Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion

Here’s a restaurant-style Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion recipe — the kind made famous by Outback Steakhouse. It includes all the steps, ingredients, and tips to make it as crispy and flavorful as the real thing, including a spicy dipping sauce.

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🌼 Bloomin’ Onion Recipe (Steakhouse Style)

🧅 Ingredients:

For the Onion:

• 1 large sweet onion (preferably Vidalia)

• 2–3 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Onion Coating:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried thyme

For the Wet Batter:

• 1 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)

• 1 egg

• ½ cup water (cold)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 2 tbsp horseradish (prepared)

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp dried oregano

• 1 dash black pepper

• 1 dash cayenne pepper

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Onion “Bloom”

1. Cut ½ inch off the top of the onion and peel.

2. Place onion root-side down. Starting ½ inch from the root, make a downward cut all the way to the board. Make 12–16 evenly spaced cuts around the onion.

3. Flip the onion over and gently separate the “petals.” Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to help the petals open more.

2. Make the Dipping Sauce

• Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl.

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (can be made ahead of time).

3. Set Up Breading Stations

• In one bowl: Mix all dry coating ingredients.

• In another bowl: Whisk together milk, water, and egg (wet batter).

4. Coat the Onion

1. Remove onion from water and pat dry.

2. Place onion in a large bowl or bag and generously coat with the dry flour mixture, making sure to get between all petals.

3. Shake off excess.

4. Dip onion into wet batter. Be sure it gets into every crevice.

5. Return to dry mixture and coat again thoroughly.

6. Optional: Let it rest in the fridge for 15 minutes for better adherence.

5. Fry the Onion

• Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep pot to 375°F (190°C).

• Use enough oil so the onion can be fully submerged or mostly submerged.

• Lower the onion into the oil cut-side down using a slotted spoon or fry basket.

• Fry for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

• Carefully remove and drain on paper towels.

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🍽️ Serve:

• Place the fried onion on a plate.

• Put a small cup of dipping sauce in the center.

• Garnish with parsley if desired.

• Serve hot!

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🔥 Tips for Success:

• Use a very sharp knife to make clean petal cuts.

• Cold water soak helps the petals “bloom” open better.

• Double-dipping in flour–batter–flour creates a thicker, crispier coating.

• Don’t overcrowd the fryer; maintain consistent oil temperature.