What are the Best Onions for Onion Rings?
As an appetizer, a side and (sometimes) a spectacle, onion rings are a distinctive dish, originating over 200 years ago. In fact, onion rings are so beloved that choosing lunch near you or any other meal may be determined based on their availability. Since almost 7 billion pounds of onions are grown by U.S. farmers each year, per the National Onion Association, the best onions for onion rings and the popularity of the dish itself undoubtedly contribute to this awe-inspiring number. Learn more about choosing, preparing and cooking the best onions for onion rings!
How to Choose the Best Onions for Onion Rings
In the produce department of your local grocery store, onions may seem to account for a notable portion of its landscape. As explained by Bon Appétit, different onions are often used for different purposes. With the exception of scallions and smaller onions like pearl onions, many other onions are often transformed into onion rings. However, often the best onions for onion rings are sweeter like Walla Walla onions or Spanish onions and other yellow onions. In picking out your onions for this dish, choose firm ones for freshness and ones that are larger for more onion rings per onion.
Is onion ring failure in your future just because you use a red onion or onions of variable shapes? It’s unlikely, as many factors contribute to onion ring-making success and your enjoyment. Will the flavor be different from one type of onion to another? That’s more probable. Consequently, if you like to experiment in the kitchen or grow your own onions, make trying different onion varieties part of the onion ring fun!
How to Prepare and Cook Onion Rings
While we can’t share all of our secrets, onion rings are a staple on Freddy's menu, so our guests can enjoy them as part of a combo meal or a snack any time! As highlighted at Tasting Table, achieving delicious onion rings often employs various approaches. In addition to choosing the best onions for onion rings or maybe just the ones you have in your cupboards, here are a few things to think about if you plan to make onion rings:
How thick do you want to cut your onion rings?
Your answer may depend on your preferred mouthful of onion, but around ¼–½ inch is a good place to start. For those newer to making onion rings or cooking in general, Martha Stewart provides a quick video tutorial for cutting onions for this purpose.
What kind of batter do you want to make?
Here’s where it may get personal. From the kind of flour (or alternatives) to the additional ingredients, many different approaches to the best onions for onion rings all make delicious onion rings. Also, you might opt to batter multiple times or do pre-batter preparation, like soaking the onions.
What seasonings do you plan to incorporate?
Fewer seasonings may give the onion flavor a chance to shine. A thoughtfully-curated collection of spices often enhances or pairs deliciously with the best onions for onion rings. From salt and pepper to basil and chili powder, onion rings make a versatile platform for a wide range of flavors. You might even try Freddy’s Famous Steakburger and Fry Seasoning®!
How do you want to cook your onion rings?
The answer here may be simple, depending on your available equipment. Using deep fryers and air fryers, as well as baking onion rings or pan-frying them, are all possibilities. Other cooking considerations include the type of oil that you want to use, as well as the time and temperature for making the onion rings relative to their size and cooking method.
Do you know which sauce you plan to serve with your onion rings?
For this part of your onion ring enjoyment, we offer some of the ideas from our menu! At Freddy’s, guests have many possible dips for their onion rings, including standards like ketchup or mayonnaise and more unique options like cheese sauce or ranch. For a scrumptious specialty sauce, dip onion rings into one of our Freddy’s Fry Sauces®. Whether you like it a little smoky or a little spicy or prefer our classic creamy option, you’ve got choices for your crispy, golden onion rings from Freddy’s.
Are you looking for a new cooking challenge? Do you have a surplus of onions at home? Onion rings are an appetizing dish to enjoy. If you’d rather skip the shopping for the best onions for onion rings, Freddy’s has everything covered – from the ingredients and preparation to the cooking and the service. For onion rings, steakburgers, frozen custard treats and more, visit the Freddy’s near you today!