Do Onion Rings Have Egg In Them? [The Answer Might Surprise You!]

Onion rings are a tasty side dish. You can dip them like fries, but they have the added flavor of onions. However, for some, onion rings are a dish that they want to avoid. They contain ingredients that may break some dietary preferences. If you wonder whether onion rings contain eggs, we have researched the issue and found some answers.

In general, onion rings will contain eggs. Eggs are an essential ingredient because of their protein content. The proteins in an egg give the breading structural integrity. If you are practicing veganism or are abstaining from eggs, avoid onion rings. However, some recipes use alternative ingredients other than egg. 

As mentioned, protein is essential to give breading structural integrity. As you already know, eggs are not the only ingredient that can provide protein. There are alternative steps you can take to make onion rings fit your preferences. If you would like more information on this, keep reading ahead.

How do you make batter for onion rings from scratch?

The basics are simple. You need:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of salt

First, mix the all-purpose flour and milk, then add salt. Then, whisk one egg and add it to the mixture. If you want to make the onion rings spicy or add a little flavor, this is the right time. You can add paprika, black pepper, or any herbs of your choice.

How do you make onion rings without eggs?

If you want to go for a vegan/vegetarian alternative, it is also simple. Replace milk with plant milk of your choice. For breading, some brands add sweeteners or fats of animal origin. Check the ingredients before using any breading. Alternatively, you may use oats as a coating.

Otherwise, you can go through the same process as the previous one above. Of course, leave out the egg. For vegans, if you are concerned with oils, most are plant-derived. So, you do not have to worry about that area.

Are onion rings vegan?

No, generally, onion rings are not vegan, but they can be. Commercial onion rings contain eggs in them. If their onion rings do not use eggs, they use milk as a substitute.

However, there are some brands and restaurants that sell vegan onion rings. If you want to avoid animal products, it is in your best interest to research the restaurant you are going to ahead of time. You can also look at food labels to check on the ingredients used.

Are onion rings healthy?

If you wonder whether onion rings are healthy or not, it depends on where you get your onion rings. Typically, a serving of onion rings from a fast food restaurant can range from 300 to 500 calories. The oil that they use to fry the rings contains a large amount of unhealthy saturated fats. This amount of fat content makes commercial onion rings unhealthier than some french fries! However, if you choose to cook onion rings yourself, there are healthy alternatives you can consider.

You can go the vegan route to avoid animal products. If that is not something you would like, there are also low-fat recipes that you can follow to make onion rings healthier. Instead of frying, you can bake them to avoid having to use unhealthy oils. You may also use oats (ground into flour) for coating. There are many replacements to consider if you want a healthier dish.

What kind of onion ring is best for onion rings?

There are many options of onions to choose from when making onion rings. However, it can get confusing picking the right onion. To help you in your quest for delicious onion rings, we will help you narrow down your choices. There are four realistic options. We will start with the one that delivers a sharper yet sweet taste.

White Onion

A white onion delivers a taste that is not too sweet but strong. It is not overly sharp in taste like other onions. People use white onions on sandwiches or salsa, but they also work for onion rings.

Vidalia Onion

Vidalia onions are one of the better options. They are in the yellow onion category. Farmers raise vidalia onions in areas with low sulfur content resulting in a mild and sweet taste. Vidalia onions are a popular choice for onion rings because they tend to be large and sweet. If a savory flavor is what you are aiming for, consider giving this onion a try.

Walla Walla Onion

The following two options will be specialty onions. Many consider them to be the sweetest. If you can get your hands on walla walla onions, they are one of the best ingredients for onion rings. They contain less than 1/2 of the sulfur content of more pungent onions. However, they are smaller in size compared to vidalia onions.

Maui Onion

Last but not least, Maui onions are the best option if you are going for a sweet flavor. They contain none of the sharp taste that turns many off of onions. If you want to get the best out of a Maui onion, it is best to buy them in spring and early summer. Hawaiian farmers harvest Maui onions in an area with rich volcanic soil. They are limited in quantity because of where they need to be grown.

Their low sulfur and high water content make them the sweetest onion to use for onion rings. Some even eat it raw!

Why soak onions in water before making onion rings?

Onions naturally have a bitter taste due to their high sulfur content. It is what makes them tear-inducing and what turns many away from onions. Soaking onions in water for a few minutes dilutes the sulfur content. By doing this process, you prevent bitterness. It results in a sweet and mild taste.

Some onions do not have a high sulfur content as others. However, you should still do this process to reduce the sharp taste onions tend to have. Before you soak the onions, cut them into slices. If you are having trouble slicing onions, your knife may be the problem.  For more information, click here.

If you have leftovers, we also offer advice on how to store them. For more information, click here.

Final Takeaway

If you have a dietary preference, finding foods that fit your requirements can be difficult. You may even have to avoid some of your favorite foods. However, with some research online, you can find alternatives that can easily replicate the original. How well it mimics the original is up to the taster but, at least you won't have to miss out anymore! We hope you find the information presented useful, until next time!