The 3-Ingredient Topping I Can’t Stop Making

Crispy fried onions are a fan favorite. But there’s more to enjoy beyond blooming onions and onion rings. When thinly sliced, dredged in seasoned flour, and fried, they become an irresistible topping for just about anything. I prefer Tobacco Onions, a Southern staple with an eye-raising name and a flavor that plays well with all sorts of recipes.

What Are Tobacco Onions?

Tobacco onions, also known as shoestring onions, are a savory, peppery topping made by deep frying extra-thin onion slices coated with flour, cayenne pepper, and salt. The onions curl up like shredded tobacco leaves (hence their name) when fried, but don’t worry—there’s nothing smoky about them. 

“There is no tobacco involved!” says Allrecipes member EileenGreene. “They’re served on burgers or with steak in lots of English and Irish pubs. They are also delicious on top of salads and soups.”

I use them to bring texture and spunk to everything from burgers to casseroles. They’re easy to make but hard to stop eating—I could devour them by the forkful before dinner is even ready.

How to Make Tobacco Onions

Start by cutting your onion into thin slices (this recipe calls for Spanish onions but yellow and Vidalia varieties will also work). Then mix flour, cayenne pepper, and salt in a large bowl until combined. Add the onion slices to the dredge and toss until well coated.

Shake off any excess coating and carefully drop onion slices into hot oil. Avoid crowding the pan by working in batches. Fry them for three to five minutes, or until golden. Then, transfer the onions to a plate lined with paper towels.

Ways to use Tobacco Onions

• Soups and stews: Tobacco onions are particularly delicious atop creamy soups.
• Poke: Use Tobacco Onions in place of traditional toppings like tempura flakes.
• Steaks: Allrecipes editor Ita Mac Airt loves these crunchy onions on top of steak, and I must agree. 
• Salads: My favorite salads are always those with a little crunch. 
• Burgers and hotdogs: Tobacco onions go well with hearty grilled meats.

Get the recipe: Tobacco Onions