Sides
Outback Inspired Blooming Onion
A colossal onion cut into petals, coated in a bold paprika-cayenne breading, fried crisp and golden, and served with a creamy horseradish dip.
Inspired by Outback Steakhouse
Prep
35 min + 1 hr chill
Cook
12 min
Serves
8 servings
Difficulty
Hard
Pantry match
Uses the current servings and temporary recipe changes.
Missing 18 ingredients
- • 1 very large sweet onion, about 1 pound
- • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- • 2 teaspoons onion powder
- • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- • 1 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- • 2 large eggs
- • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- • 6 cups neutral frying oil, or enough for a 4-inch depth
- • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- • 2 tablespoons ketchup
- • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, for the dip
- • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, for the dip
- • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, for the dip
View ingredient-by-ingredient match
- 1 very large sweet onion, about 1 poundMissing
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flourMissing
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprikaMissing
- 1 tablespoon kosher saltMissing
- 2 teaspoons garlic powderMissing
- 2 teaspoons onion powderMissing
- 1 teaspoon dried oreganoMissing
- 1 teaspoon black pepperMissing
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepperMissing
- 2 large eggsMissing
- 1 1/2 cups whole milkMissing
- 6 cups neutral frying oil, or enough for a 4-inch depthMissing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaiseMissing
- 2 tablespoons ketchupMissing
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradishMissing
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, for the dipMissing
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, for the dipMissing
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, for the dipMissing
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Method
Recipe notes
This unofficial copycat recreates the defining crisp petaled onion and spicy creamy dip without claiming the restaurant's proprietary seasoning. Drying between every petal and completing the two-stage coating are essential for an even, durable crust.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
The onion is best immediately. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours for up to 2 days and reheat on a rack at 425°F until crisp; refrigerate the dip separately for up to 4 days.
Make-ahead tips
Cut and soak the onion and mix the seasoned flour and dip several hours ahead. Dry and bread the onion only when the oil is nearly ready so the coating does not become pasty.
What to serve with it
- - Grilled steak
- - Crisp chopped salad
- - Roasted green beans
Equipment needed
- - Deep heavy pot
- - Deep-fry thermometer and wire spider
- - Wire rack and rimmed sheet pan
Difficulty explained
Keeping the root intact while making even cuts, coating between many petals, and safely turning a large onion in hot oil make this an advanced appetizer.
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Nutrition facts
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Alternatives
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Plain Greek yogurt
Replace up to half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
2% milk
Use the same amount of 2% milk for a straightforward lower-fat swap.
1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour
Use a commercial cup-for-cup blend that includes xanthan gum.
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Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Cutting through the root causes the onion to fall apart, so stop every cut at least 3/4 inch below it.
- Water trapped between petals makes hot oil spit and prevents breading from clinging; drain and dry meticulously.
- A pot that is too small can overflow when the onion displaces oil, so test the dry onion's fit before filling and never leave hot oil unattended.
Nutrition Context
- The large shared appetizer absorbs frying oil and its seasoned breading and dip contribute most of the calories, fat, and sodium.
- Treating the onion as an eight-person shared starter and serving vegetables alongside it keeps portions practical.
FAQ
How do I keep the onion from falling apart?
Leave the root intact and stop each downward cut at least 3/4 inch before reaching it.
Why did the coating slide off?
The onion was likely wet or incompletely floured. Dry every petal and complete flour, egg, then flour coatings.
What size pot should I use?
Choose a pot that holds the dry onion with several inches of clearance above the planned oil line.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
A whole bloom coats unevenly in most air fryers. Separate breaded petals are safer and crisper, but look different.
How spicy is the dipping sauce?
It has moderate horseradish warmth. Start with half the horseradish and add more after tasting.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Good pairings include Grilled steak; Crisp chopped salad; Roasted green beans. Choose one or two based on how substantial you want the meal to be.