So simple, so delicious, and perfect as a side, topping, or snack.
Table of Contents
When it comes to sides there are a few items that always come to mind for people, French fries, mashed potatoes, and my favorite, onion rings. My entire life I enjoyed onions, red onions, yellow onions, and white onions, whether they are raw, grilled, caramelized, or fried, onions have a distinct flavor that I love. When I go to a barbecue restaurant, I would always look to see what fried onion side they were offering because nothing complements the sweet smokey flavor of barbecue sauce like a salty, crispy, onion – especially these onion straws.
Onion straws have been around for decades, for years I would see “crispy onions” on menus at steak houses and barbecue restaurants, but in the last few decades the phrase onion straws has taken over and can be seen at a variety of other restaurants including sports bars and neighborhood grills. You will find onion straws on salad bars and buffets, you will see onion straws in so many places that it is inevitable that eventually you will just want them at home. I like to have onion straws as a snack on their own, similar to potato chips, you can just enjoy a pinch at a time. Even celebrity chefs like “The Pioneer Woman” Ree Drummond began talking about onion straws no longer just as a topping but as a side or snack. With a flavor that is the perfect blend of salty, sweet, and smokey, onion straws are an ideal complement to most foods.
Are Onion Straws Healthy?
Healthy is a relative term. Are any fried foods healthy? On a base level, no, but enjoyed in moderation, even fried foods can have their healthy qualities. Onions themselves have been proven to aid in general digestive health.
This onion straw recipe is also easily made vegan by simply trading out the buttermilk for a plant-based alternative like oat milk or almond milk, allowing even your vegan friends to enjoy the delicious crunch.
What Are The Best Onions For Onion Straws?
The key to the perfect onion straws is the sweetness of your onion. This recipe calls for yellow onions, which when raw are slightly sweet with a balanced astringency, but when cooked, they become sweeter as they caramelize. I have personally used Vidalia and white onions at times because of their sweetness level which brings out all the salty and savory flavors from the crispy coating. While keeping the onions sweet is important, the onion itself is less important than the cut of the onion, you need to make sure your onions are cut very thin for the best results.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
INSTRUCTIONS
Soak
Tenderize onions in buttermilk.
Dredge
Coat onions in seasoned flour.
Fry
Cook until crispy, then drain.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
When you have leftover onion straws let them cool to room temperature and put them into a sealed airtight container. You can then store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you are ready to enjoy more onion straws transfer your leftovers to a baking sheet and reheat them in the oven at 425 degrees until they have once again crisped and are heated all the way through.
The key to thin, evenly cut, onions is how sharp your knife is, make sure you have a very sharp knife. Another great option is to use a mandolin slicer, where you can set your blade to the desired thickness. If you are using a mandolin, remember that they are very sharp and can easily be dangerous, keep your fingers clear of the blade at all times.
You see beer-battered onion rings and onion straws on menus all the time, it is an easy alteration to make, simply replace your buttermilk with your favorite beer – ales and pilsners are best for cooking.
Serving Suggestions
As I said earlier nothing complements an onion straw as well as the sweet smokiness of Homemade Barbecue Sauce. You can easily use onion straws as a topping on these Cajun Burgers or a Keto Steak with Garlic Butter Mushrooms to not only add a delicious crunch and saltiness but also to soak up the juices from the beef.
Ingredients
- 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Soak the thinly sliced onions in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
- Dredge the soaked onion slices in the flour mixture until well coated.
- Fry the coated onions in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the fried onion straws to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve the onion straws immediately while hot and crispy.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment