If you’re craving a killer app to go with your Outback Ribeye, then this Outback Bloomin’ Onion recipe is about to be your go-to move. Nothing sets the stage for a juicy steak quite like a deep-fried, battered large sweet onion, crisped up to golden perfection. Whether it’s your first time making one or your twentieth, you’re gonna fall in love with every crunchy, flavorful petal of this bad boy. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be wondering why you didn’t start bloomin’ onions last year.
Full disclosure: we’re going full Outback Steakhouse copycat recipe here. We’re talking that huge blooming onion with bold flavor and a creamy, spicy dipping sauce that just hits differently. You know the one — a little smoky, a little tangy, with a little bit of fire. Pure magic on a plate.
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Why You’ll Love the Outback Bloomin’ Onion
Every single time I whip this up, I wonder why I don’t make it more often. In my humble opinion, it’s way better than onion rings, and that’s saying something. There’s something about cutting into that crispy, battered onion and dipping a steaming hot petal into that creamy chili sauce that feels like straight-up backyard bliss.
It’s perfect for game days, family cookouts, or just flexing your skills at home with new recipes you can brag about on your TikTok – make list.
Even better, you don’t need a fancy deep fryer to get it done. I used a cast iron skillet over live fire, but a Dutch oven on the grill or stovetop works just as well. You could even throw it in the air fryer basket if you’re chasing a healthier version.
However you decide to cook it, you’re getting that local steakhouse feel without the overpriced beer or the waitlist. And once you nail it the first time, you’ll be making this blooming onion recipe on the regular.
If you’re an onion lover, you might want to try these recipes next! Oklahoma Onion Burger, Steak Onion Skewers, and Burger Stuffed Onion Rings.
Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Onion Ingredients Round-Up
Ready to bloom and taste that crispy onion? Here’s what you’ll need to grab from the grocery store or your pantry for this bloomin’ onion greatness:
- Bloomin’ Onion – Large sweet onion, egg, whole milk, all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and your favorite frying oil.
- Blooming Onion Sauce – Mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, smoked paprika, salt, and then a touch of pepper to taste.
That’s it. Simple kitchen staples = big-time flavor.
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How to Keep from Crying When Cutting an Onion
Nobody wants to be bawling their eyes out before digging into a plate of fried goodness. Onion tears are a total buzzkill. To avoid it, chill your onion in ice water for about 30 minutes before slicing. Seriously, it’s like magic — the cold water helps tame the sulfur compounds that usually make you cry. You can also cut near an open flame or a fan to push the vapors away, but cold water is the real MVP here. No more red eyes, just clean slices and big-time blooms.
How to Make the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Onion
Prepping the Bloomin Onion
First things first, grab your cutting board and a large sweet onion. Set the onion upright and slice off the top of the onion — about a half inch — making sure to leave the bottom root end intact because that’s what holds the entire onion together during frying.
Using a sharp knife (or a blooming onion cutter if you’re all in), make 12–16 vertical cuts downward, being careful not to slice all the way through. Flip the onion over and gently spread out the petals of the onion. You’re aiming for a full, even bloom.
Milk & Egg Wash + The Dip
Now onto the batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and whole milk to make your wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl, blend your dry mix — that seasoned flour with a touch of chili powder for some extra kick.
Now, take your raw onion and place it in the dry flour mix. Coat the center of the onion and then all the petals in the dry ingredients.
Shake off any excess off the floured onion and then dip it into the milk and egg wash. Make sure to get an even coating of the wet wash, you can even use a spoon as needed to get into all the nooks and crannies.
After that, dredge it back into the bowl of flour for a second thick coat. The second coat is key, so don’t skip this part! We want a thick, even coating here.
Let the battered onion rest on a baking sheet or wire rack for about 10–15 minutes. This helps the batter stick better and avoids excess drip when you hit the fryer.
Bloomin Onion Recipe Frying Time
Meanwhile, heat up your oil to crisp up the blooming onion. Whether you’re using a Dutch oven, cast iron, or even aiming for air fryer recipes, you want the temp around 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully lower the onion, cut side down first, into the oil. A wire skimmer or a slotted spoon works best here to avoid splashes.
Fry the blooming onion for 6–8 minutes, then gently flip it over and fry another 2 minutes until you get that deep golden brown, perfectly crispy look. Pull it out carefully, letting it drain on paper towels or a wire rack to catch any extra oil. You want it crispy, not greasy.
Dipping Sauce
While that’s resting, whip together your dipping sauce in a separate bowl — mayo, ketchup, prepared horseradish, a squirt of Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika, seasoned with a little salt and pepper. Want a fun twist? Swap out the horseradish for sour cream, or mix it with yum yum sauce for a whole new flavor profile.
Make sure to check out my Outback Ribeye for a “restaurant at home” feast!
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FAQs for the Bloomin Onion Recipe
Follow the same steps for slicing and dredging with flour and the milk/egg mixture. Air fry at 375F for about 12–15 minutes. Spray it with a little olive oil before tossing it in. You’ll lose a bit of crisp, but it’s still killer.
For the best blooming onion recipe success, go with large sweet onions like Vidalia onions. Yellow onion or white onion work too, but sweet is the move for that flavor pop.
You can, but I wouldn’t go full cornstarch. Flour gives you that classic, thick steakhouse-style crust we all love. If you want extra crunch, mix in a little cornstarch with your flour — like ¾ cup flour to ¼ cup cornstarch. That combo? Freakin’ crispy.
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Outback Bloomin’ Onion Recipe
Ingredients
Bloomin Onion:
- 1 large Sweet Onion
- 1 Large Fresh Egg
- ¾ cup Whole Milk
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- Pinch of Cayenne
- Frying Oil
Bloom Sauce:
- 1.25 cups Mayonnaise
- 4 tbsp Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Prepared Horseradish
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice about ½ inch off the top of your onion and peel it open. Place the root side down and make 12–16 full cuts down, stopping close to the bottom so the base stays connected. Flip it over and gently spread out the onion.
- In one bowl, whisk the egg and milk. In another, mix all the dry ingredients for the seasoned flour.
- Dip the onion in the dry mixture, making sure to get in between all the petals. Shake off any excess, then dip it into the egg wash. Place back into the flour again for a thick, even coat. Set aside for 10–15 minutes to help it stick.
- Preheat your fire for high heat (400F) or use a stove/fryer if needed. Add a large skillet with frying oil to heat till to 375F.
- Carefully lower the onion into the oil cut side down first and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Flip and fry for another 2 minutes. Remove and let cool.
- Mix together the bloomin onion sauce and serve!
