Buttermilk Fried Onion Rings
This is a classic Southern-style recipe for buttermilk fried onion rings, with an extra flavor boost from the fennel, paprika and hot sauce. Make sure your oil is up to temperature while frying and you’ll end up with the crispy, crunchy onion rings of your dreams.
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Buttermilk Fried Onion Rings
Ingredients
- 2 large Vidalia or sweet onions
- 2 quarts peanut oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground fennel seed
- Salt and pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce, such as Crystal
Instructions
Cut the onions into roughly ½-inch thick slices. Separate the slices into rings, reserving the smallest inner rings for another use.
In a large heavy pot or wok, heat oil to 375 degrees F.
Whisk together the flour, paprika and fennel seed. Season well with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk and hot sauce.
Working in batches, dip the onion rings into the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the egg wash, again allowing the excess to drip off. Dip the rings back into the flour and place in the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown. Let rest on a paper towel and season with sea salt. Repeat until the onions are done.
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Photograph by Madeleine Hill.
