Crispy Onion Straws Recipe

I absolutely adore this onion ring recipe because it transforms a simple large onion into a crispy, golden delight that’s perfect for snacking or topping just about anything. Soaking the onions in buttermilk gives them a rich, tangy flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing and keep you coming back for more!

I am passionate about making snacks that are super crunchy, and my crispy onion straws epitomize that. First, I take a large onion and cut it into slices, which I then soak in buttermilk.

After the onion has soaked long enough for the buttermilk to work its magic, I remove the slices from the buttermilk and coat them in a flour mix that has been seasoned with salt and a few other spices. One of these happens to be cayenne pepper, which gives the straws a little heat.

Finally, we fry the straws until they’re golden brown.

Ingredients

Onion: Abundant in antioxidants, offers sweet flavor, and serves up plenty of fiber.

Buttermilk: Supplies a sharp flavor, tenderizes, and gives a creamy blanket.

Flour of all-purpose nature: Provides a crunchy covering, being a carbohydrate source.

Sodium: Improves taste; essential for cooking.

Black pepper: Contributes gentle warmth and a lovely spicy aroma.

Cayenne pepper: Raises the temperature, gives a spicy kick.

Vegetable oil: Vital for frying, gives crispiness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large onion
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Cut the giant onion into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. Put the onion rings into a shallow dish and separate them.

2. Submerge the onion rings fully in buttermilk and let them soak in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This is a necessary step in the process. If you don’t have time to do it right, you’re better off not doing it at all.

3. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together very well.

4. In a large pot or deep fryer, heat approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil to a temperature of 375°F (190°C).

5. Take the onion rings out of the buttermilk. Let any excess buttermilk drip off, then dredge the rings in the flour mixture. Coat the rings evenly.

6. Place a batch of onion rings, coated in the batter, into the hot oil. Take care not to overcrowd the pot.

7. Sauté the onion rings for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until they achieve a golden brown and crispy texture.

8. Transfer the fried onion rings to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. You will need a slotted spoon to do this.

9. Complete the frying of the other onion rings while keeping the oil at the same temperature.

10. Serve the onion straws, which are crisp and full of flavor, right after cooking them. They are a delightful partner to any fricassée and can be used as a basic topping for all sorts of things, even breakfast.

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Sharp knife
3. Shallow dish
4. Large bowl
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Large pot or deep fryer
7. Candy or deep-fry thermometer
8. Slotted spoon
9. Plate lined with paper towels

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?Indeed, you can utilize standard milk or prepare a buttermilk alternative by incorporating a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into a cup of milk.
• Can the onion straws be baked instead of fried?Indeed, it is possible to bake them in an oven that has been preheated to 400°F, and the way to do this is to arrange them on a greased baking sheet. They should then be placed into the oven and allowed to bake for a time span of about 15-20 minutes, with the instruction to flip them halfway through the baking time.
• How do I store leftover onion straws?Keep any remaining food in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Reheat in the oven; this is the best way to warm them back up and keep the crispiness intact.
• Can I use different spices?Of course! You’re welcome to play with spices like paprika or garlic powder when you’re making onion straws; they can really customize the overall flavor.
• Is there a gluten-free alternative for the flour?Indeed, you can use gluten-free flour blend as a 1:1 substitute for the regular all-purpose flour.
• What type of onion is best for onion straws?A big yellow or sweet onion is best, but you can also use red onions for a slightly different taste.

Substitutions and Variations

Buttermilk: You can replace it with the exact same amount of plain yogurt or mix 1 3/4 cups regular milk with 1/4 cup white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Universal flour: For a gluten-free substitute, use the same quantity of rice flour or cornstarch.
Substitute sea salt or kosher salt in equal amounts for regular salt.
Black pepper: White pepper can be used as an equal substitute for a milder flavor.
Cooking oils such as canola, peanut, or sunflower oil are excellent choices for frying.

Pro Tips

1. Use a Mandoline for Consistent Slices To achieve uniform thin slices for your onion rings, consider using a mandoline slicer. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture across all rings.

2. Season the Buttermilk For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a touch more cayenne to the buttermilk before soaking the onion rings. This will infuse the onions with a deeper flavor.

3. Double Dredge for Extra Crunch After dredging the onion rings in the flour mixture, let them rest for a minute, then dip them back in the buttermilk and flour mixture once more. This double coating provides extra crispiness.

4. Keep the Oil Clean Fry the onion rings in small batches, and use a fine-mesh skimmer to remove any bits of batter from the oil between batches to keep it clean and prevent the rings from tasting burnt.

5. Season Immediately after Frying As soon as the onion rings are drained on paper towels, sprinkle them lightly with additional salt. This helps the seasoning adhere better and enhances the final flavor.