Bloomin' Onion from Outback Steakhouse features a hand-carved, golden-fried onion bursting with bold spices and served with a zesty dipping sauce, delivering a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful layers inside.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Deep fryer or large heavy pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels or wire rack
- Small bowl (for dipping sauce)
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion (e.g., Vidalia)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Choosing a large sweet onion like Vidalia ensures the Bloomin' Onion achieves its signature balance of natural sweetness and crisp texture. Combining all-purpose flour with cornstarch in the batter creates the perfect crispy coating while the blend of spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder infuses bold flavor throughout the layers. Fresh eggs and milk are essential for binding the batter evenly to each petal of the carved onion, ensuring consistent cooking results. Use vegetable oil with a high smoke point for deep frying to achieve a golden exterior without burning. Your next step is to replicate the famous Bloomin' Onion from Outback Steakhouse by following this copycat recipe for authentic taste and presentation.
Instructions
- Peel and trim the onion; carefully cut into wedges without cutting through the root.
- Gently separate onion petals to form a “bloom.”
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk until smooth.
- Dredge onion in seasoned flour; shake off excess.
- Dip flour-coated onion into egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Dredge onion again in seasoned flour mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Heat oil in deep fryer or heavy pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Using tongs, gently lower onion, cut side down, into hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 7–8 minutes.
- Remove with slotted spoon/spider; drain on paper towels or wire rack.
- For dipping sauce: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl; mix well.
- Serve fried onion hot with dipping sauce.
Substitution
The Bloomin' Onion from Outback Steakhouse copycat recipe replicates the signature hand-carved, crispy fried onion seasoned with bold spices and paired with a zesty dipping sauce. You can substitute a large sweet onion like Vidalia with a Walla Walla or Maui onion if needed, as they offer a similar mild sweetness. If you don't have vegetable oil for frying, peanut or canola oil works well due to their high smoke points. When deep-frying, maintain oil temperature around 350degF to ensure a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil. For the dipping sauce, prepared horseradish can be replaced with freshly grated horseradish for a more pungent flavor or omitted if undesired.
Tips
Make sure your oil temperature is consistently at 375degF (190degC) to achieve a crispy and evenly cooked Bloomin' Onion; using a thermometer helps prevent undercooking or burning. When cutting the onion, avoid slicing through the root to keep the petals intact and allow for the signature bloom effect. Patience is key during dredging--fully coat the onion in both the seasoned flour and egg mixtures for maximum crunch and flavor. Keep your dipping sauce chilled and ready to elevate the bold spices of your homemade Bloomin' Onion.
Nutritions
The Bloomin' Onion from Outback Steakhouse is a calorie-dense dish due to its deep-fried preparation, with the vegetable oil significantly increasing fat content. The large sweet onion provides some dietary fiber and natural sugars, but the flour, egg, and milk batter add carbohydrates and protein. Your dipping sauce, made from mayonnaise and ketchup, contributes additional fats, sugars, and sodium. This appetizer is best enjoyed occasionally, especially if you are mindful of your fat and calorie intake.
Storage
Store your Bloomin' Onion in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil to maintain its crispiness, then refrigerate promptly to prevent spoilage. For best texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 5-7 minutes instead of using a microwave, which can make the coating soggy. Keep your zesty dipping sauce refrigerated in a sealed container and consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and safety.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute the sweet Vidalia onion with a white or red onion for a sharper flavor profile. Swap vegetable oil with peanut or canola oil for a cleaner frying taste and higher smoke point. Instead of deep frying, try baking the coated onion at 425degF (220degC) for 25-30 minutes for a healthier alternative, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispness. Your dipping sauce can be enhanced by adding a touch of fresh lemon juice or swapping horseradish for Dijon mustard for a different tangy twist.
Allergies
Your Bloomin' Onion from Outback Steakhouse contains common allergens such as eggs, milk, and wheat from the all-purpose flour used in the batter. The dipping sauce also features mayonnaise, which contains eggs, and horseradish that might trigger sensitivities in some individuals. People with allergies to any of these ingredients or those sensitive to spices like cayenne pepper should exercise caution before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
The Bloomin' Onion from Outback Steakhouse is popular for its crispy, golden-brown petals seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, delivering a flavorful and crunchy appetizer experience. This signature dish pairs well with a tangy, zesty dipping sauce that enhances the onion's natural sweetness. Recreating a copycat version at home allows you to enjoy a budget-friendly, customizable appetizer that impresses guests and satisfies cravings. Trying to make it yourself helps you control ingredients and freshness, providing a deliciously fun cooking experience.