Tobacco Onions - An Onion Side Dish Recipe | Greedy Gourmet (2024)

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- By Michelle Minnaar
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A ridiculously tasty side, tobacco onions are so much more than a standard onion dish. Like onion rings but with a whole new level of flavour, just one mouthful and you’ll be hooked.

Tobacco Onions - An Onion Side Dish Recipe | Greedy Gourmet (1)

They’re certainly as addictive as their namesake, but without the downside. So, fry up these bad boys and dig in. Once you get a taste you’ll be reaching for more.

Items you’ll need for this recipe

  • Deep fat fryer – deep frying the onions will get them extra crispy.
  • Deep frying pan – you could also use a deep frying pan.
  • Vegetable oil – vegetable oil is the best oil to use for this recipe.
  • Mixing bowl – you’ll need two mixing bowls: one for coating the onions in flour and the other to prepare the spice mix
  • Plain flour – you’ll need to dust the onions in flour to get that nice crispy texture.
  • Paper towels – you’ll need to use paper towels to remove excess grease.
  • Cayenne peppercayenne pepper gives these crispy tobacco onions an earthy flavor.
  • Sweet paprika – sweet paprika also brings a nice earthy spiciness.
  • Garlic granules – add some garlic granules to make this crispy side extra tasty.
Tobacco Onions - An Onion Side Dish Recipe | Greedy Gourmet (2)

Recipe for tobacco onions

This tobacco onion recipe is so simple you’ll be wondering why you’ve never tried it before. Well, better late than never!

A smokin’ side dish that’s made up of a few simple ingredients, crispy tobacco onions go perfectly on the plate alongside steak, burgers, chops – pretty much any kind of rich tasty meat dish will be taken to new heights by tobacco fried onions.

Making this recipe is so simple. It’s just a matter of heating the oil in the fryer - or saucepan if you haven’t got one - finely slicing the onions, coating them in the delicious seasoning mix and deep frying them until crispy and golden brown.

Tobacco Onions - An Onion Side Dish Recipe | Greedy Gourmet (3)

What are tobacco onions?

So, they look and sound great, but what are they? They are crispy deep fried onions, seasoned with a few spices, salt, pepper and sometimes garlic.

Why are they called tobacco onions?

The name was coined as far back as the 1980s by famous chef Dean Fearing. While working at the Mansion restaurant on Turtle Creek in Dallas, Texas, he named the recipe because the curly, brown, dried onions looked like dried tobacco leaves.

How do you store tobacco onions?

If you have leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge for around 3–5 days. Just keep them in an airtight container, for extra freshness.

How do you reheat tobacco onions?

To reheat leftovers, preheat the oven to 190°C / fan 170°C / 375°F / gas mark 5. The heat for 10-15 minutes, or until properly heated through.

What goes well with tobacco onions?

  • Sous vide beef cheeks – a melt in your mouth beef recipe that will taste amazing with this side dish.
  • Beef fillet with garlic and mushroom butter – another mouthwatering side that will taste incredible with these smoky onions.
  • Minted lamb burgers – a supremely tasty burger dish that will taste even better with smoky fried onions on the side.
  • Lamb noisettes with rosemary sauce – a stunning lamb dish that would pair fantastically well with this smokin’ side.
  • Butternut and chickpea burger – pair this crispy side with a delicious butternut and chickpea burger for an incredible vegetarian meal.
  • Roast marrow - to add some greens to your plate.
  • Parmentier potatoes - no one can say no to herby, crispy potatoes!
  • Rosemary potatoes - hasselback new potatoes cooked with olive oil, garlic and rosemary until golden and crispy.
  • Salt and pepper chips - Crispy homemade fries tossed with a flavorful blend of salt, pepper, and other seasonings, perfect for a delicious snack or side dish.
Tobacco Onions - An Onion Side Dish Recipe | Greedy Gourmet (4)

More onion recipes

  • Caramelised onions – an amazing dish with a rich, sweet flavour.
  • Balsamic onions – this sweet tangy side goes with everything from cheese to pate, or as a delicious burger topping.

Perfect dip accompaniments

  • pakora sauce
  • harissa aioli
  • cucumber raita
  • chilli and lime yoghurt dip
  • tzatziki
  • cacik

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📖 Recipe

Tobacco Onions - An Onion Side Dish Recipe | Greedy Gourmet (5)

Tobacco Onions

★★★★★5 from 1 review
  • Author: Michelle Minnaar
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Tobacco Onions comprise a sliced large onion soaked in buttermilk. Drenched in a spicy flour mixture it is then fried until golden and crispy. Perfect for dipping!

Ingredients

UnitsScale

Instructions

  1. Soak the onion rings in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour if time permits.
  2. Drain the onions in a colander.
  3. Mix the flour, sugar, chilli, garlic, coffee, cumin, coriander and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Heat the oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot to 190°C/375°F using a kitchen thermometer. You can test it by placing the end of a wooden spoon into the oil. If bubbles form around the stick and float up, it’s ready.
  5. Toss multiple onions rings at a time in the flour mixture and lower them gently into the bubbling oil and push the onion away from you to prevent dangerous splattering.
  6. Fry until crispy and golden brown, which would take about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Lift the onions out with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper towels.
  8. Continue to fry the onions in batches until everything is finished. Tip: you can keep the fried onions warm by placing in the oven at a low temperature.
  9. Serve immediately with ketchup or your favourite dips, such harissa aioli. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Find the absolute largest onion you can find, roughly weighing about 450g (1lbs). If you can’t get hold of one, use two medium ones.
  • For a gluten-free version, use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • You can reuse the buttermilk for other applications, such as for a marinade base or for tenderizing purposes.
  • If you have a wok, you can use it instead of the pot.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Deep Fry
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: tobacco onions, crispy onion rings, spicy onion rings, onion side dish, deep friend onions

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Make my day! - Share your thoughts...

  1. Dan

    Made these for the first time last. Delicious, better than restaurant.

    Reply

  2. Rob

    I had never thought to use onions this way, taste was absolutely flawless thanks Michelle

    Reply

    • Michelle Minnaar

      Thanks Rob! Try them with burgers or potatoes, both work very well with these!

      Reply

  3. Keira Ball

    WOW. Quick and tasty dish.

    Reply

Tobacco Onions - An Onion Side Dish Recipe | Greedy Gourmet (2024)

FAQs

Are tobacco onions and crispy onions the same? ›

These moreish crispy onions, often referred to as 'tobacco onions' and made from freshly sliced onion, coated in seasoned flour and cooked in rapeseed oil. They are the perfect complement to many meals, salads or sandwiches and also be eaten as a snack.

Why are they called tobacco onions? ›

Why are they called tobacco onions? The name was coined as far back as the 1980s by famous chef Dean Fearing. While working at the Mansion restaurant on Turtle Creek in Dallas, Texas, he named the recipe because the curly, brown, dried onions looked like dried tobacco leaves.

How to heat tobacco onions? ›

Ready to eat. Oven heat for 1-2 minutes or 30 seconds in the microwave.

What are two things for which onions serve as an ingredient? ›

Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that may reduce your risk of heart disease by fighting inflammation and lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels. They contain a large amount of quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that may help lower high blood pressure .

Can you eat crispy fried onions as a snack? ›

Why wouldn't you give into the lure of a little extra crunch, fat, and flavor? Honestly, you can just eat a handful of them as a snack. The difference between chips and croutons and canned fried onions is just a societal construct.

Why do chefs punch onions? ›

1. Knives Make Onions More Bitter: Some believe that the metals in the knife will create a chemical reaction with the juices of the vegetable, causing it to taste bitter. Then again, bruising the onion does the same thing because of oxidation.

What is the Devil's onion? ›

Allium diabolense, common name serpentine onion or devil's onion is a species of wild onion endemic to central California, where it is known from the Coast Ranges and the Transverse Ranges.

What nationality eats a lot of onions? ›

World Consumption

Libya has the highest consumption of onions with an astounding average per capita consumption of 66.8 pounds.

Does Aldi sell crispy onions? ›

Flame Grilled Flavour Crispy Onions 95g ONiT!

Where can I get tobacco onions? ›

Milgro Crispy Tobacco Onions 75g (Serves 2) | Sainsbury's.

Is heated tobacco good or bad for you? ›

Even though heated tobacco products may perhaps be less harmful for smokers they nevertheless remain both harmful and highly addictive, and there may be a risk that smokers will switch to heated tobacco products instead of quitting. ERS cannot recommend any product damaging the lungs and human health.

What is the tastiest onion? ›

Vidalia, Walla Walla, Cipollini varieties are inherently sweet onions. These varieties have become extremely popular and for good reason. They are good cooked but they are very mild and are excellent eaten raw. These varieties of onion have a thinner husk and therefore don't store as well as wintering onions.

What makes onions taste better? ›

Soak in Vinegar: It only takes about 15 minutes. Soaking raw onions in acid rinses away the harsh flavors and adds pleasant tartness. Soak in Water: Even water washes away those pesky sulfuric flavors. A quick 15-minute soak does the trick.

Which herb would you use to add an onion flavor to your dish? ›

Thyme. Thyme is an amazing herb for onion dishes. It packs a big punch for such a tiny leaf, easily holding its own with the stronger flavor of even wild onions like in thyme onion and Roquefort tarts. Or, use thyme to bring depth to a simple onion quiche, or onion-flavored bread.

Are crispy onions the same as French fried onions? ›

Crisp fried onions

Crispy deep fried onions are called "French fried onions" in Southern cooking of the United States. Smaller and irregularly shaped (from being deep-fried until they are crunchy) onions are an integral part of the American dish green bean casserole.

What is the difference between caramelized onions and fried onions? ›

Sautéing is the best for when you want a soft texture and a mild onion flavor, such as the base for soups or sauces. In contrast, caramelizing onions is a more time-intensive process. Still, it transforms the onions into a deep brown jam, reaching a level of sweetness that sautéed onions just don't achieve.

Where would crispy onions be in the grocery store? ›

French fried onions are usually found in the condiments section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

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