Texas Roadhouse Bloomin’ Onion

What is Texas Roadhouse Bloomin’ Onion?

If you’ve ever dined at Texas Roadhouse, chances are you’ve seen or even ordered their signature Bloomin’ Onion. It’s one of those iconic appetizers that’s so addictive, you might find yourself thinking about it long after you’ve left the restaurant.

The Texas Roadhouse Bloomin’ Onion is a large onion that’s sliced to create a “blooming” flower shape, then battered and deep-fried to golden perfection. It’s served with a tangy, slightly spicy dipping sauce that complements the crispy, tender onion perfectly. It’s crispy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor—a true showstopper that can easily become the star of your meal.

Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Bloomin’ Onion

The ingredients for the Bloomin’ Onion are simple, but when put together, they create an irresistible appetizer. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Onion:

• 1 large sweet onion (like a Vidalia onion)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp horseradish sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• A pinch of salt

Serving Texas Roadhouse Bloomin’ Onion

The Texas Roadhouse Bloomin’ Onion is typically served as a large appetizer, perfect for sharing with friends or family. It’s usually placed on a platter, and the layers of the onion are spread out to resemble a blooming flower. The creamy dipping sauce is served alongside, so you can dip each crispy petal into the sauce for an extra punch of flavor.

It’s the perfect starter for any meal, especially if you’re craving something indulgent to kick things off. Pair it with a cold drink or your favorite entree for a full, satisfying meal.

Required Equipment for Texas Roadhouse Bloomin’ Onion

Making your own Bloomin’ Onion at home requires just a few simple pieces of equipment:

• Sharp knife (for cutting the onion)
• Large bowl (for coating the onion with flour mixture)
• Deep fryer or large pot (for frying the onion)
• Slotted spoon or tongs (for safely removing the onion from the hot oil)
• Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
• Serving platter (for presentation)

Having the right equipment is key to making sure your Bloomin’ Onion comes out crispy and golden, just like the one from Texas Roadhouse.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Bloomin’ Onion (Step By Step Instructions)

Making a Bloomin’ Onion at home is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to recreate this Texas Roadhouse favorite:

Texas Roadhouse Bloomin’ Onion

Recipe by Merry JaneCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

8

minutes

Calories

500

kcal

A crispy, golden-brown onion that’s been sliced to bloom, battered, and deep-fried, served with a tangy dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer for any gathering!

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Walla Walla)

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 large egg

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• For Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tsp horseradish sauce

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

• A pinch of salt

Directions

• Prepare the onion: Cut the top off the onion, then slice it vertically into petals, leaving the root intact.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
• Prepare the wet mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
• Coat the onion: Dip the onion in the buttermilk mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the flour mixture.
• Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil to 375°F in a deep fryer or large pot.
• Fry the onion: Fry the onion for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
• Make the dipping sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt.
• Serve: Drain the onion, place on a platter, and serve with the dipping sauce.

Notes

• Use a sweet onion like Vidalia for the best flavor.
  Ensure oil is at 375°F for perfect crispiness.
  The dipping sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
  Optional: Add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for extra heat.

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

Start by peeling the onion and cutting off the top (the root end should remain intact). Place the onion flat side down, then carefully make vertical cuts from the top to the base, slicing about ¾ of the way through. Turn the onion and make additional vertical cuts, creating a “blooming” effect. Gently separate the layers to form the flower shape.

Step 2: Make the Coating Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg together.

Step 3: Coat the Onion

Dip the prepared onion into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring the entire onion is covered. Then, coat the onion in the flour mixture, pressing the flour into the layers to make sure each petal is well-coated.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the onion.

Step 5: Fry the Onion

Carefully lower the coated onion into the hot oil, flower-side down. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, then flip it over and fry for another 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Remove the fried onion from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let it cool slightly before transferring it to a serving platter.

Step 7: Make the Dipping Sauce

While the onion is cooling, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Serve the sauce in a small bowl alongside the onion.

Tips for Texas Roadhouse Bloomin’ Onion

• Use a sweet onion like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best flavor and texture.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough (375°F) before frying. If the oil is too cool, the onion will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Be gentle when spreading out the onion petals to avoid breaking them.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with a mixture of regular milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Serving Tips for Texas Roadhouse Bloomin’ Onion

• For extra flavor, serve the Bloomin’ Onion with a side of ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or a spicy aioli.
• You can also serve the Bloomin’ Onion as part of a Tex-Mex feast, alongside quesadillas, tacos, or a grilled steak.
• To make it more of a meal, serve with a crisp salad or baked potato on the side.

Nutrition Table for Texas Roadhouse Bloomin’ Onion

Please note, the nutrition information is approximate and can vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

FAQs About Texas Roadhouse Bloomin’ Onion

How do I make the Bloomin’ Onion crispy?

The key to a crispy Bloomin’ Onion is ensuring the oil is hot enough (around 375°F). Also, make sure the onion is coated thoroughly with flour to create that crunchy texture.

Can I make a healthier version?

While the Bloomin’ Onion is inherently indulgent, you could try baking it instead of frying. Just coat the onion with oil and bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning it halfway through. It won’t be as crispy as the fried version, but it will still taste great!

Can I prepare the onion in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the onion and the flour coating mixture ahead of time. Just keep everything refrigerated and coat the onion right before you’re ready to fry.

What’s the Best Way to Make the Dipping Sauce for a Bloomin’ Onion?

The dipping sauce for a Bloomin’ Onion is what really takes it over the top. For the best results, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, and a dash of cayenne pepper for a nice balance of creamy and spicy flavors. Whisk everything together until smooth. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld together for an even better taste.

Can I Use a Different Type of Onion for the Bloomin’ Onion Recipe?

While the classic Vidalia or Walla Walla sweet onions are ideal for this recipe due to their mild flavor and large size, you can use other types of onions like yellow onions or red onions. However, these might have a stronger taste, which could affect the overall flavor of the Bloomin’ Onion. For the best results, stick with a sweet onion!

How Do I Prevent the Onion Petals From Sticking Together When Frying?

To keep the onion petals from sticking together when frying, be sure to coat the onion thoroughly with the flour mixture, pressing the flour into the layers. After dipping the onion in the buttermilk, make sure to shake off any excess liquid before coating it in flour. Also, if you’re using a deep fryer or large pot, try not to overcrowd the oil—this allows the petals to fry evenly and separate.

What’s the Ideal Temperature for Frying the Bloomin’ Onion?

The ideal frying temperature for a Bloomin’ Onion is 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the onion gets crispy without absorbing too much oil. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil before dropping the onion in. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cold, the onion will absorb more oil and become greasy.

Are There Any Vegetarian or Vegan Versions of the Bloomin’ Onion?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian or vegan version of the Bloomin’ Onion! To make it vegan, simply replace the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and use a flax egg or another egg replacer. For the dipping sauce, swap the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo alternative, and you’re good to go! These simple swaps will give you the same crispy, delicious results, without any animal products.

For more delicious recipes like this, check out Recipes of the Day.