Crispy and golden, French fried onions are a delightful addition to many dishes or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack. This recipe ensures that each ring is perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
If you don't usually have buttermilk at home, you might need to pick some up from the supermarket. It's essential for soaking the onion rings to achieve that tender yet crispy texture. Also, make sure you have enough vegetable oil for frying.
Ingredients For French Fried Onions Recipe
Onions: Sliced into thin rings, these form the base of the recipe.
Buttermilk: Used to soak the onion rings, adding tenderness and flavor.
All-purpose flour: Creates the crispy coating when combined with the seasonings.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the fried onions.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Vegetable oil: Necessary for frying the onion rings to a golden brown.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve perfectly crispy onion rings, ensure that the oil is at the right temperature before frying. Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the onions will burn quickly; if it's too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become soggy. Additionally, shake off any excess flour mixture before frying to avoid clumping and ensure an even, golden-brown coating.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can provide a similar texture when fried.
buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can mimic the tanginess and consistency of buttermilk.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can create a crispier coating when frying.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor with an additional umami depth.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the French fried onions to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
- Transfer the cooled onions to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure as much air as possible is removed to maintain crispiness.
- Store the container in a cool, dry place if you plan to consume the onions within a few days. For longer storage, place the container in the refrigerator.
- To freeze, spread the fried onions in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour or until the onions are frozen solid.
- Once frozen, transfer the onions to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When ready to use, reheat the frozen onions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until they regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
- Enjoy your crispy French fried onions as a topping for soups, salads, or casseroles, or as a delightful snack on their own.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the leftover French fried onions on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again.
Use an air fryer set to 350°F (175°C). Place the onions in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
If you’re in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Place the fried onions on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds. Note that this method might not retain the crispiness as well as the oven or air fryer.
For stovetop reheating, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the onions in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Knife: to slice the onions into thin rings
Cutting board: to provide a stable surface for slicing the onions
Mixing bowl: to soak the onion rings in buttermilk
Measuring cup: to measure the buttermilk and flour
Measuring spoons: to measure the salt and black pepper
Whisk: to combine the flour, salt, and black pepper
Frying pan: to heat the oil and fry the onion rings
Tongs: to turn the onion rings while frying and to remove them from the oil
Paper towels: to drain the excess oil from the fried onion rings
Plate: to place the paper towels and fried onion rings on for serving
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-soak the onions: Soak the onion rings in buttermilk the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a deep fryer: A deep fryer can cook more onion rings at once, reducing the overall frying time.
Batch preparation: Prepare the flour mixture and set up a dredging station ahead of time to streamline the process.
Consistent slicing: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform onion rings, ensuring even cooking and reducing frying time.
Oil temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the ideal oil temperature for faster and more consistent frying.
French Fried Onions Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large onions sliced into thin rings
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. Soak the onion rings in buttermilk for at least an hour.
- 2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and black pepper.
- 3. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- 4. Dredge the soaked onion rings in the flour mixture, coating evenly.
- 5. Fry the coated onion rings in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- 6. Remove the fried onions and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
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