French-fried onions, with their crispy, golden-brown exterior and sweet, savory flavor, are a beloved topping that can elevate a wide range of dishes. From adding a delightful crunch to your green bean casserole to providing a zesty finish to your burgers or hot dogs, these versatile onions are a kitchen staple. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making homemade French-fried onions from scratch. Not only will you enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own, but you’ll also relish their deliciousness as they enhance your favorite dishes.
INGREDIENTS
For the Onions:
- 2 large onions (yellow or white), thinly sliced into rings
- 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil) for deep frying
INSTRUCTIONS
- Slice the Onions: Begin by thinly slicing the onions into rings. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for this purpose. Separate the rings and set them aside.
- Soak in Buttermilk: Place the sliced onion rings in a bowl and pour the buttermilk (or whole milk) over them. Ensure that the onions are well coated. Let them soak in the buttermilk for about 30 minutes. This step helps to soften the onions and removes some of their sharpness.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a seasoned flour mixture.
- Coat the Onions: Drain the soaked onion rings, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off. Take a handful of onion rings and toss them in the seasoned flour mixture until they are well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or a deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the onions to a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
- Fry the Onions: Carefully lower the coated onion rings into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven frying. Fry the onions for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become crispy.
- Drain and Cool: Once the onions are crisp and golden, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the hot oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- Season and Store: While the fried onions are still warm, season them with a pinch of salt and any additional seasonings you prefer, such as extra paprika or garlic powder. Let them cool completely before storing.
- Serve or Store: Homemade French-fried onions are ready to add a delightful crunch and flavor to your dishes. Use them as a topping for green bean casserole, burgers, hot dogs, salads, or any other dish that could benefit from their crispy goodness. Store any leftover fried onions in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Making your own French-fried onions allows you to savor the irresistible combination of crispy texture and sweet, savory flavor that elevates your dishes to the next level. Whether you’re preparing a holiday classic or adding a gourmet touch to your everyday meals, homemade French-fried onions are sure to become a kitchen favorite. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating this crunchy delicacy, and relish the delightful results as they transform your culinary creations.
