By Bring The Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
The Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion captures the essence of meals while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, The Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 large white onion
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper to taste
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 quart vegetable oil
Chipotle, Thousand Island or other dipping sauce optional
How To Make The Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion
In a medium bowl, combine flour, spices, salt and pepper. Reserve.
In another medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until combined. Set aside.
Cut off ½-inch from the pointy end of the onion while leaving the other end of root intact. Then remove the papery skin.
Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board. Starting ¾-inch from the root, cut vertically downward all the way to the board using a sharp knife.
Repeat vertical cuts downward about 1/2-inch apart on the edge, taking care not to overlap with previous cuts. You should get 10-15 cuts in total.
Turn the onion over and gently open up the “petals” of the onion with your fingers until it resembles a flower. Set aside.
Dip the onion into reserved flour mixture to cover completely. Then gently shake off excess flour.
Gently dip into reserved egg mixture to cover completely. For best results, let the onion soak in the batter for 10 minutes.
Return onion to the flour mixture one more time and cover completely.
Place the onion on a plate and freeze for 30-60 min to set.
Fill a deep fryer or medium saucepan with 3 inches of oil and heat to 350°F. Line a plate with paper towel and set aside.
Fry onion for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Then turn it over using a slotted spoon and cook several minutes more until golden brown.
Remove onion to a prepared plate. Serve with optional dipping sauce and enjoy!
PREPARATION STEPS
Chipotle, Thousand Island or other dipping sauce optional
How To Make The Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion
In a medium bowl, combine flour, spices, salt and pepper. Reserve.
In another medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until combined. Set aside.
Cut off ½-inch from the pointy end of the onion while leaving the other end of root intact. Then remove the papery skin.
Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board. Starting ¾-inch from the root, cut vertically downward all the way to the board using a sharp knife.
Repeat vertical cuts downward about 1/2-inch apart on the edge, taking care not to overlap with previous cuts. You should get 10-15 cuts in total.
Turn the onion over and gently open up the “petals” of the onion with your fingers until it resembles a flower. Set aside.
Dip the onion into reserved flour mixture to cover completely. Then gently shake off excess flour.
Gently dip into reserved egg mixture to cover completely. For best results, let the onion soak in the batter for 10 minutes.
Return onion to the flour mixture one more time and cover completely.
Place the onion on a plate and freeze for 30-60 min to set.
Fill a deep fryer or medium saucepan with 3 inches of oil and heat to 350°F. Line a plate with paper towel and set aside.
Fry onion for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Then turn it over using a slotted spoon and cook several minutes more until golden brown.
Remove onion to a prepared plate. Serve with optional dipping sauce and enjoy!
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~300 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
