This is not an exagerration. I promise. I was thrilled with the results. I ate so many I swear I could hear my blood thickening in my veins and I loved the sound. Not only were these onion rings delicious, they were really simple to make. I’ll confess that I used to think it was way too much bother and would eat them at a restaurant or (blush) from the freezer section at the grocery store.
Don’t they look crunchy and golden? I wish I was a better photographer because these were beautiful in their goodness. The recipe for the batter is below and here’s what it looked like.
I shouldn’t use a metal bowl and try to take photos at night but you get the idea. It’s just all purpose flour, instant mashed potatoes, salt, cayenne pepper and beer and panko bread crumbs for coating.
Once you make the batter, let it sit on the counter top for about 10-15 minutes to thicken up. Heat your oil to 180C. Dip the rings into the batter and into the panko crumbs and then into the oil. If you toss them in together, the rings will stick, so if you want gorgeous individual rings, single layer them in the oil. Turn them over when the bottoms get golden and then drain on paper towels, add salt to taste and serve.
Okay, I’ll admit, it is messy once you get to the dipping and breading bit but once you eat the first one you’ll think the mess is 100% worthwhile. I certainly do. The only downside was hearing my husband say, “Maureen, there was a beer in the fridge, have you seen it?” Uhh.. yeah, sort of, I’m eating it.
I ate that one. Didn’t taste his beer anywhere but it certainly makes delicious onion rings! These are definitely not something you’d want to eat every day as they’re deep fried and probably very unhealthy but I found them to be a wonderful treat.
- 2 large onions cut into ⅜" rings
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch (cornflour)
- 2 tbs mashed potato flakes
- big pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup beer
- panko crumbs
- large pan of cooking oil (more wide than deep)
- Heat oil to 180°C
- Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl
- Add beer and whisk together - it will fizz but it will go right back down
- Let stand for 15 minutes
- Dip the onion rings in the batter
- Roll in panko crumbs
- Fry in single layer til golden brown - best if not overcooked