Allergen Info
Crispy fried onions: the ultimate topping to elevate any dish! These golden, crunchy delights are the star of our vegan green bean casserole, but their versatility makes them perfect for so much more. Whether you’re adding them to a casserole, sprinkling them over soups, or snacking on them straight from the container (we won’t judge), this recipe delivers that perfect crisp without any dairy, wheat, or common allergens. Let’s dive into this simple, satisfying recipe for homemade crispy onions you’ll find yourself making on repeat.
Why You’ll Love It
- Irresistibly Crunchy: Perfectly crispy every time, with a satisfying golden-brown finish.
- Allergy-Friendly: Made with oat milk and cornstarch, this recipe avoids major allergens without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile: Works as a topping, snack, or even as a crunchy addition to your favorite salad or sandwich.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen!
Ways to Use Crispy Fried Onions
Crispy fried onions are incredibly versatile! Here are just a few ideas:
- Vegan Green Bean Casserole: These crispy fried onions are the perfect finishing touch to our allergy-friendly take on this classic dish.
- Soups: Sprinkle crispy fried onions over creamy or brothy soups for an added crunch.
- Salads: Add texture and flavor to leafy greens or grain-based salads.
- Burgers and Sandwiches: Layer crispy fried onions for an extra flavor boost.
- Rice or Noodles: Top stir-fries, biryanis, or ramen bowls with crispy fried onions for a pop of flavor.
- Snacking: Let’s be honest—homemade crispy onions are dangerously snackable on their own!
Turn Up the Fun: Onion Rings Remix
Feeling fancy? With just a few easy tweaks, you can transform these crispy fried onions into irresistibly crunchy onion rings!
- Slice Thicker: Go for 1/4-inch rings and separate each layer for perfect frying.
- Marinate Longer: Extend the soak in oat milk, lemon juice, and salt to up to 2 hours for extra flavor.
- Double Dip, Double Crunch: Dip rings into the cornstarch, back into the oat milk mixture, and again into the cornstarch for a thicker coating.
- Spice It Up: Add paprika, garlic powder, or a touch of cayenne to the cornstarch for a flavor kick.
- Fry Like a Pro: Keep the oil at 350°F and fry in small batches for the ultimate crisp.
Serve them as a snack, pair them with dips, or make them the star of your next meal—these onion rings are guaranteed to impress!
Why Homemade Crispy Fried Onions Beat Store-Bought
There’s no comparison between these homemade crispy onions and the kind you find at the store. Here’s why:
- Freshness: Homemade onions are fried fresh, so they’re ultra-crispy and flavorful without that stale, greasy aftertaste.
- Allergy-Friendly: You control the ingredients, ensuring they’re free of dairy, wheat, and other allergens.
- Customizable: Adjust the flavor with spices, salt, or even herbs to suit your taste.
- No Preservatives: Just pure, real ingredients—no weird additives or chemicals.
- More Bang for Your Buck: You’ll get a big batch of crispy goodness for a fraction of the cost.
That said, we know life gets busy, and if you need to grab a store-bought option, there’s no judgment—we do it too! Sometimes convenience wins, and that’s okay.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Onions
- Slice Thinly: Use a sharp knife or mandolin for evenly thin slices.
- Marinate for Flavor: The oat milk, lemon juice, and salt work together to firm up the onions while dulling the onion’s sharpness. The marinade also gives the batter extra depth of flavor.
- Heat the Oil Properly: Ensure your oil is at 350°F for the perfect fry. Too hot, and they’ll burn; too cool, and they’ll be soggy.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Season Immediately: Sprinkle a little salt on the onions while they’re still warm for the best flavor.
Accommodations for Your Allergies
Let’s break down the key ingredients that make these crispy fried onions so special—and how you can tweak them for your dietary needs.
- Onions: The star of the show! Yellow or sweet onions work best for this recipe, as they balance sweetness and flavor. Red onions can also be used for a more robust taste and a pop of color.
- Oat Milk: This dairy-free option adds moisture and helps firm up the onions. It’s also mild in flavor, letting the onions shine.
- Allergy Modification: Replace oat milk with rice milk, almond milk, or soy-free coconut milk for those with oat sensitivities.
- Lemon Juice: Adds tang and works with the oat milk to marinate the onions. This helps them stay tender inside while getting crispy on the outside.
- Allergy Modification: Lime juice or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- Cornstarch: The secret to that light, crispy coating! It creates the perfect texture without overpowering the onion’s flavor.
- Allergy Modification: Use tapioca starch, arrowroot powder, or potato starch if you need a corn-free option.
- Oil for Frying: A neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil works best for frying. These oils withstand high heat without smoking. Tallow can also be used if avoiding seed oils.
By understanding the role of each ingredient, you can confidently make substitutions to fit your dietary preferences or restrictions while still achieving perfectly crispy fried onions!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup oat milk (check label to ensure it’s gluten-free)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 medium onion, sliced into long, thin strands (1/8-inch thick, 1.5–2.5 inches long)
- 1 cup starch powder (cornstarch, arrowroot powder, etc.)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Neutral frying oil (vegetable oil, canola oil, or tallow if avoiding seed oils)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Slice the onion into thin strands about 1/8-inch thick. The strands can vary in length but should be no shorter than 1 inch, with 2 inches being an ideal length.
Step 2: Create the Soaking Mixture
In a large bowl, combine oat milk, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well.
Step 3: Soak the Onions
Add the sliced onions to the oat milk mixture. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour or more. The lemon juice will reduce the onion’s sharpness while the onions infuse the oat milk with flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Onions
Add starch powder to the bowl with the soaked onions. Stir until a thin batter forms, lightly coating each onion strand. If the mixture seems too runny, add additional starch, one teaspoon at a time, until the batter thickens slightly.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Heat frying oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F.
Step 6: Fry the Onions
Carefully add small clumps of the coated onions to the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure the onions fry up light and crispy.
Step 7: Drain and Cool
Transfer the crispy fried onions to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Ultimate Crispy Fried Onions
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat milk check label to ensure it’s gluten-free
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 medium onion sliced into long, thin strands (1/8-inch thick, 1.5–2.5 inches long)
- 1 cup starch powder cornstarch, arrowroot powder, etc.
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Neutral frying oil vegetable oil, canola oil, or tallow if avoiding seed oils
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Slice the onion into thin strands about 1/8-inch thick. The strands can vary in length but should be no shorter than 1 inch, with 2 inches being an ideal length.
- Create the Soaking Mixture: In a large bowl, combine oat milk, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well.
- Soak the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the oat milk mixture. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour or more. The lemon juice will reduce the onion’s sharpness while the onions infuse the oat milk with flavor.
- Coat the Onions: Add starch powder to the bowl with the soaked onions. Stir until a thin batter forms, lightly coating each onion strand. If the mixture seems too runny, add additional starch, one teaspoon at a time, until the batter thickens slightly.
- Heat the Oil: Heat frying oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F.
- Fry the Onions: Carefully add small clumps of the coated onions to the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure the onions fry up light and crispy.
- Drain and Cool: Transfer the fried onions to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Share the Crispy Onion Love
We can’t wait to see how you use these crispy fried onions! Whether they’re topping a casserole, jazzing up a salad, or snacking straight from the bowl, your creativity inspires us. Head over to our Instagram for more allergy-friendly creations.
