I love adding Fried Onions to my dishes for extra crunch and can't wait to show you how both classic and French styles enhance your meals. In the classic version, we have onions thinly sliced and fried to a golden crisp, often with just a hint of cornstarch for that extra crunch. Then there’s the French style, which really steps things up. Here, the onions are soaked in buttermilk, coated in seasoned flour, and fried until they achieve the perfect crunch.
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These aren't just ordinary toppings; they transform any dish. Whether adding crunch to burgers, boosting sandwiches, or even spicing up a biryanis, Fried Onions are a game changer. You can even enjoy them by themselves as a snack. Try both styles and see how they add amazing textures and flavors to your cooking!
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make both classic and French-style Fried Onions, you only need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Onions: You can pick any type you like—white, yellow, purple, or shallots. Each one brings its own unique flavor and crunch.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for coating the French-style onions. It gives them that irresistible crispy shell. If you're out of flour, cornstarch works great too.
- Buttermilk: It gives the French-style onions a tangy flavor and helps the flour coating stick better. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply mix some milk with a bit of vinegar(1 cup of milk for 1 tsp of vinegar)—that works just as well. You can also check out my homemade Buttermilk recipe for an easy DIY option.
- Seasoning: I stick to the basics with salt and black pepper. It’s all you need to enhance the onions' natural flavors.
- Oil: For frying, I prefer canola oil because it handles high heat well and gets those onions perfectly golden and crispy. Feel free to use whatever cooking oil you have on hand.
How to Make Fried Onions at Home?
Let's turn simple onions into crispy, tasty treats with my easy recipe for classic and French-style Fried Onions! I've got photos and a video to guide you through the process. Here's how to do it:
Explore a Variety of Onion and Fried Recipes:
- Caramelized Onion
- French Fries
- Fish and Chips
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Fried Chicken
- Fried Chicken Tenders
- Fried Chicken Wings
- Fried Shrimp
- Fried Fish
- Fried Rice
Fried Onions (Classic and French Style)
Fried Onions, in both classic and French styles, are simple yet delicious. The classic version uses onions and seasonings fried in oil, while the French style adds buttermilk and flour for extra crunch. Perfect as toppings for burgers or biryanis, they enhance any dish with a burst of flavor and texture.
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Ingredients
For Classic Fried Onion
- 3 Onions
- Oil, for deep frying
For French Fried Onion
- 3 Onions
- Oil, for deep frying
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Preparing Onions
- Start by trimming the top and root ends from the onions, and peel off the outer layer. Then, cut the onions in half.
- Slice the halved onions into medium-sized pieces. Separate the layers of each slice and place them in a bowl.
Making Classic Fried Onions
- Pour enough oil into a pan over medium heat to allow for deep-frying. Test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small piece of onion or placing a wooden spoon in the oil; if it sizzles or bubbles, the oil is ready. Then, carefully add the sliced onions in batches.
- Fry the onions until they turn golden brown, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick together.
- Once the onions are golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or tray to drain off any excess oil. Your classic Fried Onions are now ready to enjoy.
Making French Fried Onions
- Place the sliced onions in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor. After soaking, drain the buttermilk and set the onions aside.
- In a separate tray or shallow dish, mix all-purpose flour with black pepper and salt. This mixture will coat the onions.
- Dredge the buttermilk-soaked onions in the flour mixture, ensuring each slice is well-coated. This step is key to achieving the crispy texture that makes French Fried Onions so special.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the flour-coated onions in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Since I've already prepared classic fried onions as described above, I reused the same oil here.
- Fry the onions until they are crispy and golden brown, typically taking about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even frying, but be careful not to over-stir to avoid the flour separating from the onions.
- Once golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the onions from the oil to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Enjoy your crispy French Fried Onions.
Using
- Enjoy these crunchy onions in a variety of dishes, from burger toppings to crunchy elements in biryanis and salads. For more pairing ideas, be sure to check out our Serving Suggestions section below.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are my top tips to ensure perfectly crispy and crunchy Fried Onions every time:
- Choosing Onions: Select fresh, high-quality onions for the best flavor and texture. While any type—white, yellow, purple, or shallots—can be used, consider your taste preferences for the best results.
- Oil Choice: The choice of oil can impact the flavor and healthiness of your fried onions. Opt for oils with a high smoke point like canola, peanut, sunflower, or avocado oil to ensure they can withstand the frying temperature without burning.
- Slicing & Separating Layers: Consistent thickness is crucial for uniform frying. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to ensure even slices. Carefully pull apart the layers of each sliced onion to promote even cooking and optimal texture in each piece.
- Temperature Control: Maintain control over your frying temperature. Medium heat is generally best for classic fried onions. Test the oil’s readiness with a wooden spoon or thermometer; if the onions begin to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly to achieve perfect crispiness.
- Frying in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan by frying the onions in small batches. This helps each piece fry evenly and turn a perfect golden brown without sticking together.
- Frying Time: Keep in mind that frying times may vary between 10-15 minutes depending on the thickness of your slices and the type of onion used. Regularly monitor the onions and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Preventing Sogginess: To prevent your fried onions from becoming soggy, avoid covering them while they cool. Covering can create steam and moisture that will soften the onions. Instead, let them cool in an open space on a cooling rack over a baking sheet to maintain their crispness.
- Double Frying Technique: Although commonly used for French fries and fried chicken, double frying can also enhance the crispiness of onions. Fry the onions until they just start to brown, then remove and drain them. Allow them to cool before frying them again just before serving. This second fry will maximize their crunch.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own. Check out my homemade buttermilk recipe on this blog, or create a quick substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes until it curdles.
- Healthier Alternatives: If you're aiming for a healthier twist, try baking the coated onions instead of frying them. Just give them a light spray of oil and pop them in the oven until they're nice and crispy. This way, you'll use far less oil, making it a lighter option.
- Seasoning: Season your fried onions right after draining to ensure the seasonings adhere well. Salt and black pepper are classics, but feel free to experiment with garlic powder or paprika for added flavor.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
Fried onions, available in both classic and French-style, add a versatile and flavorful crunch to a wide array of dishes. Here's how you can enjoy their added crunch in different dishes:
- Casseroles: Add fried onions to green bean, chicken and rice, or other casseroles for a crunchy texture and rich flavor.
- Burgers and Sandwiches: Incorporate crispy onions into burgers and sandwiches for a savory crunch that elevates the overall taste.
- Salads: Sprinkle these onions on top of salads for a pleasant contrast in texture and a burst of savory flavor.
- Biryani Dishes: In recipes like Mughlai chicken, fish, or mushroom biryani, fried onions contribute depth of flavor and a crunch.
- Soups: Use fried onions as a garnish for soups such as French onion soup or creamy tomato soup to add a flavorful finishing touch.
- Nasi Goreng: Enhance this Indonesian fried rice dish with fried onions for added flavor and texture.
- Hot Dogs: Top hot dogs with crispy onions to provide an extra layer of taste and texture.
- Snacking: Enjoy fried onions as a standalone snack due to their crispy and flavorful nature.
- Deviled Eggs: Top deviled eggs with small pieces of crispy onions to add a crunch that complements the creamy filling.
- Rice Dishes: Stir these onions into pilaf or other rice dishes towards the end of cooking to preserve their texture and infuse the dish with their rich flavor.
Storage Suggestions
To keep your Fried Onions fresh and crispy, whether classic or French-style, follow these storage suggestions:
- Room Temperature Storage: Place the cooled Fried Onions in an airtight jar or container. They will remain fresh for up to a week when stored at room temperature.
- Freezing for Longer Shelf Life: For longer storage, use freezer-friendly ziplock bags. This method can preserve the onions for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Pre-Storage Preparation: Before storing, let the onions cool to room temperature and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess oil. This is key to maintaining their crispiness and flavor.
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