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Awesome Blossom Onion Bites Recipe

4.9 from 82 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Awesome Blossom Onion Bites are a delightful snack made from diced onions coated in a seasoned cornmeal and flour batter, fried to golden perfection. Paired with a tangy, creamy dipping sauce featuring sour cream, mayonnaise, ketchup, and horseradish, these bites offer the perfect balance of spice and comfort in every crispy bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Onion Bites:

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1¾ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Cayenne pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ cup cornmeal
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ cup milk
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • Sour cream
  • Mayonnaise
  • Ketchup
  • Horseradish
  • Cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dipping sauce: In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, ketchup, and horseradish. Add cayenne pepper to taste for a spicy kick. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Optional onion prep: Toss the diced onion with 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt in a bowl. Let it sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then rinse and drain the onions thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to ensure the batter adheres well.
  3. Make the batter: In a dry bowl, combine the drained and dried diced onion with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Add cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Pour in the milk and stir everything together until a very thick batter forms. Let the batter rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to thicken and develop.
  4. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth of about ½ inch and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for frying the bites to golden crispness without soaking up excess oil.
  5. Fry the onion bites: Using a rounded tablespoon, carefully drop portions of the batter into the hot oil. Fry the bites for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
  6. Drain the bites: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried onion bites to a paper towel-lined plate. This will help absorb excess oil and keep them crispy.
  7. Serve: Serve the Awesome Blossom Onion Bites warm alongside the prepared dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying snack.

Notes

  • The optional step of salting and rinsing the onions helps reduce moisture, resulting in a crispier bite.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper in both batter and sauce to control the spice level to your preference.
  • Ensure oil is at the correct frying temperature to prevent soggy or greasy bites.
  • Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers may lose crispness but can be reheated briefly in an oven or air fryer.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend compatible with frying.

Keywords: Onion Bites, Fried Onion Snacks, Appetizer, Crispy Onion, Dipping Sauce, Snack Recipe