Savory Juicy Garlic Butter Blooming Onion Lotus Style
black recipes Food
Blooming Onion in Lotus Shape
Tender, buttery, and bursting with flavor
This lotus-shaped baked onion is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. I love serving this as a side dish when I want something simple yet special. Once baked, the onion opens beautifully like a blooming lotus, soaking up all that rich, buttery sauce between each layer.
Cutting the onion into a lotus shape allows the seasoning and butter to penetrate deep inside, making every bite soft, juicy, and flavorful. The result is an onion that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, aromatic, and perfectly balanced between savory and slightly sweet.
If you’ve never tried baking onions this way, you’re in for a treat. It’s comforting, elegant, and works beautifully alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a stand-alone vegetarian dish.
Ingredients (For 2 Onions)
- 2 large onions
Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter (heated, for pouring over seasoning)
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Onion
Peel the onions and trim off the root ends slightly. Using a small knife, carefully dig a small hole in the center of each onion.
one chopstick on each side of the onion. This will act as a stopper to prevent cutting all the way through. Make four cross cuts on top, creating a lotus-like shape without slicing through the bottom.
Add some butter into the lotus onion
2. Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, parsley, and brown sugar. Stir well to mix evenly.
Heat the butter until fully melted, then drizzle it over the seasoning mixture. Add balsamic vinegar and stir until well combined.
3. Season the Onion
Slowly drizzle the butter sauce over each onion, making sure it flows into the cuts and between the layers.
4. Wrap and Bake
Wrap each onion tightly in aluminum foil. Place them on a baking tray and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 90 minutes.
5. Unwrap and Bloom
After baking, carefully unwrap the foil. The onion will bloom beautifully like a lotus, soft, golden, and glossy with butter.
To test doneness: gently squeeze the onion with tongs or heat-resistant gloves. If it presses in easily and springs back, it’s perfectly cooked.
Serving Tips
- Serve hot as a side dish for steak, chicken, fish, or grilled vegetables.
- Spoon extra butter sauce over the onion before serving.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This blooming onion is tender, buttery, and deeply flavorful. Each layer absorbs the sauce beautifully, creating a dish that feels both comforting and elegant. It’s a simple recipe that always surprises people, and once you try it, you’ll definitely make it again.