An Onion Volcano is an edible showstopper that transforms an ordinary onion into a mesmerizing tower with an open flame. My first experience with a hibachi volcano was my youngest daughter, Calli’s 16th birthday dinner at Fuji Sushi Steak House in Traverse City, Michigan.
There is no need to go to a fancy restaurant to witness a hibachi chef create this captivating tower. Learn how to make a Blackstone onion volcano at home as I unravel the secrets behind the flaming onion.
This fiery food art consists of only 3 ingredients that you probably have in your pantry. The onion volcano is not just a culinary delight, it’s a captivating dining experience that adds flair and excitement to any meal.
With a little practice and the right techniques, you can recreate this mesmerizing food art at home, leaving your guest amazed and entertained. This onion volcano trick is a must try if you have a flat top griddle.
So, get ready to light up the night and make your next meal a volcanic spectacle!
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Ingredients for Volcano Onion
- A Large White Onion
- Cooking Oil – You can use your favorite oil. Place into a squirt bottle.
- Alcohol – Vodka – 80 Proof – Using squirt bottles for easy pouring
Tools Needed to Make a Flaming Onion Volcano
- Flat Top Griddle – Blackstone Griddle, Hibachi Grill, or any brand of griddle.
- Sharp Knife
- Griddle Spatula
- Stick Multi-Purpose Lighter
Hibachi Volcano Tips
Use thick slices of onion to create a tall volcano.
Have the chef wear black (apron and chef coat) instead of white. The volcano flames will stand out better so your guest will see it in action.
Use alcohol that is at least 80 proof. I used vodka with great success.
Make sure the alcohol stays within the onion rings. You don’t want to end up with a hibachi fire that creates a dangerous situation!
Have your guests get their camera ready to take amazing videos of your cool presentation.
Blackstone Griddle
My choice of flat top griddle is a Blackstone Griddle. Pick from a gas griddle or an electric griddle. They come in various sizes, accessories, and options. Learn more at my New Owners Blackstone Griddle Buyers Guide! I own, use, and love my Blackstone 36″ Griddle, Blackstone 17″ Electric Griddle, Blackstone 22″ Griddle with Blackstone Pizza Oven Attachment, and Blackstone Griddle 5 Piece Accessories Kit.
How to Make an Onion Volcano
Pick the Right Onion: Select a large white onion. It’s size and layers make it ideal for creating the perfect volcano shape. The larger the onion, the bigger the volcano will be.
Cut the Onion: With a sharp kitchen knife, cut off both ends of the onion. Peel the onion so all the dry skin is removed. Make onion rings by cutting it 2 times for a taller onion volcano or 3 times for a shorter onion volcano. Tip the onion on its side and slice all the way through creating the rings.
How to Stack a Volcano Onion
Separate the Onion Rings: Use one slice of the whole white onion to make an onion tower. Starting with the outside ring, carefully, separate each onion ring without breaking the rings. Do this for all the rings.
Create the Hibachi Volcano: Place the largest onion ring onto the Blackstone Griddle. (The griddle should be preheated on medium heat.) Then take the next largest onion ring and stack it on top of the first ring. Continue doing this to create the onion stack.
What Liquid Is Used For An Onion Volcano?
Add the Oil: Pour a small amount of vegetable oil into the stacked onion inner layers. Be cautious not to overfill. One or two teaspoons will work. The goal is to have a thin layer of oil on the griddle in the middle of the onion ring.
Squirt Alcohol into the Volcano: Squirt about one tablespoon of 80 proof or higher of alcohol into the top opening of the onion tower towards the griddle so that it sits on top of the oil that you put in.
A Flaming Onion Volcano
Ignite the Volcano: With the onion volcano prepared, it’s time to create the fiery spectacle. Make sure the area around the griddle is safe before lighting the onion volcano. Carefully ignite the alcohol inside the chamber using a stick lighter. Stand back and watch as the flames shoot up, mimicking the eruption of a volcano.
Repeat Hibachi Flames: The volcanoes flames will only last a few seconds. The good news is that you can ignite it over and over again. Once the flame burns out, squirt some more alcohol into the top of the onion stack and re-light using the stick lighter. This process can be done again and again until the onion is cooked and collapses.
Put on a Show: As the flames dance and flicker in your hibachi volcano, you can add a touch of showmanship by telling griddle jokes or puns. Tap the spatula onto the griddle and flipping it in your hand. Use a squeeze bottle to squirt sake (or alcohol of your choice) into the mouths of willing adults. Your guests will be in awe and love the added touch!!
What to Serve with a Blackstone Onion Volcano
Blackstone griddle recipes are perfectly paired with a griddle volcano onion. Check out my collection of Blackstone Griddle Recipes to get some inspiration.
Try my amazing fried rice recipe, butter steaks, garlic butter chicken breast, griddle hamburgers, and shrimp stir fry, just to name a few!!
Onion Volcano – FAQ
When done carefully and with adult supervision, making an volcano at home can be safe. Ensure you follow safety precautions and use a long-reach lighter to ignite the alcohol.
While white onions are the most commonly used for their size and shape, you can experiment with other onion varieties if you prefer different volcano looks.
While onions are the classic choice, some creative chefs have used other ingredients like bell peppers or even halved watermelons for similar effects.
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Blackstone Onion Volcano Recipe
For the full recipe and nutrition facts, click below.
How to Make an Onion Volcano
The onion volcano is not just a culinary delight, it’s a captivating dining experience that adds flair and excitement to any meal. With a little practice and the right techniques, you can recreate this mesmerizing food art at home, leaving your guest amazed and entertained.
Ingredients
- White Onion - Large 1 each
- Cooking Oil - 2 tablespoons
- Vodka - 2 tablespoons
Instructions
How to Make a Flaming Onion Volcano
- Large White Onion: Start by selecting a large white onion. It’s size and onion layers make it ideal for creating the perfect volcano shape. The larger the white onion, the bigger the volcano will be.
- Cutting the Onion: With a kitchen knife, cut off both ends of the onion. Next, peel the onion so all the dry skin is removed. Make volcano onion rings by cutting it 2 times for a taller onion volcano or 3 timesf or a shorter onion volcano. Tip the whole onion on its side and slice all the way through creating the rings.
- Create the Hibachi Volcano Onion: Using one slice of the onion, start by removing the outside ring and place it onto the Blackstone Flat Top Griddle that is preheated. Then take the next onion ring and stack it on top of the first onion ring. Continue doing this to create the volcano onion stack.
- Squirt the Oil: Pour a small amount of vegetable oil into the stacked volcano inner layers. Be cautious not to add to much oil. One or two teaspoons of oil will work. The goal is to have a thin layer of oil on the hot griddle in the middle of the onion ring.
- Add Alcohol into the Volcano: Squirt about one tablespoon of 80 proof alcohol into the top opening of the onion tower towards the griddle so that it sits on top of the oil that you put in.
- Ignite the Hibachi Volcano: With the volcano prepared, it’s time to create the fiery spectacle. Make sure the area around the flat top griddle is safe before lighting the onion volcano. Light the alcohol inside the chamber using a stick lighter. Stand back and watch as the flames flicker, mimicking the eruption of a volcano.
- Repeat Volcano Flames: The volcanoes flames will only last a few seconds. The good news is that you can ignite it again and again. Once the flame burns out, add some more alcohol into the top of the onion stack and re-light using the stick lighter. This process can be done over and over again until the onion is cooked and collapses.
- Griddle Show Tricks: As the flames dance and flicker in your hibachi volcano, you can add a touch of showmanship by telling griddle jokes or puns. Tap the griddle spatula onto the griddle and flipping it in your hand. Use a squeeze bottle to pour sake (or alcohol of your choice) into the mouths of willing adults. Your griddle guests will be in awe and love the added touch!!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains affiliate links. Click on the highlighted text in a post to explore a product. If you purchase through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I ONLY EVER ENDORSE PRODUCTS THAT I TRULY LOVE. Thank you for your support!
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BIC Multi-Purpose Classic and Flex Wand Candle Lighters, Assorted Colors, Reliable and Safe, For Fireplaces, Campfires and More, Utility Lighter, 4-Count -
Blackstone Griddle Professional Grade Accessory Tool Kit (5 Pieces) -
Blackstone 36 Inch Gas Griddle Cooking Station 4 Burner with Side Shelf (1554)
Nutrition Information
Yield
3Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 123Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 0mgSodium 1mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 1g
Note: For exact nutritional information, consult your dietitian. All nutritional information is simply a guideline.
Chef Sherry’s Cookbook
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