Discover the magic of crispy fried onions – their irresistible crunch and savory flavor make them a great topping for everything from burgers to tacos. It's so easy to make these frizzled onions and the delectable, golden bites will elevate any dish!
What are Frizzled Onions?
Frizzled onions are thinly sliced onions that are fried until they become crispy perfection and golden brown. This cooking method creates a delightful texture, adding a satisfying crunch and a rich, caramelized flavor to the onions. They taste like the onion strings you get from the can, only better as these are made from scratch with simple ingredients. Often used as a garnish or topping, crispy fried onions can enhance a variety of dishes.
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Ingredients
- Large Onions – You can use your favorite kinds of onions. This recipe will work with red, yellow and white onions.
- Cornstarch – Cornstarch gives these onions a crispy coating.
- Vegetable Oil – Use your favorite light, neutral-flavored oil.
- Salt and Pepper – Kosher salt or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are used to enhance flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel the sweet onion and cut into small strips. Place the onion in a deep bowl, add cornstarch and stir to mix well.
- Step 2: Heat an inch of oil on medium heat and slowly add the onions to the hot oil in a single layer. Depending on the size of your pan, you will have to cook the onions in batches.
- Step 3: Fry for 5-6 minutes, turning once or until the onions are crispy and golden brown.
- Step 4: Transfer the fried onions with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat with any remaining onions. Season with salt and pepper before serving or using in recipes.
Hint: Slice the onions into similar sized pieces for even cooking.
Seasoning Variations
While the classic salt and pepper seasoning is always a reliable choice, experimenting with different flavor variations can elevate your frizzled onions and add an exciting twist to your dishes.
- BBQ Seasoning – My BBQ seasoning recipe adds a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor to the onions.
- French Fry Seasoning – French Fry seasoning gives the onions a savory and slightly spicy kick, similar to seasoned fries.
- Herb Blend – A mix of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano with a little garlic powder or onion powder can add an aromatic and earthy flavor.
- Spicy Blend – Combine cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and a touch of cumin for a spicy and smoky flavor.
- Lemon Pepper – A blend of lemon zest and cracked black pepper for a zesty, tangy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy French fried onions are a versatile and delicious addition to a variety of dishes, adding a delightful crunch and burst of flavor. They make an excellent topping for grilled burgers or air fryer hot dogs, offering a crispy contrast to the juicy patty or hot dogs. Sprinkle them over steak tacos for an unexpected texture or sprinkle them on top of soup. As sandwich toppers, they bring a satisfying crunch to deli meats, BBQ chicken sandwiches and simple grilled cheese.
Beyond these classic uses, Crispy Fried Onions can enhance a wide range of dishes. Toss them into salads for an extra layer of incredible flavor and crunch, or use them to garnish chili and stews for added texture. They can be a flavorful addition to your favorite casseroles or baked pasta dishes, providing a crispy topping that contrasts with the creamy interior. Sprinkle them over mashed potatoes or use them as a beloved Thanksgiving staple in a traditional green bean casserole. Whether these onion straws are used as a topping or a side, Frizzled Onions are sure to bring a tasty twist and exciting pop of crunch to your meals.
What Type of Frying Pan to Use
To make Frizzled Onions, you'll need a good frying pan. My favorite options for this recipe are a cast iron skillet or a non-stick pan. A cast iron skillet provides even heat distribution and retains heat well, ensuring the onions fry up crispy and golden brown. A non-stick pan, on the other hand, makes for easy cleanup and prevents the onions from sticking, making the frying process smoother and more efficient.
Storage
Crispy Onions are best enjoyed fresh, right after frying, when they are at their crispiest. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container or a sealed ziplock bag once they have been brought to room temperature. While they can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore some of their texture, they won't be as crispy as when freshly made due to the moisture absorbed during storage. Nonetheless, reheating can still revive their flavor, making them a convenient topping for dishes even after initial preparation.
Cooking Tips
- Cut the onions into even strips to ensure they cook evenly and become uniformly crispy.
- After slicing, pat the onions dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough (about 350 degrees F) before adding the onions. If the oil is too cool, the onions will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan by frying the onions in small batches. This ensures they cook evenly and stay crispy.
- Use paper towels or a wire rack to drain the fried shoestring onions, removing excess oil and keeping them crispy.
- Season the onions with salt and pepper (or your chosen seasoning) as soon as they come out of the oil to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
FAQ
You can use red, white, or yellow onions depending on your preference. Each type of onion brings a slightly different flavor to the dish.
Low oil temperature can cause greasy onions. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. You can test the oil's temperature by dropping a small piece of onion into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. Ideally, the oil should be around 350 degrees F. Also, drain the fried onions on paper towels to remove excess oil.
To reheat, place the onions in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for a few minutes or use an air fryer. This can help restore some of their crispiness.
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RECIPE
Frizzled Onions
Ingredients
- 3 large onions
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup vegetable oil for frying
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Peel the onion and cut into small strips. Place the onion in a deep bowl, add starch and stir to mix well.
- Heat an inch of oil on medium heat and slowly add the onions in a single layer. Depending on the size of your pan, you will have to cook the onions in batches.
- Fry for 5-6 minutes, turning once or until the onions are crispy and golden brown.
- Transfer the fried onions to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat with any remaining onions. Season with salt and pepper before serving or using in recipes.
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