These crispy onion fritters are a delightful appetizer or snack, featuring thinly sliced onions coated in a light, bubbly batter and fried to golden perfection. The addition of sparkling water to the batter creates a light and airy texture, while the sriracha mayonnaise dip adds a spicy and creamy kick. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a tasty treat at home.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Onion Fritters:
- 2 large onions (approximately 1 kg total), sliced into thin rings
- 60 g (about 1/2 cup) carrots, finely grated
- 40 g (about 1/4 cup) green onions, thinly sliced
- 120 g (about 1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 30 g (about 1/4 cup) cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/3 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/3 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
- 180 ml (about 3/4 cup) sparkling water, chilled
- Cooking oil (vegetable or canola), for frying
For the Sriracha Mayonnaise Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Prepare the Onion Fritters:
- Prepare the Onions and Vegetables:
- Peel the onions and slice them into thin rings, about 1/4-inch thick. Separate the rings.
- Finely grate the carrots.
- Thinly slice the green onions.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add the sliced onions, grated carrots and sliced green onions into the dry ingredient mixture.
- Prepare the Batter:
- Pour the chilled sparkling water into the dry ingredient mixture. Stir gently until a smooth batter forms. Do not overmix.
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour enough cooking oil into a deep frying pan or pot to reach a depth of about 2-3 inches.
- Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 170°C-180°C (340°F-355°F). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature.
- Fry the Fritters (First Fry):
- Dip the onion rings into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Carefully place the battered onion rings into the hot oil, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry for 5-8 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on a wire rack or plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Fry the Fritters (Second Fry):
- Increase heat slightly, to about 180°C.
- Place the partially fried fritters back into the hot oil for 3-5 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fritters from the oil and place them back on the wire rack or plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Prepare the Sriracha Mayonnaise Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy onion fritters hot with the sriracha mayonnaise dipping sauce.
Nutritional Facts:
(Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 350-450 kcal
- Protein: 5-8g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Fiber: 3-5g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Crispy and Flavorful: The double-frying technique creates extra crispy fritters.
- Spicy and Creamy Dip: The sriracha mayonnaise adds a perfect balance of heat and creaminess.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties and gatherings.
Health Benefits of:
- Onions: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
- Carrots: Provide vitamin A and fiber.
Serving Suggestions of:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack.
- Pair with burgers or sandwiches.
- Enjoy with other dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue sauce.
Tips:
- Chill the Sparkling Water: Chilled sparkling water helps create a light and airy batter.
- Control Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature for even cooking and crispy fritters.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the fritters in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
- Double Fry: The double-frying technique ensures extra crispiness.
Variations to Try:
- Add Spices: Add other spices like chili powder or cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Use Different Dips: Experiment with other dipping sauces like aioli or honey mustard.
- Add Cheese: Grated parmesan cheese can be added into the batter.
- Use Other Vegetables: You can add bell peppers or other vegetables into the batter.
Conclusion:
These crispy onion fritters with sriracha mayonnaise dip are a delicious and addictive treat perfect for any occasion. With their golden exterior and spicy, creamy dip, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and find your favorite combination.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use regular water instead of sparkling water?
- Sparkling water provides a lighter, airier texture, but regular water can be used.
- Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?
- Baking will not achieve the same crispy texture as frying.
- How do I keep the fritters crispy?
- Double frying and draining excess oil on a wire rack helps maintain crispiness.
- Can I make the batter ahead of time?
- It’s best to make the batter just before frying to maintain its lightness.
- Can I use a different hot sauce?
- Yes, you can use any hot sauce of your choice.
- How do I store leftover fritters?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for best results.
- Can I add other herbs into the batter?
- Yes, chopped parsley or cilantro can be added.