Made in the spirit of funnel cake, these Buttermilk Pancake Batter Onion Rings with Wasabi-Garlic Mayo are state fair approved. I used colossal sweet onions for their size and sweetness, buttermilk for its tang, cornbread mix for its texture and pancake batter for its incredible ability to fry up beautifully!
Buttermilk Pancake Batter Onion Rings with Wasabi-Garlic Mayo
I’ve been dreaming about visiting the State Fair lately. And there is nothing more dangerous than all the crazy carnival-fair food. I always want to try everything, which makes everyone in my family a little crazy as I roam from booth to booth and line after line. I make sure I sample everything that’s new. And I take a picture of it (insert eye roll from the teens in my family). This State Fair Winning Poppy Seed Cake is also another favorite. I could snack on it all the days!
One of my favorite fair indulgences is Funnel Cake, covered in maple syrup and powdered sugar, I’m always up for a few bites (or seven) of that delicious treat. Funnel Cake is actually what inspired me to make these onion rings, however I wanted to mix the savory with the sweet.
Just look at the puffiness of these fried beauties…it’s the pancake batter every time!! I use the same pancake mix I use to make my Fluffiest Pancakes, which always turn out great.
Now, a lot of you have expressed to me your fear of deep-frying. Don’t be afraid. It’s not like there is oil popping around everywhere. It’s way more controlled than that.
Using a heavy pot with higher sides, makes it so simple. However, I will suggest getting a candy thermometer, which just clips to the side of your pot. How else would you know when your oil is to temperature? It’s a must!! And makes deep frying successful each and every time. However, if you really want to make to make frying easy on yourself, a dedicated deep fryer can be the most inexpensive way to go.
I also made a spicy mayo dipping sauce using wasabi powder (you can use the paste too). It was the perfect flavor for these slightly sweet onion rings. Wasabi powder can be found in the spice aisle of your grocery store or check the Asian section and it’s definitely available at Trader Joe’s.
We had some onion rings and mayo leftover, so we made BLT sandwiches with the extra rings and sauce. Holy cow…best sandwich ever. You must try it.
Heaven.
angela@spinachtiger says
How good are those? Would be great stuffed on top of a cheeseburger too. Yum
Susan says
Yup … now that’s a fried food lover’s dream come true! My goodness! They look so wonderful! And that wasabi mayo? Pretty genius!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
OMG. It’s not even 9:00 in the morning here and I’d take a plate of these right now. I have no ability to resist onion rings. And that wasabi dipping sauce? Yum!
Sabra says
They look awesome …. any idea how long they would be good in the oven on low? Love to serve them for company but make them slightly ahead of time …. :o)
Cathy says
That’s a tough one because I haven’t tested it. However, my gut tells me the moisture in the onions will not keep these crisp for any length of time. They really are a make and eat type food. This is why they are so perfect in a sandwich on a burger the next day. If you want to make them for guests ahead I would incorporate them into another app like a mini slider or open faced BLT, still using the wasabi mayo.
Biz says
Sabra, when I fry for a group, I set my oven to 200 degrees. I put a cookie sheet in the oven, then a cookie rack, and when everything comes out of the oven, I put the fried food directly on the rack. I’ve had food stay in there for 30 minutes and its perfect – its not hot enough to keep cooking the fried product, but hot enough to keep them warm. 😀
Cathy – I can’t wait to try these!
Cathy says
Awesome idea!
Winnie says
Oh my those look so yummy!! Must try these one weekend!
katie says
stop it! my mouth is watering!!!
jean | Lemons & Anchovies says
These onion rings looks fabulous–it’s been a couple years since I last had them and many more since my last visit to a state fair. I’m like you, I’d be in line from booth to booth wanting to try everything out. Love the picture of the rings through the wooden spoon!
Pati Johnson Rhea says
Could you please give ne an idea of what size box (ounces, etc) and/or what brand of cornbread mix you like to use? I never make/buy cornbread except for the Jiffy cornbread mix and I would assume that would be too sweet to use here. THANK YOU!
Cathy says
Jiffy is perfect.
Joe D says
It amazes me that there are 12 comments and not one person actually tried these. I would think a review would be of what it taste like not what it looks like.
Cathy says
Well, I’ve had them several times and they are amazing. I guess you are just going to have to trust me.
Michele OConnell says
I can tell my looking at them that they will taste amazing. Just by the ingredients, I can not wait to make these.
Thanks so much Cathy for another amazing recipe. You rock……
Janice says
Is it possible to freeze the battered rings? I am looking at trying to air fry and need a good recipe.
Caitlin says
Im thinking about making these for my year 11 EXAM, ARE THEY GOOD?
Cathy says
Yes.
Helen says
Thanks For Sharing this Amazing Recipe. My Family Loved It!