Red Robin's Onion Rings

TOWERING ONION RINGS

Makes: 4 servings

Hands-on time: 45 min.

Total time: 2 hrs., 15 min.

1 tbsp. fine sea salt

1 tbsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 tbsp. paprika

1 tbsp. granulated garlic

1 tbsp. sugar

4 large sweet onions, peeled and sliced into ¾-in. slices

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup cornmeal

6 large eggs

¼ cup water

5 cups panko bread crumbs

6-8 cups canola oil

Campfire Sauce

1. Combine sea salt and next 4 ingredients; set aside.

2. Separate onions into rings.

3. Set aside 3 large shallow bowls. Combine flour, cornmeal and 1 tsp. salt mixture in first bowl. Whisk eggs and water in second. Mix panko and 1 tsp. salt mixture in third.

4. Dredge each ring in flour mixture, then egg mixture. Dip ring into flour mixture again, then panko mixture, pressing crumbs onto rings to ensure even coating. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining onions. Cover loosely; chill 30 min.

5. Heat oil to 350 in a large deep skillet or electric fryer (use fry thermometer to ensure oil is not too hot). Fry rings in batches, allowing oil to return to 350 between batches. Place cooked onions on paper-towel-lined baking sheet; sprinkle with 1 tsp. salt mixture. Serve with Campfire Sauce.

CAMPFIRE SAUCE

Whisk 1½ cups mayonnaise and 1 cup prepared barbecue sauce in medium bowl; cover and chill at least 1 hour.