Ingredients:

For the Onion Fritters:

• 2 large onions (500g), thinly sliced
• 60g carrot, julienned
• 40g green onions, chopped
• 120g all-purpose flour
• 30g corn starch
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1/3 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/3 tbsp salt
• 1/2 tbsp baking powder
• 180ml sparkling water (cold)
• Cooking oil for frying

For the Sriracha Mayonnaise Sauce:

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
• 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Peel and thinly slice the onions into rings or strips, depending on your preference.
• Julienne the carrots into thin strips and finely chop the green onions.
• Set all the vegetables aside in a large bowl.

2. Make the Batter:

• In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, corn starch, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and baking powder.
• Gradually add the sparkling water to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to form a smooth batter. The sparkling water helps create a light and crispy texture.
• The batter should be slightly thick but still easy to coat the vegetables. If needed, adjust with more water or flour for consistency.

3. Coat the Vegetables:

• Add the prepared onions, carrots, and green onions to the batter, ensuring they are well-coated.
• Mix everything gently to avoid breaking the onion slices.

4. Fry the Fritters:

• Heat cooking oil in a deep pan or fryer to medium heat, around 170-180°C (340-360°F).
• Once the oil is hot, gently drop spoonfuls of the vegetable mixture into the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
• Fry the fritters for 5-8 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden and crispy.
• Remove the fritters and drain them on paper towels.
• For extra crispiness, fry the fritters again for an additional 3-5 minutes.

5. Prepare the Sriracha Mayonnaise Sauce:

• In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste if you prefer a spicier or tangier sauce.

6. Serve:

• Serve the crispy onion fritters hot, with the Sriracha mayonnaise sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra chopped green onions or herbs if desired.

Cooking Tips:

• Sparkling Water: Using cold sparkling water helps keep the batter light and airy, resulting in a crispier texture. If you don’t have sparkling water, cold regular water can be used, but the result may not be as crispy.
• Double Frying: The double frying technique ensures that the fritters stay crispy for longer. After the first fry, let them cool slightly before frying again for the ultimate crunch.
• Seasoning: You can adjust the amount of onion powder, garlic powder, and other spices to suit your taste. If you want an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Onion fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the fritters in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
• Freezing: If you plan to freeze the fritters, do so after the first fry. Once cooled, freeze in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Re-fry them directly from frozen for best results.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 250 mg

FAQs:

1. Can I use other vegetables besides onions?
   • Yes! You can add or substitute vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes to the batter for variety.
2. Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?
   • Yes, you can bake them at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy, though they may not be as crunchy as fried.
3. What can I use instead of Sriracha for the sauce?
   • If you don’t have Sriracha, you can use any hot sauce, like Tabasco or chili paste. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
4. Can I make the batter in advance?
   • It’s best to prepare the batter fresh. However, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and just add the sparkling water when you’re ready to fry.

Conclusion:

Crispy onion fritters paired with tangy Sriracha mayonnaise sauce make for a delightful and flavorful snack that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make dish comes together with simple ingredients and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or party food. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something crispy and savory, these onion fritters are sure to satisfy your cravings. Serve them hot and watch them disappear!