Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter 🧅🧀🧄
Ingredients:
2 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into 1⁄2-inch thick rings 🧅
200 g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, cut into strips 🧀
1 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
2 large eggs 🥚
2 tablespoons milk 🥛
1 1⁄2 cups panko breadcrumbs 🍞
1 teaspoon salt 🧂
1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper 🌶️
1⁄2 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
Vegetable oil, for frying 🛢️
3 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
2 garlic cloves, finely minced 🧄
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 🌿
Pinch of salt 🧂
Directions:
1. Prepare the Onion Rings: Gently separate the onion slices into rings. Pair rings together with a smaller ring nested inside a larger one, leaving enough space to stuff with mozzarella. Fill the space with mozzarella strips, pressing lightly to hold in place. Once stuffed, freeze the rings for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
2. Set Up Breading Station: In three shallow bowls, set up your breading line: Bowl 1 for flour, Bowl 2 for beaten eggs mixed with milk, and Bowl 3 for panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Bread the Rings: Dip each frozen, stuffed ring into the flour first (shaking off excess), then into the egg mixture, and finally coat it in seasoned breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, feel free to double-dip in the egg and breadcrumbs.
4. Fry the Rings: Heat oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2–3 rings at a time for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Make Garlic Butter: While the rings are frying, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (but not browned). Stir in chopped parsley and a pinch of salt.
6. Serve: Drizzle the hot garlic butter over the freshly fried onion rings or serve it on the side as a delicious dipping sauce.
Enjoy your homemade Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter! 🍽️✨