Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Onion

If you’ve ever enjoyed the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion, you know how it’s more than just an appetizer—it’s an experience. This impressive dish features a whole onion cut into petals, deep-fried to a crispy perfection. Served with a zesty dipping sauce, it’s perfect for sharing with friends or family. Curious about how this iconic dish came to be and how you can make it at home? Let’s explore its history and recipe next.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about making a Bloomin’ Onion at home is how much you’ll enjoy the incredible taste and texture of this dish. The flavorful batter combines flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and kosher salt, creating a delightful crunch.

Using sweet onions like Vidalia or Texas Sweet provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances the spices. You’ll love the crispy texture that comes from deep-frying the petals.

Serve it with a spicy dipping sauce made from mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, and more. Plus, you can easily adapt this recipe with different sauces or make it gluten-free.

It’s a fun treat that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own!

History

The history of the Bloomin’ Onion is as intriguing as its taste. It was created by chef Jeff Glowski at Russell’s Marina Grill in New Orleans in 1985. Tim Gannon, a co-founder of Outback Steakhouse, partnered with Glowski to enhance the dish and add spices. Initially called the “Onion Mum,” it was first introduced at Copeland’s before hitting the Outback Steakhouse menu in Tampa, Florida, in 1988. This signature appetizer played a crucial role in Outback’s rapid success, helping the chain expand nationwide. Significantly, the dish symbolizes “American food and Australian fun,” becoming a beloved favorite. In 1991, a specialized slicing machine called “Gloria” was invented to improve the efficiency of preparation. Over the years, the Bloomin’ Onion inspired similar dishes, while its recipe has remained largely consistent, with some variations.

Recipe

The Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion is a beloved appetizer that combines the flavors of crispy fried onion with a zesty dipping sauce. This dish is a showstopper at any gathering, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor with every bite. The preparation involves careful cutting and frying techniques, but the result is worth the effort. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this restaurant-quality treat right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

To start your culinary journey, gather the ingredients needed for both the dipping sauce and the onion. The combination of creamy and spicy elements in the sauce perfectly complements the crispy texture of the fried onion. Whether you choose to serve it at a party or just as a snack for yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup mayonnaise and sour cream combined for dipping sauce
– 1-2 tablespoons creamy horseradish
– 1-2 tablespoons ketchup
– 1-2 teaspoons paprika, divided use
– 1-2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper, divided use
– 1 large onion
– Flour mixture (flour and seasoning of choice)
– Egg mixture (beaten eggs)
– Neutral oil (canola or peanut oil) for frying

Cooking Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the dipping sauce. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, creamy horseradish, ketchup, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

While the sauce is chilling, prepare the onion. Remove the top 1/4 inch of the onion and peel off the outer skin. Cut a small, flat spot on the non-root end and remove any damaged peels. Next, cut the onion into quarter sections, being careful to stay about 1/2 inch from the root. This will help the onion bloom when cooked.
To help the onion bloom more effectively, soak it in ice water for about an hour. Meanwhile, set up your breading station with a bowl of the flour mixture and a separate bowl with the beaten eggs. Prepare a second bowl with another layer of the flour mixture for the final coating.
After soaking, remove the onion from the water and gently shake off excess moisture. Dip the onion into the first bowl of flour mixture, confirming all sections are coated. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat it again with the second flour mixture.
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat enough neutral oil to submerge the onion. Once the oil is hot (approximately 375°F), carefully place the breaded onion into the oil. Fry the onion until it’s golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes, turning it occasionally for even cooking.
Once cooked, remove the onion from the oil and place it upright in a shallow bowl. Serve immediately while hot, paired with the chilled dipping sauce.

Extra Tips:
For the best results, verify the oil is at the right temperature before frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture. If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to the dipping sauce for an extra kick. Enjoy your homemade Bloomin’ Onion with friends and family, and don’t forget to take a moment to admire its impressive presentation before digging in!

Final Thoughts

While preparing the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion may seem challenging at first, it’s a rewarding experience that can elevate your cooking skills and impress your guests. This iconic appetizer, created by Tim Gannon and inspired by a New Orleans dish, has become a staple at Outback Steakhouse since its debut in 1988. When making it, make certain you use a large onion, cut it into 24 petals, and follow the breading and frying process carefully. Remember, while it packs a hefty calorie and sodium punch, it’s a treat that many enjoy, contributing a significant amount of 1946 calories to your meal. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore variations like the loaded version introduced in 2016, adding even more flavor to your cooking repertoire.

FAQ

Got questions about making the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion? First, you’ll need large sweet onions, flour, milk, eggs, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.

Start by cutting the onion and soaking it in ice water. Then, lightly flour it, dip it in an egg wash, and reflour before frying it until crispy. The dish is known for its impressive blooming effect when prepared correctly.

For the batter, feel free to experiment with beer or carbonated water for added flavor. Remember, it’s served with a tasty dipping sauce made from mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, and spices.

Keep in mind, one serving has about 1,700 calories, so it’s best for sharing at family gatherings or parties. Enjoy creating your own Bloomin’ Onion!