Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion 

Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion Copycat Recipe

This iconic appetizer features a whole onion cut to bloom, battered, and fried to golden perfection. While challenging, it’s a show-stopping party dish!

Ingredients

For the Onion & Cutting:

· 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia works best)
· 2-3 cups ice water

For the Seasoned Flour:

· 2 cups all-purpose flour
· 2 tablespoons paprika
· 1 tablespoon garlic powder
· 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
· 2 teaspoons black pepper
· 2 teaspoons oregano
· 1 teaspoon cumin
· 1 teaspoon salt

For the Batter:

· 1 cup milk
· 1 cup buttermilk
· 1 egg
· 1 cup all-purpose flour
· 1 tablespoon paprika
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Frying:

· 4-6 cups peanut or vegetable oil

For the Bloom Sauce (Optional):

· ½ cup mayonnaise
· 2 tablespoons ketchup
· 2 tablespoons cream-style horseradish
· 1 teaspoon paprika
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· ¼ teaspoon oregano
· ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
· Dash cayenne

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the Onion (The Tricky Part!)

1. Peel onion but leave root end intact – this keeps petals together.
2. Place onion root-side down. Starting ½ inch from root, cut down to create petals.
3. Make 4 evenly spaced cuts first (like a compass), then make 3-4 cuts between each section (16 total cuts).
4. Gently spread petals outward to create bloom shape.
5. Soak in ice water 1-2 hours to help petals open further.

Step 2: Prepare Coating Stations

1. Seasoned Flour: Mix all flour seasoning ingredients in large bowl.
2. Batter: Whisk milk, buttermilk, egg, flour, and seasonings until smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Onion

1. Drain onion and pat very dry with paper towels.
2. Coat in seasoned flour: Sprinkle between petals, ensuring full coverage.
3. Dip in batter: Submerge completely, letting excess drip off.
4. Coat again in flour: Be thorough between petals. Shake gently.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

1. Heat oil to 375°F in deep heavy pot (oil should be 3-4 inches deep).
2. Lower onion root-side down into oil using fryer basket or slotted spoon.
3. Fry 5-7 minutes until golden brown, turning occasionally.
4. Drain on paper towels, season with salt immediately.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

· Whisk all sauce ingredients together. Chill until serving.

Pro Tips for Success

· Use the right onion: Large, round sweet onions work best
· Sharp knife is essential for clean cuts
· Keep oil temperature steady at 375°F for even cooking
· Serve immediately for maximum crispiness
· Practice makes perfect – first attempts might be messy!

Safety Notes

· Never leave hot oil unattended
· Keep lid nearby to smother potential fires
· Dry onion thoroughly to prevent oil splatters

Alternative Cooking Methods

· Air Fryer Version: Spray with oil, air fry at 400°F for 15-20 minutes (will be less crispy)
· Oven Version: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes on rack over baking sheet

Serve your masterpiece with the signature bloom sauce for dipping! Perfect for game day or special occasions.