Tobacco onions are deep-fried crispy onion slices that have been seasoned with cayenne pepper for a darker color. There is no tobacco involved! They’re served on burgers or with steak in lots of English and Irish pubs. They are also delicious on top of salads and soups.
Prep Time::10 mins
Cook Time::10 mins
Total Time::20 mins
Servings::4
Ingredients
2 cups vegetable oil or as needed
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper or to taste
1 pinch salt
1 large Spanish onion, thinly sliced into rings
Directions
Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Mix flour, cayenne pepper, and salt in a large bowl until combined; add onion slices and toss until well coated.
Shake off any excess coating and lower onion slices, working in batches, carefully into hot oil. Fry until golden and tobacco-colored, about 3 to 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer onion slices onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain and crisp up.
Cook’s Note
To pan fry the tobacco onions: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
Editor's Note:
We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. Amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.