Brenda Gantt Blooming Onion Recipe

If you’re a fan of the famous Blooming Onion from Outback Steakhouse, then you’ll absolutely love Brenda Gantt’s homemade version. With a crispy golden crust and a flavorful dipping sauce, this dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet onion
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the dipping sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp. ketchup
• 2 tbsp. sour cream
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel the onion and cut off the top and bottom. Cut the onion in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters (don’t cut all the way through the onion). Cut each quarter into thin slices, but again, do not cut all the way through the onion.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
3. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
4. Dip the onion into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it well. Shake off any excess flour, then dip the onion into the buttermilk mixture. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip off, then dip the onion back into the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the onion to make sure it’s well-coated.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
6. Carefully place the onion into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the onion from the oil using a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. To make the dipping sauce, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sour cream, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
9. Serve the hot and crispy Blooming Onion with the dipping sauce and enjoy!

Optional Serving Suggestions and Variations:

For an extra kick of flavor, you can add some hot sauce to the dipping sauce. You can also try using different spices in the flour mixture, such as onion powder or chili powder.

Tips and Notes:

• Make sure to use a large enough pot for frying to avoid any splatters and burns.
• You can use a deep fryer if you have one.
• To prevent the onion from falling apart during frying, make sure to cut it carefully and not all the way through.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp. of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dipping sauce a day ahead and keep it in the fridge until serving.

2. Can I use a different type of onion?

You can try using a white or yellow onion, but the sweet onion gives the best flavor.

3. How do I store leftover Blooming Onion?

You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for 5-10 minutes until crispy.

4. Can I bake the Blooming Onion instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the onion in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

You can use canola or peanut oil instead of vegetable oil.

Wrapping Up:

This homemade version of the Blooming Onion is perfect for any occasion, from game day to a family dinner. With its crispy golden crust and flavorful dipping sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. So why not try it out for your next gathering?