Bloomin Onion Recipe Vegan Style Made Easy and Delicious

Who doesn’t love the iconic bloomin’ onion? That crispy, golden, and flavorful appetizer is a restaurant favorite, but did you know you can easily make a vegan version at home?

This recipe takes the classic bloomin’ onion and transforms it into a plant-based delight that’s just as crispy and delicious as the original. Using a large sweet onion and a perfectly seasoned batter, this vegan bloomin’ onion is ideal for sharing or enjoying as a fun snack.

Plus, it’s fried to perfection, making it irresistibly crunchy on the outside while tender and flavorful on the inside. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to try a healthier alternative, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds!

Ready to dive into this tasty dish? Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan bloomin’ onion recipe offers all the indulgence of the original without any animal products. It’s perfect for anyone craving a crispy, savory treat that’s both satisfying and easy to make at home.

The batter is packed with spices that add a zingy kick, and the frying process ensures a golden crust that holds up well to dipping sauces. Plus, it’s a great dish to serve at parties or family gatherings because it looks impressive and is fun to eat.

What’s more, this recipe uses pantry staples and is entirely customizable to suit your spice preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your meal rotation!

If you enjoy this, you might also like our Cheese Penny Recipe or our creamy Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a full meal experience.

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Vegetable oil for frying (enough for deep frying)

Equipment

• Large deep frying pan or deep fryer
• Sharp knife (for cutting the onion)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Cooling rack or paper towels (for draining oil)
• Thermometer (optional but recommended to check oil temperature)

Instructions

1. Prepare the onion: Peel the large sweet onion and cut off the top (stem end). Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board. Carefully slice the onion from the top down into 12-16 even sections, stopping about 1/2 inch from the bottom so the petals stay attached. Gently separate the petals to create the blooming effect.
2. Make the vegan buttermilk: In a small bowl, combine the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Prepare the dry batter mix: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
4. Coat the onion: Dip the onion into the vegan buttermilk, making sure to get the liquid between all the petals. Then transfer it to the dry batter mix and generously coat all petals, pressing the flour mixture in between each segment to cover thoroughly. For extra crunch, you can dip it back into the buttermilk and then into the dry mix again for a double coating.
5. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into your deep frying pan or deep fryer to a depth of about 3-4 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature for best results.
6. Fry the onion: Carefully place the coated onion into the hot oil, cut side down. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then carefully flip and fry the top side for an additional 3-4 minutes. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to handle the onion gently.
7. Drain and serve: Remove the onion from the oil and place it on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it cool slightly before serving.
8. Optional dipping sauce: Pair your vegan bloomin’ onion with a creamy vegan ranch or a spicy chipotle sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Tips & Variations

“To get that perfect crispy crust, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan.”

• Spice it up: Adjust the cayenne pepper or add chili powder to the batter for a spicier version.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use a gluten-free cornstarch alternative.
• Air fryer version: For a healthier option, you can air fry the onion at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray generously with oil to ensure crispiness.
• Different onions: If you can’t find sweet onions, large yellow onions also work well.
• Dipping sauces: Try pairing with vegan garlic aioli or a tangy BBQ sauce for variety.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

A vegan bloomin’ onion is best served hot and crispy, straight from the fryer. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces like vegan ranch, chipotle mayo, or even a smoky BBQ sauce.

For a complete appetizer platter, serve alongside celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

For those looking for a full meal, consider serving it with a hearty vegan chili, such as our Chili Recipe New Mexico, or a refreshing dessert like our Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe. These combinations make a perfect menu for entertaining or a cozy night in.

Conclusion

This vegan bloomin’ onion recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a plant-based twist. It’s crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home, allowing you to customize the seasoning and spice level to your liking.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply curious about trying new recipes, this dish offers a fun, shareable treat that’s sure to impress.

By using simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring the excitement of a restaurant appetizer right into your kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with dipping sauces and spice blends to make it uniquely yours.

For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, check out our collection including the rich Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe and the savory Chicken Shrimp And Broccoli Recipes (vegan options available!).

Happy cooking and enjoy your vegan bloomin’ onion adventure!

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