Description
Southern Hush Puppies are classic deep-fried cornmeal-based fritters that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfectly seasoned with a hint of cayenne pepper and chopped onions, they make a delicious and traditional Southern side dish or appetizer that pairs beautifully with seafood, barbecue, or salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Frying
- Oil for frying (enough for about 2 inches deep in the pot)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to blend all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the hush puppies light.
- Fold in Onions: Gently fold the finely chopped onions into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot over medium heat. The oil should reach around 365°F (185°C). Test by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the Hush Puppies: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Cook Until Golden: Fry the hush puppies for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to brown evenly on all sides. They should become golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove hush puppies from the oil and place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Serve the hush puppies warm as a tasty side dish or appetizer, perfect with tartar sauce or a spicy dip.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of chili powder.
- Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent to avoid greasy hush puppies.
- Do not overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Traditionally served with seafood dishes such as fried fish or shrimp.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar as a quick alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 hush puppies (approx. 85g)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Southern hush puppies, fried cornmeal fritters, classic Southern side, deep fried appetizers, cornmeal recipes
