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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Published: Nov 3, 2022 · Modified: Nov 13, 2022 by Rachel

    Crispy Onion Strings

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
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    Highlighted by a Sweet smoky flavor, these onion strings might just be the easiest appetizer ever or topping for your cheeseburger. Made with Vidalia onions and fried to golden brown perfection in minutes, these crispy bites are so easy to make!

    Pan full of french fried onions on a wood background.
    Contents show
    1 Why this Recipe is Perfect
    2 Ingredients and Substitution Ideas
    3 Dipping Sauce Ideas for Fried Onion Strings
    4 Tips for Fried Onion Perfection
    5 What to Serve with Onion Strings?
    6 FAQs
    7 Crispy Onion Strings

    Onion strings are of delicious on their own, but also more versatile than you would think. One lone onion will explode into enough crispy strings to satisfy a hungry foursome as an appetizer or piled high on your favorite cheeseburger. Crack open a few cold beers and you’ve got an easygoing pub atmosphere.

    These aren’t your basic French-fried onions – they are so much better! Use a sweet Vidalia onion and make a peppery kicking sauce to go alongside, and you’ve got an even better appetizer. Or top your classic green bean casserole and make it a new highlight of Thanksgiving!

    Why this Recipe is Perfect

    This recipe is as simple and delicious as it gets. These fried onion strings never stick together in a giant mush.

    The sauce marinade creates a middle of tender onions that crisp up to perfection on the outside as soon as they hit that hot oil. No burnt, overly dry batter here.

    The saucy coating has plenty of complementary flavor that is both smoky sweet and kicking! No need to hunt the pantry for oddball spices.

    Ingredients and Substitution Ideas

    Prepped onion strings and sauce.

    Buttermilk. Cultured buttermilk is highly recommended. Whole milk can be used in a pinch, but the marinade won’t stick as well to the onions. Milk also removed the sulphur compounds but may make the onions have less flavor.

    BBQ sauce. Use any variety you prefer that has robust, smoky flavor. I like mesquite smoke for a sweet and peppery kick to the French-fried onions.

    Batter. I use all-purpose flour because it sticks so well, but you can use cornmeal or an appropriate gluten free flour if you like.

    Dipping Sauce Ideas for Fried Onion Strings

    I love these as a topping on their own, but for an appetizer, I like to mix up a creative zesty dip to take it a step further. It’s got a punch of flavor from the horseradish tempered by the aioli mix of mayo and ketchup.

    Other dipping ideas that I love:

    • Ketchup
    • Bloomin Onion Sauce: ½ cup Mayo, 2 teaspoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon creamy horseradish, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder. ⅛ teaspoon oregano, dash of salt and pepper.
    • ½ cup Mayo with a couple of sprinkles of hot sauce, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • BBQ sauce

    Tips for Fried Onion Perfection

    • You need a good-sized pot or Dutch oven with at least 2 inches of oil. Use a thermometer like this one to heat to 375 degrees.
    • Fry onion strings for 1 minute depending on thickness. They should be golden in color, not dark or burned.
    • Don’t overcrowd the oil.
    • Because these cook so quickly, I recommend using fresh or well strained oil.
    • The oil temperature will decrease when you add a batch. Let it come back up to 375 degrees between batches.

    What to Serve with Onion Strings?

    As this recipe is wonderfully simple and easy, I recommend serving them with classic BBQ, grilling, or steakhouse fare.

    • The BEST Steak Kabobs
    • Juicy Cheeseburgers with BBQ sauce
    • Pan Seared Pork Chops
    • Southern Fried Apples
    • Chicken Thighs Marinade
    • Roasted Carrots
    • Mexican Street Corn
    Golden onion straws or thin rings laid atop a hamburger.

    FAQs

    What kind of oil should I use for frying?

    Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are the most common. Use a thermometer and space out batches to regulate and maintain a temperature at 375 degrees.

    How can I keep fried onions crispy?

    These crispy fried onions really are the best when they are hot and fresh. You can make them a little bit in advance and store in an airtight container with a towel to absorb any excess oil. Before serving, throw them in the oven at 325 for about 5-10 minutes to reheat.

    How do you cut thin onion strings?

    Peel the onion and cut it half through the root. Laying the cut side down on cutting board, slice the onions into half-moons. Use your hands to break apart the layers and let them soak in a bowl with the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.

    Why do you soak onions in buttermilk?

    The methionine and cystine compounds in onions that makes your eyes water also makes the onions taste sharp. Soaking the onions in buttermilk dissolves the chemicals to make the onions tastier. It also gives the batter something to cling to.

    Cookbook cover of Chicken and Rice casserole. The cookbook is titled Weeknight Supper Solutions

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    PS. If you make this recipe, leave a COMMENT AND A STAR RATING in the comments section at the bottom and be sure to take a photo and tag it #cravingcreative on Instagram! I appreciate you for taking the time to read about me and my family recipes. 

    Fried onion strings in a cast iron pan with wood background..

    Crispy Onion Strings

    Highlighted by a Sweet smoky flavor, these onion strings might just be the easiest appetizer ever. Made with sweet onions and fried to golden brown perfection in minutes, these crispy bites are so easy!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 minute
    Total Time: 6 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 340kcal
    Author: Rachel
    Cost: $3

    Equipment

    • 1 Large Pot for Frying

    Ingredients

    Fried Onion Strings

    • 1 Medium Vidalia or Sweet Onion cut into very thin strips
    • 2 Cups All-purpose Flour
    • ½ Cup Buttermilk
    • ½ Cup BBQ sauce
    • salt and pepper
    • Vegetable Oil for Frying

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, stir BBQ sauce and buttermilk until smooth. Add onions. For best results, soak onions overnight or at least 30 minutes.
    • In a pot with a thermometer, heat two inches of oil to 375°F.
    • Put flour in a separate bowl. Strain onions from buttermilk BBQ marinade. Toss onions in flour until well coated. Transfer to plate and lightly salt and pepper to your preference.
    • Add onions directly to hot oil. If necessary, gently break apart with tongs. Cook until golden brown, about 1 minute for very thin onions.

    Notes

    • You need a good-sized pot or Dutch oven with at least 2 inches of oil. Use a thermometer like this one to heat to 375 degrees.
    • Fry onion strings for 1 minute depending on thickness. They should be golden in color, not dark or burned.
    • Don’t overcrowd the oil.
    • Because these cook so quickly, I recommend using fresh or well strained oil.
    • The oil temperature will decrease when you add a batch. Let it come back up to 375 degrees between batches.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 340kcal
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