By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on December 18, 2023 | Last Updated on December 18, 2023
Bill Miller’s onion rings are legendary, a perfect blend of crispy, golden-brown goodness that leaves you craving more. This recipe is a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations of the Miller family.
Each onion ring is hand-cut, dipped in a homemade batter, and then fried to perfection. The result? A delightful crunch that gives way to sweet, tender onion. Whether served as a side dish or a snack, these onion rings are a testament to Bill Miller’s commitment to quality and flavor. Now, with this recipe, you can recreate this famous dish in your kitchen.
Let’s dive into the world of Bill Miller’s iconic onion rings and discover how to make this irresistible treat.
What is Bill Miller’s onion?
Bill Miller onion is a type of onion ring that is popularized by the restaurant chain, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q. These onion rings are thin and crispy, with a sweet and tender onion inside. They are made using a homemade batter recipe that has been passed down through generations in the Miller family.
Bill Miller opened his first restaurant in 1950, serving up traditional Texas-style barbecue. As his business grew, he began experimenting with other dishes and eventually added onion rings to the menu.
The iconic onion rings quickly became a fan favorite and have been a staple on the menu ever since. The recipe has remained unchanged over the years, making it a beloved and recognizable part of Bill Miller’s brand.
Why You’ll Love this Bill Miller onion?
There are countless reasons why people love Bill Miller’s onion rings, but here are just a few:
- Perfectly Crispy: The crispiness of these onion rings is unmatched. Each ring is carefully hand-cut and battered before being fried to golden perfection. This results in a light and crispy coating that adds the perfect amount of crunch without overpowering the onion.
- Sweet and Savory: The combination of the sweet onion and savory batter creates a perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness of the onion pairs perfectly with the salty and flavorful batter, making each bite a delicious experience.
- Homemade Batter: Unlike most fast-food chains that use pre-made batters, Bill Miller’s onion rings are made using a homemade recipe that has been perfected over generations. This adds a unique and authentic touch to the dish that is hard to replicate.
- Versatility: While most people think of onion rings as a side dish, Bill Miller’s onion rings can also be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. They pair well with any meal, making them a versatile addition to any menu.
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The Ingredients
- Garlic Powder: This ingredient is key for infusing the onion rings with a hint of savory flavor. Garlic’s pungent aroma and distinctive taste add an extra layer of complexity to the batter, making the onion rings more flavorful.
- Vegetable Oil: This is used for frying the onion rings. The oil needs to be hot enough to ensure the onion rings become crispy and golden brown. It’s essential for achieving the right texture in the final product.
- Onions: Obviously, you can’t have onion rings without onions. The onions provide the main structure for the dish. When fried, they become soft and sweet, contrasting nicely with the crispy batter.
- Paprika: Paprika adds a smoky, sweet flavor and a vibrant color to the onion rings. It enhances the overall taste and gives the dish a bit of a kick.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is a crucial component of the batter. It gives the onion rings their structure and crispiness. Without it, the batter wouldn’t adhere properly to the onions.
- Black Pepper: This adds a touch of heat to the onion rings, balancing out the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the batter. It’s a small quantity, but it makes a big difference in the taste.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk acts as a tenderizer for the onion rings, breaking down the raw onion’s harshness. It also helps the flour adhere to the onion, resulting in a better coating. Its tangy flavor complements the other spices in the recipe.
- Salt: Salt is a universal flavor enhancer. It doesn’t just make foods saltier, it also helps bring out other flavors. In this recipe, it enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness of the onion.
Step by Step Instructions
Now that you know about the key ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make Bill Miller’s onion rings:
- Heat the Vegetable Oil
- Begin by heating a pot of vegetable oil on medium-high heat.
- Ensure that you have enough oil to cover the onion rings in the pan.
- Prepare the Onions
- While the oil is heating up, prepare your onions.
- Cut the onions into thin slices and separate them into individual rings.
- Prepare the Batter
- In a separate bowl, create the batter.
- Mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until the ingredients are well combined.
- Gradually pour in the buttermilk while continuing to stir until a thick batter forms.
- Coat the Onion Rings
- Dip each onion ring into the batter, ensuring it’s completely coated on all sides.
- Fry the Onion Rings
- Carefully place the battered onion rings into the hot oil.
- Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown.
- Drain and Serve
- Once cooked, remove the onion rings from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon.
- Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Notes
- For extra crispy onion rings, you can double-dip them in the batter before frying.
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
- To add a bit of heat to the onion rings, you can mix some cayenne pepper into the batter.
- If you want a thicker coating on your onion rings, add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the flour mixture.
- If you have leftover batter, you can use it to make other fried goodies like chicken strips or pickles. Just adjust the frying time accordingly.
Nutrition Information
How to store Bill Miller onion?
Bill Miller’s onion rings are best enjoyed fresh and hot, but if you happen to have leftovers, here’s how you can store them:
- Allow the onion rings to cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the onion rings on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- If you want to freeze the onion rings, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
Variations
While Bill Miller’s onion rings are a classic, you can add your twist to the recipe by trying out these variations:
- Spicy Onion Rings: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Onion Rings: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the battered onion rings before frying and let it melt into gooey goodness.
- Gluten-Free Onion Rings: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and follow the same recipe. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy coating.
- Sweet Onion Rings: Use sweet onions instead of regular ones for a milder, sweeter flavor.
Bill Miller’s Onion Recipe
Equipment
- frying pan
- bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups buttermilk
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 4 large onions sliced into rings
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a pot of vegetable oil on medium-high heat, making sure there’s enough oil to cover the onion rings.
- Slice the onions thinly and separate them into individual rings while the oil is heating.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Gradually add buttermilk and stir until a thick batter forms.
- Dip each onion ring into the batter, ensuring it’s completely coated on all sides.
- Carefully place the battered onion rings into the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the onion rings from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately while still warm and crisp.
Notes
- For extra crispy onion rings, you can double-dip them in the batter before frying.
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
- To add a bit of heat to the onion rings, you can mix some cayenne pepper into the batter.
- If you want a thicker coating on your onion rings, add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the flour mixture.
- If you have leftover batter, you can use it to make other fried goodies like chicken strips or pickles. Just adjust the frying time accordingly.
FAQs
Can the onion rings be made in advance?
Onion rings are best enjoyed fresh, as they lose their crispiness over time. However, you can prepare the onions and batter in advance, and then fry them just before serving. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven to regain some crispiness.
How do I prevent the batter from falling off during frying?
Dipping the onion rings in buttermilk before coating them with the flour mixture helps the batter stick better. Also, make sure your oil is at the right temperature – if it’s too hot, the batter might cook faster than it can adhere to the onion.
What’s the best way to drain the excess oil from the fried onion rings?
The best way to drain excess oil is by placing the freshly fried onion rings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate the onion rings and drain off more oil than if you were to place them directly on paper towels.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, a delicious recipe for Bill Miller’s onion rings that you can easily make at home. Whether as a side dish or a snack, these crispy and savory onion rings are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
So why wait? Get frying and enjoy this classic dish today! And don’t forget to experiment with different variations to find your perfect onion ring recipe. Happy cooking!
Also, share your experience with us in the comments below. We would love to hear how your homemade Bill Miller’s onion rings turned out!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
