Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, but I prefer using unfed discard because it's tangier and you're not sacrificing your active starter. Plus, it's a perfect way to reduce waste and give your discard a delicious purpose.

Why are my onion rings greasy instead of crispy?

The oil temperature is likely too low. Make sure it stays at 350°F throughout frying. Also, don't overcrowd the pot, which causes the temperature to drop significantly. Fry in small batches of 2-3 rings at a time.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The sourdough starter would need to be gluten-free as well. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious and crispy.

What's the best type of onion to use?

Yellow onions offer the best balance of sweet and savory flavors with good structure that holds up to frying. Sweet onions like Vidalia work for a milder taste, while white onions are sharper and more pungent.

Crispy Sourdough Onion Rings Recipe - Easy Golden Appetizer Using Tangy Starter Discard

Sourdough Onion Rings

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These sourdough onion rings are extra crunchy and flavorful thanks to the discard in the batter. A great way to use up your sourdough starter and make a delicious snack or side dish.

Author: Sarah Mae Carter
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (2-3 rings per serving) 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Deep Fry
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 large yellow onion, cut into ½-inch thick rings
½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (120g) unfed sourdough starter discard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅓ cup (80ml) beer or milk (or water)
4–6 cups vegetable or canola oil for frying

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Instructions

Peel the onion and slice it into ½-inch thick rings. Separate the rings gently and set aside on a plate. Uniform thickness is key for even cooking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sourdough starter discard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper until well combined with no flour lumps.
Gradually whisk in the beer (or milk/water) until a smooth batter forms with the consistency of thick pancake batter. Let rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature for better texture.
Heat about 2 inches of oil (4-6 cups depending on pot size) in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor temperature. If no thermometer, drop a bit of batter in – it should sizzle immediately.
Working with 2-3 rings at a time, use a fork to dip each ring into the batter, turning to coat completely. Let excess batter drip off for 3-5 seconds.
Carefully lower battered rings into hot oil, laying them away from you to prevent splatter. Fry in small batches for 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and bubbling slows.
Use a spider strainer or tongs to remove rings from oil. Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Season immediately with more salt while hot.
Between batches, stir batter and check oil temperature. Let oil return to 350°F before frying next batch. Repeat with remaining rings. Serve hot.

Notes

Yellow onions provide the best balance of sweetness and structure. Sweet onions work for milder flavor.
Beer adds lightness and subtle malty flavor to batter. Whole milk creates richness, while water keeps it lighter. Any light lager or pale ale works great.
Maintain oil temperature at 350°F throughout frying for optimal crispiness without greasiness. Fry in small batches to avoid temperature drops.
Best enjoyed immediately after frying. Can be reheated in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes or air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F to restore crispiness.
Don’t freeze – high moisture content in onions makes them soggy when thawed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2-3 rings
Calories: 245 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 380 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/sourdough-onion-rings/