Tennessee Onions

• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

How to Make Tennessee Onions

1. Prepare the Onions

Start by peeling and slicing your onions into thin rings. You can cut them about 1/4 inch thick—thin enough that they’ll cook evenly and crisp up nicely, but thick enough to maintain some structure.

2. Soak in Buttermilk

Place your onion rings in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let the onions soak for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the batter stick to the onions and also makes them softer and sweeter.

3. Prepare the Breading

In another bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.

4. Coat the Onions

After the onions have soaked in the buttermilk, it’s time to coat them. Working in small batches, take the soaked onion rings and dredge them in the flour mixture. Press the mixture lightly into the onions to ensure they are well-coated, then set them aside on a plate.

5. Heat the Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C) to fry the onions. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small piece of the batter into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

6. Fry the Onions

Carefully drop the breaded onion rings into the hot oil in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the onions for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked onions from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. Season and Serve

While the onions are still hot, season them with a pinch of salt to taste. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Tennessee Onions

Tennessee Onions are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some creative ideas for serving them:

• As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside Southern favorites like fried chicken, pulled pork, or BBQ ribs. They add the perfect crunch and flavor to complement the richness of these dishes.
• On Burgers: Top your burgers with a handful of crispy Tennessee Onions for an extra layer of flavor and texture. They pair wonderfully with beef, chicken, or veggie burgers.
• In Salads: Add a crispy element to your salads by using Tennessee Onions as a topping. They pair well with mixed greens, coleslaw, or even potato salad.
• As a Snack: If you’re craving something savory, serve Tennessee Onions as a standalone snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
• In Tacos: Add crispy onions to tacos for a burst of crunch and flavor. They work especially well with pulled pork, beef, or grilled chicken tacos.

Tips for the Perfect Tennessee Onions

• Thin slices: The thinner the slices, the crispier the onions will be. Try to slice the onions evenly for a uniform texture.
• Soaking: Don’t skip the buttermilk soak. It helps tenderize the onions and makes the batter stick better.
• Temperature control: Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the onions properly. If the oil is too cool, the onions will become greasy instead of crispy.
• Use a thermometer: If you’re serious about frying, invest in a thermometer to ensure the oil is the right temperature for frying.
• Season after frying: Always season your onions immediately after frying while they’re still hot to enhance the flavor.

Conclusion

Tennessee Onions are a delicious and irresistible treat that perfectly embodies the flavors of Southern cuisine. With their crispy, golden coating and savory onion flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, topping your favorite burger, or enjoying them as a snack, these fried onions are sure to please any crowd.

So the next time you’re looking for something simple yet flavorful to add to your meal, try making Tennessee Onions. With just a few ingredients and some easy steps, you’ll have a dish that’s warm, crispy, and full of Southern charm.