Onion Strings without Buttermilk

These onion strings are made without buttermilk and are easy to make at home. They are a tasty snack to munch on, a great addition to a burger, and the perfect topping for green bean casserole.

Living abroad, I don’t have easy access to French fried onions like I did in the States.

If I looked hard enough, I could probably find them, but at a large mark up. So, I’ve started making my own onion strings without buttermilk at home and I’m glad I do!

Fried onions are easy to make and I like knowing exactly what’s in the food I’m serving.

It’s also nice because it makes my dairy free green bean casserole look prettier and more impressive.

Really, who doesn’t like the ohs and ahs that come from guests, especially when it didn’t take much effort? I certainly do.

Why aren’t my fried onions crispy?

This can happen when the oil isn’t yet heated when adding the onions. The onions soak in the oil for too long and end up soft and soggy.

Are French fried onions dairy free?

Yes, French’s fried onions are dairy free, but homemade are usually made with buttermilk.

French fried onions Vs. Onion rings

Other than the obvious difference in shape, an onion ring’s coating is typically a thick, batter-like mixture of flour, breadcrumbs, or cornmeal, while the coating of French fried onions is a lighter and crispier seasoned flour mixture.

Onion rings are also fried until golden-brown and served as a side, whereas French fried onions are meant to be crispy and are served as a topping.

WHICH TYPE OF OIL TO USE

I use neutral oils like canola oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, and vegetable oil.   

Which DAIRY FREE MILK TO USE

This recipe uses water, but you can use any preferred unsweetened dairy free milk.

I use coconut milk because I already have a can open when making dairy free green bean casserole.

However, you can use oat milk, almond milk.

GLUTEN FREE OPTION

Gluten Free Flour

Substitute all-purpose gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose regular flour cup for cup.

BUCKWHEAT FLOUR 

Buckwheat flour is easy to find compared to most other gluten-free flours, and it adds a nice earthy nutty taste. 

The downside is that it has a distinct flavor, so the change will be noticeable. 

It’s also darker, so the color won’t be the same. Substitute cup for cup.

RICE FLOUR

Rice flour can also be used and can be found in most Asian and health food stores. 

White rice flour has a mild flavor and doesn’t change the color of the muffin or quick bread. 

Since it doesn’t have much flavor, it’s best to use it with ingredients that do. Substitute cup for cup.

OAT FLOUR

Oat flour is made from whole oats that have been ground into a powder, which can easily be done at home.  

It gives more flavor and a chewier and crumblier texture than regular all-purpose flour.

Substitute 1 cup of all-purpose flour for 1 1/3 cup oat flour.  To make 1 cup of oat flour, blend 1 1/4 cups of oats in a food processor until finely ground.

Note: oats must be marked gluten-free because they can get cross-contaminated in the factory.

SNAFU

I once tried making a batter first to then dip the onions in. Instead, I got a ball of dough I threw out before going back to following my own instructions.