Description
Crispy shallots are a delightful and savory topping that adds a crunchy, flavorful punch to any dish. These golden, thinly sliced shallots are lightly fried until crisp, bringing a rich, caramelized taste to everything from salads to steaks, soups, and even pasta. They’re easy to make and can elevate your meals in no time!
Ingredients
4–5 medium shallots, thinly sliced
1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1–2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Soak the shallots: Place the thinly sliced shallots in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps them become tender and enhances the crispiness when fried.
- Prepare the flour mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Coat the shallots: After the shallots have soaked in the buttermilk, remove them from the bowl and shake off any excess liquid. Dredge the soaked shallots in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/4 inch.
- Fry the shallots: Once the oil is hot, add the coated shallots to the pan in a single layer. Fry in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Cook the shallots for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and season: Using a slotted spoon, remove the shallots from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While they are still hot, season with a pinch of salt if desired.
- Serve: Let the crispy shallots cool slightly before using them as a topping for salads, soups, pastas, or any dish you want to add extra crunch to. Enjoy!
Notes
- Spicy crispy shallots: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Herb-infused: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the flour mixture for an herbal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes soaking time)
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
