Another variety is ‘beer-battered,’ less common at fast food restaurants, but dominant when it comes to casual dining, as well as in sports bars and the like. I am split when it comes to beer-battering. Light battering can add a subtle and enjoyable twist to the basic flavor, but over-battering drowns the onion and, one would assume, is meant to be eaten by people who don’t want to interrupt their beer with some other flavor. Beer-battered rings are more prone than any other variety to over-breading. Consider these factors when ordering rings advertised as beer-battered.
The above descriptions are only a broad outline of the most common varieties; there is a whole universe of non-ring shaped fried onions. I haven’t even covered onion blossoms, onion ‘bites’, onion shreds, and the infamous onion loaf. On the topic of onion blossoms, I will say that the ones at Outback Steakhouse are good, while the ones at Timberline are to be avoided. If you discover a latent passion for onion rings, as millions already have, you will want to reference one of the numerous books, VHS tapes, and movie-musical extravaganzas on the subject.
It is enjoyable to be a connoisseur, if only in one small area. I derive much the same pleasure that a wine enthusiast, or any self-created expert, does: that of being ‘in the know.’ Now that everyone knows that I’m in the know, I’m even happier. Perhaps, in the onion ring, you also have found something you can take great pleasure in knowing more about than anyone else.
Article comments
1 - Baronius
You definitely know the subject, if you singled out the Burger King onion ring for study. I have always found it to be unique. There's no better high-calorie smell than when a few BK rings get mixed into an order of fries.
"Movie-musical extravaganzas on the subject": the movie was ok, but I liked the onion ring better.
2 - Matthew T. Sussman
Nowhere do you mention onion petals, I consider this venture a failure.
3 - mschannon
I can't believe you gave such short shrift to onion strings--the delightfully thin onions very lightly battered, sometimes shaped into a loaf.
If we're talking the essence of "onions cooked in some way and breaded with something," you missed the sine qua non of the experience. I am shocked, shocked.
I am also outraged that you're a high school junior. I'll bet you're really in your 30s and stayed back for the last 12 years or so. You write too goddamn well for a kid. Cut it out or us old farts will get revenge.
In Decaf Veritas
4 - Sam Jack
I could have easily gone on, but I had to ask myself: how much onion ring information will the people tolerate? And thanks mschannon.
By the way, Matt, an onion bite is another name for an onion petal, so far as I know.
-Sam
5 - Toad
The one very special aspect of BK onion rings that stands out amongst all other factors is the incredible gas BK rings give the connoseur, and the smell, oh the smell, I can bask in the glory of it for as long as it lasts, the best part is sharing it with friends and co-workers!
6 - Toad
PS, one other thing, the zesty sauce, orange coloured goodness, in a delightful tang to the palate.