Enjoy the crispy and flavorful Vidalia Onion Straws for an appetizer or side dish. These thinly sliced onions are coated in a seasoned batter and deep-fried to perfection. The result is a delightful crunch with a sweet and tangy flavor. Perfect for complementing burgers, sandwiches, or salads, this recipe is a great way to enjoy the unique taste of Vidalia onions.
Ingredients
- 2 large Vidalia onions
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Directions
- Peel the onions and thinly slice them into rings.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl.
- Dip the onion rings into the buttermilk, then dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- In batches, carefully place the coated onion rings into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the fryer or pot.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the fried onion rings from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining onion rings.
- Serve the Vidalia Onion Straws immediately as a side dish or appetizer. Enjoy the crunchy texture and sweet onion flavor!
Interesting Facts
Vidalia onions are a specific sweet onion variety grown in Georgia, known for their mild taste and low sulfur content.
The popularity of Vidalia onions led to the creation of the Vidalia Onion Festival, which celebrates the harvest of these special onions in Georgia every year.
Deep-frying the onion rings creates a crispy texture while retaining their natural sweetness.
Vidalia Onion Straws are a popular appetizer in Southern cuisine and are commonly served with sauces like ranch dressing or chipotle mayo.