Blooming Onion with Blue Cheese Ranch

Blooming Onion with Blue Cheese Ranch (USA)

Chef Devan Rajkumar recreates the iconic Blooming Onion, a crispy, golden American street food classic. Deep-fried to perfection and served with a creamy Blue Cheese Ranch dip, this show-stopping dish combines spice, crunch, and indulgent flavor—proof that comfort food can also be irresistibly bold and fun.

Makes 1 onion

Ingredients:

For the Blooming Onion:

• 1 large white onion
• 2 cups (480ml) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (60ml) cornstarch
• 2 cups (480ml) buttermilk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp (14.8ml) curry powder
• 1 tbsp (14.8ml) cayenne powder
• 1 tbsp (14.8ml) mustard powder
• 2 tsp (9.9ml) paprika
• 2 tsp (9.9ml) onion powder
• 1 tsp (4.9ml) dried oregano
• 1 tsp (4.9ml) cumin powder
• 1 tbsp (14.8ml) salt
• 1 tsp (4.9ml) ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

 

For the Blue Cheese Ranch:

• 2 oz blue cheese
• 3 tbsp (44.4ml) buttermilk
• 3 tbsp (44.4ml) sour cream
• 3 tbsp (44.4ml) mayonnaise
• Zest and juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tsp (4.9ml) honey
• ½ tsp (2.5ml) garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

 

Method:

Make the Blooming Onion:

Cut ¾ inch off the tip end of the onion and peel off the skin. With the onion sitting on its base, slice through the top center of the onion and slice down about ¾ of the way. Make a perpendicular cut ¾ down the onion as well so you have cut a plus sign into the top of the onion. Now slice ¾ of the way down through the center of the four sections of the onion. Cut those sections in half one more time. Gently spread the onion petals apart without removing them.

Beat together the buttermilk, eggs, and curry powder in a bowl deep enough to submerge the onion.

Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, curry powder, cayenne powder, mustard powder, paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper in another large bowl.

Dip the whole onion in the buttermilk mixture and then into the flour mixture, using your fingers to make sure the flour gets between each petal of the onion. Dip into the buttermilk mixture again and then into the flour mixture one more time, again ensuring the flour coats the whole onion.

Fill a large, heavy bottomed pot with vegetable oil and heat over high heat to 350 F (175 C). Carefully lower the onion, facing up, into the hot oil and fry for about 10 minutes, or until the onion has turned golden brown.

Transfer the onion to a paper towel lined tray to drain and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

 

Make the Blue Cheese Ranch:

Add all the blue cheese ranch ingredients to a food processor and blend to bring together. Place in a small bowl and serve with the blooming onion for dipping.