and enhancing the batter's adherence. Make sure the vegetable oil is heated to the right temperature, around 350degF, to avoid greasy or undercooked onion petals. Your copycat Texas Tonion from LongHorn Steakhouse will capture the authentic taste and crispy texture with these carefully selected ingredients.
Instructions
- Peel onions and cut into large petals.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, pour buttermilk.
- Dip onion petals into buttermilk, then dredge in seasoned flour mixture.
- Repeat dredging for extra crispiness, if desired.
- Preheat oil in deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry onion petals in batches until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per batch.
- Remove with slotted spoon; drain on paper towels on a baking sheet or tray.
- For sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, horseradish, ketchup, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
- Serve fried onion petals with Cajun horseradish dipping sauce.
Substitution
This Texas Tonion copycat from LongHorn Steakhouse lets you enjoy restaurant-style crispy onion petals at home, but you can swap sweet onions with yellow or white onions if needed; they each impart a slightly different flavor and texture. If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to achieve similar acidity. When frying, maintain oil temperature between 350degF to 375degF to ensure golden crispiness without excessive oil absorption. For the Cajun horseradish dipping sauce, adjusting horseradish amounts lets you control the heat level to suit your preference. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to easily remove the onion petals and allow excess oil to drain on paper towels for the best crispiness.
Tips
Make sure to dry the onion petals well after peeling to ensure the batter adheres properly. Maintain the oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) for even frying and to prevent sogginess or burning. When dredging, double coating your onion petals in buttermilk and seasoned flour enhances crispiness and flavor. Use a slotted spoon to transfer petals to paper towels on a baking sheet to drain excess oil, keeping them crunchy for your serving.
Nutritions
The Texas Tonion from LongHorn Steakhouse provides a crunchy appetizer rich in carbohydrates from the batter made with all-purpose flour and cornstarch. The use of sweet onions offers dietary fiber and essential vitamins such as vitamin C, while the buttermilk adds a small amount of protein and calcium. The Cajun horseradish dipping sauce contributes fats from mayonnaise and a kick of antioxidants and metabolism-boosting spices like cayenne pepper and smoked paprika. You can enjoy this flavorful dish in moderation while balancing its energy density with plenty of hydration and nutrient-rich foods.
Storage
To keep your Texas Tonion crispy and fresh, store the fried onion petals in an airtight container lined with paper towels at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving. Avoid refrigerating as moisture can make them soggy, but if needed, reheat in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Keep the Cajun horseradish dipping sauce refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days, stirring well before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with different onion varieties such as Vidalia or red onions for a sweeter or more robust flavor. Swap buttermilk with a mixture of yogurt and lemon juice to tenderize the petals while adding a tangy twist. For a healthier alternative, try baking the petals at 425degF (220degC) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and crisp, instead of deep-frying. Consider incorporating smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the flour mixture to enhance the smoky depth of your Texas Tonion.
Allergies
The Texas Tonion includes common allergens such as wheat found in all-purpose flour, and potential dairy allergens from buttermilk and mayonnaise in the dipping sauce. Spices like paprika and cayenne pepper may cause sensitivities in some individuals. You should inform the restaurant about any known allergies to avoid adverse reactions from this appetizer.
Why this recipe?
The Texas Tonion from LongHorn Steakhouse features hand-battered onions stuffed with melted cheese and a zesty Cajun horseradish sauce, creating a crispy and flavorful appetizer. Its unique combination of textures and bold flavors appeals to fans of Southern-inspired dishes and perfectly complements a steakhouse meal. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this restaurant-quality treat at home, customizing the ingredients to suit Your taste preferences. Replicating this popular menu item saves a trip to the restaurant while delivering a satisfying and shareable appetizer experience.