Tennessee Onions Recipe

Instructions for Making Tennessee Onions

1. Prepare the Onions: Start by peeling and slicing the onions into 1/2-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and place them in a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the onions, making sure all the rings are covered. Let the onions soak in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This will not only enhance the flavor but also make the onions more tender when fried.
2. Make the Breading: In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and cornmeal. The cornmeal adds an extra level of crunch that’s key to achieving the perfect crispy texture. Mix everything together until it’s well incorporated.
3. Coat the Onions: Once the onions have soaked in the buttermilk, remove a few at a time and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each onion ring is fully coated, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks. For extra crunch, you can dip the onions back into the buttermilk and coat them in the flour mixture a second time.
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to reach a temperature of about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small bit of breading into the oil to test if it sizzles and bubbles.
5. Fry the Onions: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated onion rings in the oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the onions for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip the onions as they cook.
6. Drain and Serve: Once the onions are fried to perfection, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool for a minute or two.
7. Enjoy: Serve the Tennessee Onions hot, and enjoy the crispy, savory goodness! They’re perfect as an appetizer on their own, or you can pair them with burgers, sandwiches, or even fried chicken for a truly southern-inspired meal.

Tips for Perfect Tennessee Onions

• Use fresh, sweet onions: Yellow onions are perfect for this recipe because they have the right balance of sweetness and flavor when fried. Avoid using overly strong onions, as they may become too sharp when fried.
• Don’t skimp on the buttermilk soak: The buttermilk soak helps to tenderize the onions and allows the coating to stick better. If you’re short on time, let them soak for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, an hour is even better.
• Fry in batches: Frying too many onion rings at once can lower the temperature of the oil, making them greasy instead of crispy. Fry in small batches for the best texture.
• Customize the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. You can add more paprika for smokiness, increase the cayenne for extra heat, or even try adding a pinch of brown sugar for a sweet contrast.

Why Tennessee Onions Are a Must-Try

These Tennessee Onions are the perfect balance of crispy, crunchy, and savory. The seasoned coating pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the onions, and the buttermilk soak ensures that each ring is tender on the inside. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or as a side dish with your favorite southern meals, they’re sure to become a hit at your table.

The best part? They’re easy to make, and you can customize them to fit your taste preferences. So the next time you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and downright delicious, give these Tennessee Onions a try. They’re guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy!

Final Thoughts

From their golden, crispy texture to the savory seasoning, Tennessee Onions are the perfect comfort food to add to your meal rotation. These flavorful onion rings are a true crowd-pleaser and make a great addition to any southern-inspired feast. So, grab some onions, heat up that oil, and get ready to enjoy a crispy treat that will have everyone coming back for more!