The Cactus Blossom from Texas Roadhouse features a hand-battered, golden-fried onion blossom served with tangy Cajun horseradish sauce, delivering a crispy, flavorful appetizer with a zesty kick.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Onion blossom cutter or sharp paring knife
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels
- Plate or serving platter
- Small bowl (for dipping sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Using a large sweet onion is essential to achieve the tender inner petals that separate easily when cut, creating the signature blossom shape. The combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch in the batter results in an extra crispy coating that holds up well during frying. Seasoning the batter with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper adds the zesty, bold flavor that defines the appetizer. Buttermilk and eggs create a rich, smooth batter that helps the flour mixture adhere to the onion for even frying. When crafting your Cactus Blossom from Texas Roadhouse copycat menu, ensure you balance the spiciness of the horseradish sauce with the sweetness of the onion for an authentic taste experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Slice the bottom off the onion and peel; leave root intact.
- Place onion root-side down and make vertical cuts to create "petals," stopping before the root.
- Gently separate petals without breaking.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, beat buttermilk and eggs together.
- Dip onion into flour mixture, coating all petals; shake off excess.
- Dip onion into egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Return onion to flour mixture for a second coat; shake off excess.
- Heat oil in deep fryer or pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully lower onion into hot oil, root side up.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 6–7 minutes.
- Use slotted spoon to drain onion on paper towels.
- For sauce: whisk together mayonnaise, horseradish, ketchup, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the onion blossom on a platter with dipping sauce in a small bowl.
Substitution
The Cactus Blossom from Texas Roadhouse copycat recipe calls for a large sweet onion, but if you can't find one, a mild yellow onion can be used as a substitute without sacrificing much flavor. When preparing the onion blossom, an onion blossom cutter is ideal; however, a sharp paring knife can also work if you carefully slice between the layers to create the "petals." For frying, vegetable oil is preferred for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but canola or peanut oil are suitable alternatives. If buttermilk is unavailable, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk to create a quick substitute that will help the batter adhere properly. Your dipping sauce can be adjusted by varying the amount of horseradish or hot sauce to match your preferred level of spiciness.
Tips
Ensure the onion petals remain intact when cutting to maintain the blossom shape for even frying. Maintain the oil temperature at 375degF (190degC) to achieve a golden crispy exterior without sogginess or greasiness. Coat the onion blossom with flour and egg mixtures twice to create a thick, crunchy batter that holds well during frying. Your dipping sauce will complement the spicy batter, so taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutritions
The Cactus Blossom from Texas Roadhouse is a deep-fried appetizer primarily composed of onions, which provide a small amount of dietary fiber and vitamin C. The batter, made from all-purpose flour and cornstarch, contributes carbohydrates and calories, while the frying process increases fat content due to vegetable oil absorption. The accompanying Cajun horseradish sauce contains mayonnaise and horseradish, adding fats and a small dose of vitamins and minerals. To manage your intake, consider that this dish is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, making it a flavorful treat best enjoyed occasionally.
Storage
Store any leftover Cactus Blossom in an airtight container to maintain its crispiness and prevent sogginess. Place paper towels inside the container to absorb excess moisture and keep the fried onion petals crunchy. Your best option is to refrigerate the blossoms but reheat them briefly in an oven or air fryer to restore their original texture before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute sweet onion with Vidalia onion for a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the crispy texture. You might try using panko breadcrumbs mixed with the flour for an extra crunch in the coating. Instead of deep frying, bake the coated onion blossom at 425degF (220degC) for 20-25 minutes to reduce oil absorption while maintaining crispiness. Your homemade Cajun horseradish sauce can be customized by adding a touch of lemon juice for tang or swapping prepared horseradish with freshly grated for a sharper bite.
Allergies
The Cactus Blossom contains common allergens including eggs, which are used in the batter, and dairy from the buttermilk and mayonnaise. Its fried preparation may also raise concerns for those with sensitivities to vegetable oil or spices like cayenne and garlic powder. You should double-check the ingredients if you have allergies to ensure the appetizer is safe for your consumption.
Why this recipe?
Texas Roadhouse's Cactus Blossom is loved for its crispy, golden-battered petals and flavorful seasoning that deliver a unique twist on classic fried onion. The dish's perfect balance of crunchy texture and savory taste makes it an irresistible appetizer for many diners. You'll find that replicating this recipe at home not only satisfies cravings but also offers an opportunity to enjoy a restaurant-quality starter without the wait. Creating the copycat version allows you to customize ingredients and enjoy the signature Texas Roadhouse flavor anytime.