Tennessee Onions are a delicious and savory dish, often made by frying thinly sliced onions with a crunchy coating. They’re a perfect side dish or appetizer to complement any meal, with a bit of southern flair! Here’s a simple recipe for crispy, flavorful Tennessee Onions:
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions (yellow or white), thinly sliced into rings
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Soak the onions: Place the sliced onion rings in a large bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to an hour. This helps tenderize the onions and adds flavor.
- Prepare the coating: In another bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small bit of flour into it—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Coat the onion rings: Take the soaked onion rings out of the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge the onion rings in the flour mixture, coating them evenly.
- Fry the onions: Carefully drop the coated onion rings into the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Serve: Once all the onion rings are fried, sprinkle them with a little extra salt if desired and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or a spicy mayo.
These Tennessee Onions are crispy, flavorful, and make for a fantastic snack or side dish. Enjoy!