These Pioneer Woman Onion Straws are incredibly easy to make and deliver a fantastic crunch and flavor. They are the ideal topping to elevate your burgers or serve as a delightful side with a juicy steak. Make sure to explore more Pioneer Woman’s Favorite Recipes for more culinary inspiration!
If you’re a fan of Ree Drummond’s recipes, you should also try my Pioneer Woman Salsa and the ever-popular Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars recipe!
Close-up of golden brown Pioneer Woman Onion Straws
One of my favorite dining experiences is enjoying a BBQ burger loaded with crispy onion straws. These delicate, fried onion strings add an unmatched depth of flavor to a burger that is simply irresistible. I often find myself requesting extra onion straws to enjoy instead of traditional french fries.
Inspired by this delicious experience, I decided it was time to recreate these crunchy delights at home. These homemade onion straws are truly exceptional, offering a satisfying crunch and savory onion flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
A plate of freshly made Pioneer Woman Onion Straws
Crafting Your Own Pioneer Woman Onion Straws
You’ll be surprised at how few ingredients are needed to whip up these delectable onion straws. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 Large Yellow Onion
- 2 cups Buttermilk
- 2 cups All-purpose Flour
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1-2 quarts Canola Oil (for frying)
- Black Pepper to taste
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Onion Straws laid out on a kitchen counter
The secret to truly flavorful onion straws lies in the buttermilk soak. Begin by slicing the onion thinly. For the best results, aim for even, slender slices. Place the sliced onions in a baking dish and generously cover them with buttermilk. Allow the onions to soak in the buttermilk for at least one hour. This crucial step tenderizes the onions and infuses them with a subtle tang, contributing significantly to the final flavor profile of your onion straws. Don’t be tempted to skip this soaking process!
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily substitute it. Milk works in a pinch, or you can quickly make your own buttermilk substitute by adding a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar to almost 2 cups of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to slightly thicken before using.
While the onions are soaking, prepare the dry mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and cayenne pepper. Set this aside. Next, heat your canola oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Using a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature is highly recommended for consistently crispy onion straws.
Once the oil is heated and the onions have soaked, it’s time to fry. Grab a handful of buttermilk-soaked onion slices, dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Tap off any excess flour – this prevents clumping in the hot oil. Carefully lower the floured onions into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pot; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking and crisping. Fry the onion straws for a few minutes, until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. Keep a close watch as they can brown quickly.
Remove the perfectly golden onion straws from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Season immediately with salt and black pepper to taste while they are still hot.
Repeat the frying process with the remaining onions until all are transformed into crispy onion straws.
Now your Pioneer Woman Onion Straws are ready to be enjoyed! They are fantastic on burgers, as a side dish to steak or grilled chicken, or even as a crunchy topping for salads. Let your culinary creativity guide you!
If you’re as enthusiastic about onions as I am, be sure to explore these other delicious onion-centric recipes for more inspiration.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 1 hour (soaking time)
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 Large Yellow Onion
- 2 cups Buttermilk
- 2 cups All-purpose Flour
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1/4-1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1-2 qt Canola Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thinly slice the onion and soak in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- Combine flour, salt, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
- Heat canola oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Dredge handfuls of soaked onions in flour mixture, shake off excess, and fry in hot oil until golden brown.
- Drain on a rack or paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Repeat until all onions are fried.
Nutritional Information:
Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size: 1 serving
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 646
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 4106mg
Carbohydrates: 114g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 22g
Share Your Culinary Creations!
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below on the blog or share a photo of your delicious Pioneer Woman Onion Straws on Instagram. Happy cooking!
