The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Cactus Blossom
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The delicious fried onion appetizer served at Texas Roadhouse can easily be made at home! The copycat recipe has both the batter and the spicy dipping sauce - just like at the restaurant.
serves/makes:
ready in:
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
3 reviews
ingredients
canola oil
1 extra large onion
Chili-Horseradish Dipping Sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup prepared chili sauce
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons horseradish sauce
Seasoned Flour
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Onion Batter
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt
12 ounces beer
directions
Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chili sauce, cayenne pepper and horseradish sauce in a medium mixing bowl until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large stock pot to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare the seasoned flour mix by combining flour with garlic powder, paprika, sugar and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk seasonings and flour to incorporate well.
Slice 3/4 inch off the root end of the onion. Make 12-16 slices into the trimmed end working in a clockwise manner. Do not cut completely through the onion, leaving about an inch of uncut onion near the opposite root end.
Remove about 1 inch of the center petals from each onion. Toss the onions in the seasoned flour to coat well. Peel back the petals slightly to allow the flour to reach between each petal, but do not remove.
Combine remaining flour, paprika, pepper, cornstarch, salt, garlic salt and beer in a second large mixing bowl. Whisk well until smooth.
Dip the floured onion in the batter. Allow excess batter to drip off the onion.
Use a fryer basket to carefully place the battered onions, one at a time, into the hot oil. Cook for about 90 seconds, flip and cook for an additional 90 seconds.
Transfer onion to a plate lined with paper towel to drain.
Place on a serving platter and insert the cup of dipping sauce in the center of the onion.
recipe tips
Chill the onion in ice water after slicing to help the petals open up more. Drain the onion very well before flouring.
Make sure the onions are well-coated with the seasoned flour so the batter adheres better.
Let the excess batter drip off to avoid a heavy, greasy coating.
Fry the onions in batches to maintain the oil temperature and avoid overcrowding.
Turn the onions gently while frying for even cooking.
Drain the fried onions on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Make sure the oil maintains its temperature or the cactus blossom may end up greasy.
Try different dipping sauces like ranch or a spicy ketchup.
Be very careful when working with hot oil to avoid splatters and burns.
common recipe questions
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
A large, sweet onion like Vidalia or Walla Walla is ideal for its size and sweeter flavor. You can use a large yellow onion in a pinch but the taste will be sharper.
Can I use a different type of beer in the batter?
Yes, any type of beer works, but a lighter beer is preferable. Darker beers may add more of a bitter flavor to the batter.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
Use a deep-fry thermometer to check the temperature, or see if a drop of batter sizzles and floats.
Can I make the dipping sauce in advance?
Yes, making the sauce in advance allows the flavors to meld together. You can make it up to 2 days in advance.
What can I use if I don't have a deep fryer?
A large, heavy pot or Dutch oven works well, but be cautious and monitor the oil temperature.
How can I make the recipe less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in both the sauce and the batter. You can also use ketchup instead of chili sauce in the dipping sauce and reduce or adjust the amount of horseradish sauce.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the beer in the batter?
You can use sparkling water as a non-alcoholic substitute.
tools needed
Mixing Bowls: Several mixing bowls are required for preparing the chili-horseradish dipping sauce, the seasoned flour mix, and the onion batter. Make sure to have bowls that are large enough for whisking and combining the ingredients thoroughly.
Whisk: A whisk is necessary for mixing the ingredients in the chili-horseradish dipping sauce, as well as for making sure the seasoned flour and onion batter are well combined. Whisking prevents clumps and ensures a smooth texture.
Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is needed to trim the root end of the onion and make the slices needed for preparing the onion blossom. Make sure the knife is sharp to avoid crushing the onion while slicing.
Deep Fryer or Large Pot: Either a deep fryer or a large pot can be used for deep-frying the onion blossom. The oil temperature needs to be maintained at 375-400 degrees F for optimal frying, so a thermometer is needed as well.
Fryer Basket: A fryer basket is useful for safely lowering and removing the battered onion blossom from the hot oil. It helps prevent the onion from sticking to the bottom of the fryer or pot.
Paper Towels: For draining the fried onion blossom after removing it from the hot oil. Drain excess oil on paper towels to prevent the blossom from being too greasy.
Serving Platter: A large serving platter is needed for presenting the fried onion blossom. Make sure the platter is wide enough to accommodate the entire blossom, including the dipping sauce cup placed in the center.
Dipping Sauce Cup: Prepare the chili-horseradish dipping sauce in advance and make sure you have a cup or small bowl to hold the sauce. Alternately, you can serve the sauce in smaller cups for each person.
what goes with it?
BBQ Ribs: Pair this crispy, spicy appetizer with some fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs for a finger-licking good time. The tangy sweetness of the ribs will play well with the heat of the cactus blossom and balance out the flavors perfectly.
Grilled Ribeye Steak: The rich and juicy flavors of a perfectly cooked ribeye steak will complement the crispy texture of the Cactus Blossom. It's a match made in carnivore heaven.
Other Deep-Fried Appetizers: Make up a full platter of French fries (which also are delicious with the cactus blossom dipping sauce), fried pickles, fried shrimp, fried oreo cookies, mozzarella sticks, and chicken wings.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Pinot Grigio: This light, crisp white wine will be a refreshing contrast to the fried onion appetizer. The acidity will help cut through the richness of the batter and the spicy dipping sauce.
Cabernet Sauvignon: If you prefer red wine, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon can stand up to the strong flavors of the dish. Look for one with dark fruit and pepper notes to complement the spicy dipping sauce.
Moscato: If you're craving something on the sweeter side, a Moscato with its fruity and floral flavors can be a fun pairing with the crispy fried onions. The slight sweetness will balance the spice of the dipping sauce.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Margarita: This classic cocktail is the perfect match for the Texas Roadhouse Cactus Blossom. The tangy lime and salt will enhance the flavors of the dish, while the tequila will add a kick of flavor.
Pale Ale: For beer lovers, a hoppy pale ale can cut through the richness of the fried onions. Look for one with citrusy notes to balance out the heat of the spicy dipping sauce.
Dark and Stormy: This cocktail made with rum and ginger beer can add a spicy kick to your fried onion appetizer. The ginger flavor will complement the spiciness of the dipping sauce.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Iced Tea: A tall glass of sweet or unsweetened iced tea can be a refreshing accompaniment to the crispy fried onions. The herbal notes in the tea can help cleanse your palate between bites.
Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade can cut through the richness of the dish, providing a nice contrast. Plus, the sweetness can balance out the spicy dipping sauce for a harmonious pairing.
Sparkling Water: If you're looking for something bubbly, a plain sparkling water can be a great palate cleanser. The effervescence can help refresh your taste buds between each crispy bite of the fried onion appetizer. Feel free to add a lemon or lime wedge, if desired.
nutrition data
987 calories, 62 grams fat, 99 grams carbohydrates, 10 grams protein per serving.
Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.
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reviews & comments
December 23, 2022
This recipe is spot on. Followed it exactly and it worked perfectly. Made it as an appetizer the day after Thanksgiving for watching football (when we were tired of turkey)
July 25, 2022
Followed the recipe exactly and when I fried it, all of the batter came off.
If an onion is a little past its prime it can be more moist which could keep the batter from sticking. Fresher onions are usually dry enough that it will stay on just fine. Also, make sure you're not OVER flouring it. If too much flour is on before coating it in the batter that too can cause it to fall off when cooking it.
August 5, 2020
It's great we love it