If you love the crispy, savory magic of fritters but want to take it up a notch, this Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe is your ticket to snack heaven. Imagine golden, delicately spiced fritters loaded with sweet and sharp onions balanced perfectly by salty, creamy feta, paired with a lush, tangy, and sweet dipping sauce that invites you to dunk again and again. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples in a way that bursts with flavor and texture, making it an instant favorite for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a cozy, indulgent bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity, and every ingredient plays a crucial role: the flour and baking powder create the perfect batter base, onions bring sweetness and texture, and feta adds a punch of salty creaminess. The dipping sauce pulls it all together with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and umami notes.
- 1½ cups flour: The foundation of your fritter batter for a light, crispy finish.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds lift so your fritters are fluffy, not dense.
- Generous pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Pinch of sugar: Balances the savory elements with a hint of sweetness.
- Pinch of chilli flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle spicy kick.
- 1½ cups water: To create a smooth, pourable batter.
- 4 medium white onions: Thinly sliced and diced to add both texture and sweetness.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese: Brings creamy, salty depth to every bite.
- Canola oil (for frying): Ideal for even frying without overpowering the fritters.
- ½ cup sugar: For the dipping sauce, to build its sweet base.
- ½ cup water: Keeps the dipping sauce perfectly saucy and glossy.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: A salty, umami punch in the dipping sauce.
- Dash of fish sauce: Adds an extra layer of savory depth (optional but recommended).
- 1 teaspoon vinegar: Balances sweetness with a subtle tang.
- 1 red chilli (thinly sliced): Adds heat and a vibrant splash of color.
- 1 garlic clove (thinly sliced): For aromatic sharpness in the dipping sauce.
- 2 cm piece fresh ginger (thinly sliced): Brings warm, spicy notes to the sauce’s flavor profile.
How to Make Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Start by slicing 2 of the onions thinly to ensure they cook up with a delicate softness, while finely dicing the other 2 onions so you get little bursts of crunch. This combination gives your fritters an incredible textural contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and optional chilli flakes into a bowl. Then gradually add water, whisking until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter that will hold your onions and feta nicely. This batter is the key for crispy, golden fritters that aren’t too heavy.
Step 3: Stir in Onions and Feta
Fold the thinly sliced and diced onions into the batter along with the crumbled feta cheese. The feta adds a wonderful creamy saltiness that elevates the humble onion to something extra special.
Step 4: Fry the Fritters
Heat about 2cm of canola oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Drop tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil and fry them until crisp and golden on both sides, about 3-4 minutes each side. Be patient and don’t overcrowd the pan. Once cooked, transfer the fritters onto kitchen paper to drain excess oil. Keep cooking until all of your batter transforms into these crispy delights.
Step 5: Prepare the Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce
While the fritters are frying, combine sugar, water, soy sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, sliced red chilli, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency similar to maple syrup. This sticky, savory-sweet sauce is the perfect partner for your fritters.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your golden onion and feta fritters alongside a small bowl of the sweet chilli soy dipping sauce and dive in while they’re warm for the ultimate flavor experience.
How to Serve Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or coriander adds a fresh, bright note that contrasts the rich fritters. You can also add a dash of lemon juice or zest just before serving to lift the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
These fritters are fantastic on their own or paired with a crisp green salad, pickled vegetables, or even a light cucumber-yogurt dip if you want to add a cool, creamy element. The sweet chilli soy dipping sauce is already bold, so keep sides refreshing and uncomplicated.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, stack the fritters into mini sliders with rocket and a dollop of the dipping sauce inside soft buns. Alternatively, arrange them on a sharing platter with a variety of other finger foods for a colorful, tempting spread that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The fritters will soften slightly but remain delicious when reheated carefully.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover fritters by placing them on a baking tray in a single layer and freezing until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the fritters either in a hot oven (around 180°C/350°F) on a wire rack to keep them crispy, or gently pan-fry them again in a little oil. Avoid microwaving as it makes the fritters soggy.
FAQs
Can I use red onions instead of white onions?
Absolutely! Red onions will add a slightly sharper, sweeter flavor and a lovely pop of color, though white onions keep the fritters milder and more traditional.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the fish sauce in the dipping sauce?
Yes, you can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian-friendly option without losing much of the umami kick.
Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?
While frying gives the crispiest texture, baking them on a greased baking sheet at 200°C (400°F) can work as a healthier alternative, though they won’t be quite as golden or crunchy.
How spicy is the dipping sauce?
The sauce has a gentle heat from the red chilli and chilli flakes, but you can adjust the amounts to suit your taste—skip or reduce the chilli flakes if you prefer it mild.
What’s the best cheese to use if I don’t have feta?
Go for a crumbly, salty cheese like queso fresco or halloumi (grated). Cream cheese or mozzarella won’t give the same tang or texture, but they can work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe. It’s a fun, delicious way to turn simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing treat that feels both comforting and exotic. Whether for a casual snack, party finger food, or a cozy dinner starter, these fritters will have you coming back for more. Give it a go, and watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Deliciously crispy onion and feta fritters served with a sweet and tangy chilli soy dipping sauce. These fritters are perfect as a snack or appetizer, combining the savory flavors of onions and feta with a hint of spice and sweetness in the dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Fritters
- 1½ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- generous pinch of salt
- pinch of sugar
- pinch of chilli flakes (optional)
- 1½ cups water
- 4 medium white onions (2 thinly sliced, 2 finely diced)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- canola oil (for frying, approx. 2 cm depth in pan)
Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- dash of fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 red chilli, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
- 2 cm piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: Slice 2 medium white onions thinly and chop the remaining 2 into fine dice. Set aside.
- Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and optional chilli flakes. Gradually add 1½ cups water while whisking until you achieve a smooth batter consistency.
- Combine ingredients: Fold the sliced and diced onions and the crumbled feta cheese into the batter, mixing until well distributed.
- Fry the fritters: Heat approximately 2 centimeters of canola oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Drop tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil and fry each fritter until golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove fritters and drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil. Repeat until all batter is cooked.
- Prepare the dipping sauce: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, soy sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, sliced red chilli, garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens to a maple syrup consistency.
- Serve: Plate the hot onion and feta fritters alongside the sweet chilli soy dipping sauce and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra chilli flakes to the batter or increase the amount of fresh chilli in the dipping sauce.
- Use fresh white onions for best flavor and texture.
- Canola oil is recommended for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Leftover fritters can be kept warm in a low oven for brief periods, but are best enjoyed fresh.
- Ensure the dipping sauce is cooled slightly before serving to prevent burns while dipping.
