Ingredients
Dry
- 1.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup Cornstarch
- 2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 0.5 tsp Dried oregano
- 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Wet
- 1 unit Large sweet onion (Vidalia or similar) (Peeled, with the root end intact)
- 1.5 cup Unsweetened soy milk
- 1 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 cup Vegan mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Prepared horseradish
- 4 cup Neutral frying oil (e.g., canola or vegetable) (Amount may vary depending on pot size)
Method
- 1. Slice about 1/2 inch off the top of the onion, leaving the root end intact. Peel the outer skin. Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board.
- 2. Starting 1/2 inch from the root, make 12-16 evenly spaced downward cuts. Flip the onion over and gently separate the petals to create a 'bloom'.
- 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle and create a vegan buttermilk.
- 4. In a large separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- 5. Dip the bloomed onion into the dry flour mixture, ensuring every petal is coated. Shake off excess. Next, submerge the onion into the vegan buttermilk, making sure the liquid gets between the petals. Finally, coat the onion in the dry flour mixture one more time, shaking off any excess.
- 6. Heat the neutral frying oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower the onion into the oil, root-side up. Fry for 3-4 minutes, then carefully flip the onion and fry for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- 7. Use a slotted spoon or spider to carefully remove the onion from the oil. Let it drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
- 8. While the onion drains, prepare the dipping sauce by whisking together the vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, and prepared horseradish in a small bowl.
- 9. Serve the Zoom-in Bloom'n Onion immediately while hot and crispy, with the dipping sauce in the center.
Chef's notes
For a healthier alternative, you can air-fry the onion. After coating, spray generously with cooking oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, checking halfway through.