How do you think these onion strings are made?

[Joyfull]

Had dinner at the Keg Steakhouse the other night, and one of the side dishes was deep fried onions 'strings'.. Thats the only way I can describe them..
They did not come in a clump (well maybe the odd one stuck together) like an onion blossom would, just all individual strings.
I would really like to try making these at home without them ending up in a stuck together clump.. So, I thought I'd ask all you experts if you've ever made this type of thing?

Heres a Keg menu photo of my meal. You can see the onions in the background. Unfortunately they're not too clear in the photo, but its the best one I could find..
Thanks for your help.

[bluezebra]

Yes I would say at a glance that they put a whole onion in a spiral slicer and made "spaghetti strings" out of it.

I call mine a "zoodler". It's a cool little gadget. I've used it for making spiral cut zucchini, sweet potato, rutabaga, cucumber, daikon, radishes, anyways you get the picture.

They have them at Sur La Table. Can't ever remember the name of the gadget but it's green and comes with 3 different blades.

[thetincook]

You can use a deli slicer or madilien (sp) to cut the threads. Toss the the threads with a little buttermilk and/or hot sauce, drain, dredge with seasoned flour. Shake off the excess flour, and toss into the deep fry. Obey the usual rules about deep frying. Work in small batches then normal, use the swimming method if you can. After frying, spread the onions on a paper lined sheet pan in a thin layer and let them dry out. This is a good way to keep them crisp for use in salads and sandwiches.

[lisacutri]

We salt our onions first. Slice to desired shape then cover liberally with salt and leave for 25-30 mins. Rinse with cold water and drain, then dredge in seasoned flour and deep fry. Salting the onions gives them a real sweet almost soft buttery texture.
YUM YUM! i havn't made these for ages! Thanks for reminding me.

[Joyfull]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I do have one more question for thetincook tho..
Sorry about my ignorance but, what does 'the swimming method" mean exactly?
Thanks

[thetincook]

The Swimming method is when you deep fry something with out the basket, and use your tongs to move it around as needed. Its used when you have battered items that would stick to the basket or each other.

[Joyfull]

Originally Posted by thetincook

The Swimming method is when you deep fry something with out the basket, and use your tongs to move it around as needed. Its used when you have battered items that would stick to the basket or each other.

Oh I see. Thanks for the helpful hint!