Fried onion facts for kids
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Fried onions are simply slices of onions that have been cooked in hot oil. They can be cooked in two main ways: either by pan frying (which is also called sautéing) or by deep frying. People enjoy fried onions as a tasty snack, a topping for other foods, or as a side dish with many different recipes.
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Soft Fried Onions
When onions are cooked by pan frying or sautéing, they become soft. This is the most common way to make them. The onions might turn a little brown, depending on how long they are cooked and how hot the pan is. This browning happens because of a chemical change called the Maillard reaction.
Soft fried onions are often used in famous dishes. For example, the Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich often has sautéed onions. They are also a key part of a dish called liver and onions.
In the Middle East, a dish called mujaddara is made with lentils and rice, topped with fried onions. In Indian cooking, fried onions are very important for the rice dish known as biryani.
Crunchy Fried Onions
If onions are cooked in very hot oil, like when making French fried potatoes, they become crispy. This method is called deep frying.
In the Southern United States, these crispy, deep-fried onions are known as "French fried onions." They are a main ingredient in a popular American dish called green bean casserole. Sometimes, restaurants use freshly made crispy fried onions as a topping for other foods.
In Denmark and other Scandinavian countries, these crispy onions are called ristede løg. They are a popular topping for hot dogs and a type of wrap called Tunnbrödsrulle. You can find them at fast food places and from street vendors in cities like Copenhagen and Stockholm.
Crispy fried onions are also used in the Indian dish biriyani. They are often layered within the dish and used as a topping.
Variations of Fried Onions
Onion Rings
You might know onion rings from fast food restaurants. These are usually large, round slices of onion. They are covered in a special batter and then deep-fried until they are golden and crispy. Another similar dish is called a blooming onion.
Fried Shallots
A Shallot is a type of onion that is smaller and has a milder flavor. Fried shallots are very popular in many parts of Asia. They are used as a topping and to add flavor to dishes.
For example, in Indonesian cuisine, they are called bawang goreng. In Taiwanese cuisine, they are known as you cong su. They are also used in Thai cooking. Shallots are cut into thin slices and deep-fried in a lot of cooking oil until they are golden and crispy. People often store them in a jar to use later.
Fried shallots have a slightly bitter but savory taste. Crispy fried shallots are often sprinkled on top of steamed rice, satay, soto, gado-gado, and bubur ayam. They are also used as a topping for stir-fried vegetables, soups, stews, curries, noodles, and salads. You can often buy pre-packaged bawang goreng in supermarkets in Indonesia and in Asian grocery stores in other countries.
See also
In Spanish: Cebolla frita para niños
