Recently, I have been using fried onions a lot. They are perfect on so many dishes. My favorites are casseroles and salads. As you might know, crispy fried onions are a must-have in Indian dishes such as biryani and Indonesian dishes such as Nasi uduk and gepuk.
Watch How to Make Crispy Fried Onions
Fried Onions (Birista)
Fried Onions, also called birista, are a special ingredient used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking to make food taste better. They add a nice flavor, smell, and crunch to dishes like biryanis, pulao (a rice dish), curries, and kebabs. Sometimes referred to as shoestring onions or frizzled onions, these crunchy delights are not only a staple in Indian cuisine but also grace classics like green bean casserole and tuna noodle casserole in American cooking. In American dishes, the sliced onions are usually drenched in buttermilk, rolled in flour, and then fried. These fried onions are not gluten-free due to the use of flour. Here is a recipe for gluten-free French fried onions. Whether you’re adding them to salads, soups, stews, or even sandwiches, burgers, meatloaf, or veggie dishes, they give a nice crunch and extra flavor. Let’s learn how to make crunchy fried onions right in your kitchen!
Ingredients
You need two main ingredients to make crispy fried onions at home. We don’t need any additional ingredients, but you can add optional ingredients if you like.
Onions: Any kind will do, like red or yellow or shallots. Make sure to slice them thinly. Cooking oil (such as vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil) Salt (optional) Cornstarch or Flour (optional): For South Asian fried onions, we don’t need any cornstarch. However, if you want to make “French fried onions,” coat the onions in cornstarch or all-purpose flour before frying.
Variations
Spiced Birista: Add spices like cumin, coriander, or chili powder to the oil before frying the onions. This adds an extra kick of flavor and makes the birista perfect for adding to savory dishes like biryanis and curries. Sweet Birista: Sprinkle some sugar over the sliced onions before frying them. This caramelizes the onions, giving them a sweet and crispy texture. Sweet birista is great for adding to salads and sandwiches or even as a topping for soups. Garlic-y Fried Onions: Add chopped garlic to the hot oil before frying the onions. This infuses the birista with a rich garlic flavor, enhancing its taste and aroma. Garlic birista is ideal for adding to dishes like stir-fries and noodles.
How to Make Crunchy Fried Onions?
Slice & Prep the Onions
Peel the onions and slice them thinly, aiming for slices about 1/8 inch thick.
Separate the onion layers and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Optionally, use a slicer for uniform slices and quicker prep.
Deep Fry Onions
Heat oil in a large pot or pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Once hot, reduce the heat to medium to maintain the temperature. Add the sliced onions to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Stir frequently to ensure even frying.
Remove the onions from the oil when they reach a golden brown color. Do not wait for them to darken further, as they will continue to cook after being removed from the oil. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried onions to a plate or baking tray lined with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Optionally, gently pat the fried onions with another paper towel to further reduce oil content and maintain crispiness.
Air Fryer Fried Onions
Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Toss thinly sliced onions with a little oil to coat evenly. Arrange onions in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 320F for 12-17 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes to ensure they brown evenly. Every air fryer heats differently, so make sure to check and adjust the time as needed.
How to Store Fried Onions?
Cool Completely: Allow the fried onions to cool completely at room temperature before storing. Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled fried onions to an airtight container to maintain their crispiness. Refrigeration Option: For longer storage, refrigerate the fried onions up to a week to extend their shelf life. Reheating: Reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer to regain crispiness before using in dishes, if needed.
How to Use Fried Onions?
Topping: Sprinkle crispy fried onions on salads, soups, or baked potatoes to add a delicious crunch and flavor boost. Garnish: Use fried onions as a decorative garnish for dishes like biryanis, curries, mujadara, or grilled recipes. They not only enhance the presentation but also add a savory depth to the dish. Mix-ins: Incorporate crispy fried onions into rice pilafs, casseroles, or pasta salads for an extra layer of texture and a savory kick. Add to Burgers, Wraps, and Pizza: Upgrade your burgers, wraps, or pizza by adding a handful of fried onions for a flavorful twist and satisfying crunch. Top on Dips: Elevate your dips, such as hummus or yogurt dip, by sprinkling crispy fried onions on top. They add a unique texture and depth of flavor to your favorite dips. Snacking: Enjoy fried onions as a standalone snack for a tasty and addictive treat. You can also mix them with nuts and seeds to create a flavorful and crunchy trail mix perfect for snacking on the go.
Common Questions
