There’s something irresistible about a plate piled high with crispy, golden fritters, especially when they’re fresh from the pan and just begging to be dunked into a vibrant sauce. These Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce are genuinely a celebration of bold flavors and satisfying textures: think sweet caramelized onions twirled with creamy feta, herbs, and a light, crunchy batter, all balanced by a sweet, tangy, and ever-so-slightly spicy Asian-inspired sauce. Whether you’re hunting for a new vegetarian appetizer, a show-stopping platter for sharing, or a simple weeknight treat, these fritters promise to make memories around the table in every bite.

Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to make something that feels out of the ordinary. Each item brings something important to the party—whether it’s the sultry sweetness of softened onions, sharp feta, savory seasoning, or the zing that pulls it all together. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:

Onions: The star of the show, providing sweetness and depth when caramelized—try red onions for extra sweetness!
Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions, adding richness and helping them caramelize beautifully.
Garlic: Lends a little punch and aromatic complexity that plays so well with the onions and cheese.
Feta cheese: Salty, creamy, and a big flavor boost—choose good quality feta for best results.
Eggs: Act as the binder, holding all the fritter ingredients together neatly as they fry.
All-purpose flour: Helps create a cohesive batter and ensures each fritter fries up golden and crisp.
Baking powder: A pinch for lift, giving your fritters a tender lightness instead of being dense.
Black pepper: Balances the sweetness of the onions and brightens the whole batter.
Salt: Just enough to elevate all the savory notes.
Dried oregano or thyme: Earthy herbs that bring a whisper of Mediterranean sunshine to every bite.
Chopped parsley: Optional, but worth it for a fresh, green fleck and a pop of color.
Vegetable oil: For frying—use something neutral to let those lovely flavors shine.
Sweet chilli sauce: The sweet, tangy backbone of the irresistible dipping sauce.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds savoriness and a gentle umami note to the sauce.
Rice vinegar: Brings a balanced, gentle acidity to the sauce so it pops.
Sesame oil: Just a dash for nutty fragrance in the dipping sauce.
Fresh ginger (optional): A bit of grated ginger delivers subtle heat and brightness to the sauce.

How to Make Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions and Garlic

Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onions and let them cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until they soften and turn golden with a hint of caramelized sweetness. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute to perfume the kitchen with that irresistible aroma, then remove from the heat and let the mixture cool just a bit. This step is what unlocks the full flavor potential in these Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Fritter Batter

Once your onion and garlic mixture has cooled slightly, transfer it to a large bowl. Crumble in the feta cheese, crack in the eggs, then add the flour, baking powder, black pepper, salt, dried oregano or thyme, and parsley if using. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix everything until it forms a thick, cohesive batter. The aroma will have you tempted to sneak a taste already!

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

Heat about a quarter inch of vegetable oil in a clean skillet over medium heat. Scoop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, gently flattening each mound with the back of your spoon for that classic fritter shape. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping once, until both sides are beautifully golden and crisp. Transfer the finished fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil—this keeps them perfectly crispy.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce

While the fritters rest, make your dipping sauce by stirring together the sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and (if you like a little zing) fresh ginger in a small bowl. This versatile sauce strikes a beautiful balance between sweet, salty, tangy, and just a hint of heat, taking the whole plate of Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce up a notch.

Step 5: Serve and Savor!

Plate your warm fritters, pour the dipping sauce into a small bowl or ramekin alongside, and serve while everything is still crisp and aromatic. That first bite, with the warm fritter dunked into the immensely flavorful sauce, is pure bliss. It’s the kind of simple pleasure that makes for effortless entertaining or a rewarding solo snack.

How to Serve Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce

Garnishes

Finish your fritters with a scattering of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for extra freshness and green contrast. If you’re feeling fancy, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top. Both add a subtle heat and a touch of visual drama to your Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce.

Side Dishes

These fritters are endlessly versatile. Serve them with a crisp, lemony salad or a vibrant tabbouleh for a light lunch, or cozy them up on a platter with roasted veggies and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired spread. They also pair perfectly with soups like tomato or pumpkin, adding a crispy, cheesy accent to a bowl of comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, stack the fritters high on a serving tray and keep the dipping sauce in a central bowl for guests to share. Or try mini fritters topped with a dab of sauce and a leaf of herb as easy make-ahead canapés. Individual portions in parchment cones or small baskets turn these Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce into a fun street-food-style treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover fritters keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let them cool completely before storage to preserve their texture, and keep the dipping sauce separate to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze the fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once solid. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your fritters back to crisp perfection, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and crispy again. For best results, avoid the microwave, which can make the fritters chewy rather than crisp.

FAQs

Can I make these Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture remains satisfying and delicious, just be sure to choose a flour that contains a binder like xanthan gum for best results.

How can I make the fritters spicier?

To dial up the heat, just mix a pinch (or more) of chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili into the fritter batter. Alternatively, add a dash of hot sauce to the dipping sauce for a spicy-sweet finish.

Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?

While the classic texture comes from frying, you can bake the fritters at 400°F on a lined and oiled baking sheet for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. They’ll be lighter but still very tasty, and you’ll cut back on oil.

Do these fritters work without feta for a dairy-free version?

Yes! Omit the feta and try substituting with a savory vegan cheese alternative, or simply add a few more chopped herbs and vegetables. The fritters will have a different flavor profile but still deliver on crunch and satisfaction.

Can I make the Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce in advance?

Definitely. You can whip up the dipping sauce up to a week ahead and keep it sealed in the fridge. The flavors deepen over time and it’s just as good chilled or at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce enough, whether you’re hosting friends, feeding family, or simply treating yourself. Every bite is a comforting but bold explosion of flavors you’ll want to savor again and again. Go ahead—give them a try and let your kitchen become the happiest spot in the house!

Onion and Feta Fritters with Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy these crispy Onion and Feta Fritters served with a delightful Sweet Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, these fritters are packed with flavorful ingredients that will surely please your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fritters:

2 medium onions finely sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 large eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
vegetable oil for frying

For the Dipping Sauce:

¼ cup sweet chilli sauce
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)

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Instructions

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine cooled onion mixture, crumbled feta, eggs, flour, baking powder, black pepper, salt, oregano, and parsley. Mix until a thick batter forms.
Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture into the pan, flattening slightly with the back of a spoon. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
To make the dipping sauce, whisk together sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger in a small bowl.
Serve fritters warm with dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

You can use red onions for a sweeter flavor.
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the fritter batter if you like heat.
The sauce can be doubled or made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Method: Stovetop, Frying
Cuisine: Fusion