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Classic Onion Rings with Tangy Dipping Sauce inspired by The Ground Round
Inspired by The Ground Round
Try the Original

Classic Onion Rings with Tangy Dipping Sauce

Appetizer
These golden-brown onion rings feature a light, crispy coating that shatters with each bite. The batter creates the perfect crunch while keeping the sweet onion inside tender. Served with a homemade tangy dipping sauce, this appetizer brings the classic American pub experience home.
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Inactive Time 10 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 2 whole Large sweet onions (Vidalia or Spanish onions work best)
  • 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 cups Cold club soda
  • 4 cups Vegetable oil (For frying)
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (For dipping sauce)
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup (For dipping sauce)
  • 1 tbsp Horseradish (For dipping sauce)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (For dipping sauce)

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Candy/deep-fry thermometer
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Chef's Tip

For the crispiest onion rings, make sure your oil stays at a consistent 375°F. A candy thermometer helps monitor the temperature, which can drop when you add batches of rings.

Instructions

  1. Slice onions into 1/2-inch thick rings and separate the rings. Place in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
  3. Gradually whisk in cold club soda until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter.
  4. Heat oil in a large, heavy pot or deep fryer to 375°F.
  5. Drain and pat onion rings dry with paper towels.
  6. Working in batches, dip onion rings in batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully drop into hot oil.
  7. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes, turning once.
  8. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season immediately with salt.
  9. For the dipping sauce, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.

Plating

Arrange onion rings in a tall stack on a plate lined with parchment paper. Serve the tangy dipping sauce in a small ramekin on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired.

Storage & Reheating

Onion rings are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. If needed, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore some crispness. The dipping sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

About This Recipe

This recipe recreates The Ground Round's popular appetizer known for its perfectly crispy texture. The batter uses cold club soda for extra lightness, while the signature tangy sauce provides the ideal balance of creaminess and zip. The technique focuses on achieving restaurant-quality crispiness while maintaining the sweet onion flavor.

How did it turn out?

We'd love to hear about your experience making this recipe!