Copycat Blooming Onion

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + chilling Cook: 5 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023
No one can resist the crunchy goodness of a blooming onion. Plus, the dipping sauce makes this copycat recipe an irresistible replica of the Outback Steakhouse version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Copycat Blooming Onion Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 2 teaspoons ketchup
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Dash cayenne pepper
  • Dash pepper
  • ONION:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Oil for deep-fat frying
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • 1 large sweet onion

Directions

  1. For sauce, combine the first 9 ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
  2. For onion, in a shallow bowl, combine flour and seasonings. In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. In another shallow bowl, whisk egg and milk. With a sharp knife, slice 1/2 in. off the top of the onion; peel onion. Cut into 16 wedges to within 1/2 in. of root end. Gently spread onion petals apart.
  3. Hold onion over dry ingredients. Spoon flour mixture over and around onion petals; shake off excess. Hold onion over egg mixture. Spoon over and around onion petals; allowing excess to drip off. Again, hold onion over dry ingredients. Spoon flour mixture over and around onion petals; shake off excess.
  4. Fry onion, cut-side down, for 3 minutes. Flip; fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes longer. Drain on paper towels; sprinkle with additional salt. Serve with sauce.
Blooming Onion Tips

What kind of onion should you use to make a blooming onion?

When making blooming onions, we recommend using a large sweet onion, like a Vidalia or a Walla Walla. These types of onions have a mild onion flavor with a touch of sweetness, making them perfect for this recipe.

What do you serve with a blooming onion?

Serve a blooming onion with the sauce outlined in this recipe, or enjoy it alongside other dips like queso, ranch, barbecue or your favorite aioli.

How do you store leftover blooming onion?

Since blooming onions are fried, they're best eaten fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container. Reheat them in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes in order to get back some of the crispiness. If you liked this blooming onion recipe, try more of our copycat Outback Steakhouse recipes.

—Sammi DiVito, Taste of Home Assistant Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 442 calories, 31g fat (4g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1203mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.