Crispy Mozzarella-Filled Onion Rings Delight (Print version)
Sweet onion rings stuffed with mozzarella, double-coated in panko, and fried until crunchy outside and molten inside.
# Ingredients:
For the stuffed rings
01 -
2 large yellow onions, peeled
02 -
8 oz (225 g) low-moisture mozzarella, cut into short strips
For the coating
03 -
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
04 -
2 tablespoons cornstarch
05 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for finishing
06 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
07 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 -
3 large eggs, beaten
10 -
2 cups (120 g) panko breadcrumbs
For frying and serving
11 -
6 cups neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, for frying
12 -
1 cup (240 ml) warm marinara sauce, for dipping
# Instructions:
01 -
Cut the onions into 1/2-inch rounds and separate the rings. Pair large rings with smaller rings that fit inside, leaving a gap for cheese.
02 -
Place mozzarella strips in the gap between each ring pair. Trim the cheese as needed so it sits inside the onion edges.
03 -
Arrange the stuffed rings on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 45-60 minutes, until solid enough to handle without shifting.
04 -
Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in one shallow bowl. Put beaten eggs in a second bowl and panko in a third.
05 -
Coat each frozen ring in flour, then egg, then panko. Dip once more in egg and panko, pressing crumbs firmly around the inner and outer edges.
06 -
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry 3-4 rings at a time for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until crisp and deep golden.
07 -
Transfer the rings to a wire rack and season lightly with salt. Serve right away with warm marinara sauce.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served immediately while the mozzarella is molten.
02 -
Freeze the stuffed rings before breading to reduce cheese leaks.
03 -
Keep frying oil near 350°F for the crispest coating.