Golden Crispy Hush Puppies a Southern Delight
Recipe Introduction
Craving Southern Comfort?
Ever wondered how to make hush puppies ? Honestly, these little fried cornmeal balls are pure comfort food. This recipe nails that crispy hush puppies texture with a fluffy inside, just like you'd get down South.
Plus, it uses simple hush puppy ingredients you probably already have.
A Taste of the South
Hush puppies have Southern roots. They’re often served alongside fried fish, a tradition passed down through generations. This easy hush puppies recipe is simple, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish.
You'll end up with around 24 delicious cornmeal fritters . Perfect for sharing or a sneaky snack!
Why You'll Love These Hush Puppies
One of the best things about buttermilk hush puppies is their versatility. They are super delicious, and also cornmeal is a great source of fiber.
Whip them up for a BBQ, a fish fry, or even just as a side with your favorite chili. What makes this Southern hushpuppy recipe special is the subtle sweetness and the perfectly crispy hush puppies texture.
Let's talk hush puppy ingredients , shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
So, you wanna know how to make hush puppies ? Awesome! First, we need the right stuff. Don't worry, you probably have most of this already. It's all pretty basic.
Main Players: The Ingredients Breakdown
Alright, let's talk ingredients. We're making a Southern hushpuppy recipe , so quality matters.
Here's the shopping list (or what you should already have):
- 1 cup (125g) Yellow Cornmeal. Stone ground is seriously better.
- ½ cup (60g) All-Purpose Flour. Plain jane flour works here.
- 1 tablespoon (8g) Granulated Sugar. Just a touch for sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon (5g) Baking Powder. This gives us lift.
- ½ teaspoon (2.5g) Baking Soda. More lift!
- ½ teaspoon (3g) Salt. Seasoning is key.
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) Black Pepper. Freshly ground, if you're fancy.
- 1 large Egg, lightly beaten.
- ¾ cup (180ml) Buttermilk. Adds tang and moisture.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Vegetable Oil. Keeps things moist.
- ¼ cup (35g) Yellow Onion, finely diced. Adds flavor and crunch.
- 3-4 cups (700ml-1L) Vegetable Oil, for frying. Canola works too.
For the buttermilk, if you don't have any, you can use regular milk with a splash of lemon juice. Seriously! Let it sit for a bit and it's almost the same.
I've done it a million times.
Seasoning Superstars: Flavor Town, Population: You!
Now for the fun part: seasoning! This is where you can make these homemade hush puppies your own.
We're already using salt and pepper, of course. The onion adds a little bite. You can use garlic powder too!. Trust me. It brings some umami.
For a kick, try a pinch of cayenne pepper. Or maybe some dried thyme for a herby twist. Basically, whatever floats your boat. It's your kitchen, innit?.
Thinking of a dipping sauce? Tartar sauce is classic, or a garlic mayo.
Essential Gear: Nothing Too Crazy, I Promise!
Ok, equipment. I try to make it as easy as possible. This ain't Masterchef.
Here's what you actually need:
- A big bowl. For mixing, duh.
- A whisk. To get the lumps out (mostly).
- Something to fry in. A deep fryer is ideal, but a big pot works, too.
- A slotted spoon or spider. For fishing out those crispy hush puppies .
- A thermometer. Crucial for keeping the oil at around 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Paper towels. To soak up the extra oil.
Don't have a deep fryer? No sweat! A heavy bottomed pot will do the trick. Just be careful with the hot oil, alright? We want easy hush puppies , not a trip to A&E.
Cooking Method: Gettin' Down with Hush Puppies
Alright, let's talk about how to make hush puppies . Seriously, these little fried balls of cornmeal goodness are pure comfort food.
I'm gonna show you how to make hush puppies like a true Southerner. We are going to make the Southern hushpuppy recipe .
They're crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. They’re just perfect with fried fish or BBQ. Trust me, it's easier than you think.
Prep Steps: Gettin' Ready to Fry
First, the mise en place . This is just a fancy way of saying get everything prepped. Finely dice your 1/4 cup of yellow onion.
Whisk together your dry ingredients in one bowl. Then, get your wet ingredients ready in another bowl. This makes the whole process smoother.
For a time saving tip, measure out all your hush puppy ingredients before you even start. Honestly, it saves you from scrambling around later.
Remember, safety first! Be super careful when dealing with hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pot when you are thinking on how to make hush puppies .
step-by-step Process: From Batter to Golden Brown
- Whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- In another bowl, mix 1 egg, 3/4 cup buttermilk , 2 tbsp oil, and 1/4 cup diced onion.
- Pour the wet into the dry and stir just until combined. A few lumps are fine! This is the base for easy hush puppies .
- Heat 3-4 cups of vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Use a thermometer. This is crucial .
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd.
- Fry for 2- 3 minutes per side. You want that beautiful golden brown color. That's how you get crispy hush puppies .
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot!
Pro Tips: Hush Puppy Perfection
Don't overmix the batter! Seriously, it's the biggest mistake people make when thinking about how to make hush puppies . Overmixing makes them tough.
Another thing to know for how to make hush puppies is to maintain that oil temperature. If it drops too low, your fried cornmeal balls will be greasy.
For a little extra flavour add some finely chopped jalapeños to the batter.
Unfortunately, make-ahead options aren't great for hush puppies. They're best served fresh. But you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time.
Homemade hush puppies are seriously amazing straight out of the fryer. Serve them with your favourite hush puppy dipping sauce ! Sides for hush puppies can include coleslaw or mac and cheese!
Recipe Notes: Hush Puppy Perfection!
Alright, so you're ready to tackle how to make hush puppies ? Awesome! Let's dive into some extra nuggets of wisdom.
Think of these as little cheats, things I've learned while messing about in the kitchen over the years. Honestly, even the best Southern hushpuppy recipe needs a little love, right? These little tweaks can take your homemade hush puppies from "meh" to "OMG!".
Serving 'Em Up Right
Presentation matters, you know? Plating these fried cornmeal balls is easy. Think rustic. A wooden board piled high is always a winner.
For dipping? My go-to is a spicy mayo. Mix mayo with a dash of sriracha or some chipotle powder. Bang! As for sides, well, what doesn't go with these? They are perfect Sides for hush puppies .
I reckon coleslaw or a big ol' plate of barbecue work a treat, but honestly, a bit of everything is always a good idea.
Storing These Little Beauties
Right, you've made a mountain of crispy hush puppies , but you've got leftovers (unlikely, but let's be realistic). Fridge is your friend.
Pop them in an airtight container. They'll be grand for about 3 days. Reheating? Oven's best, for about 5- 10 minutes at 350° F .
Want to freeze them? You can! Once cooled, lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze them solid, then chuck 'em in a freezer bag.
This stops them sticking together.
Playing About with the Recipe
Fancy a change? Why not try adding a bit of spice? Jalapeños are a winner, but even a pinch of chilli flakes does the trick.
For a veggie option, try using almond milk instead of buttermilk. It works a charm! Plus, try a Buttermilk hush puppies recipe.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless when it comes to ingredients.
Nutrition Lowdown
Ok, let's be real. These ain't health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? Easy hush puppies are mostly carbs, but that cornmeal does have some fibre.
The Hush puppy ingredients used have some pros. Cornmeal also brings some extra nutrients to these cornmeal fritters . Don’t forget that the Hush puppy dipping sauce that you use can also add additional ingredients.
So, there you have it. A few extra tips to help you nail that perfect batch of hush puppies . Don't be afraid to experiment.
Cooking's all about having a laugh and making something delicious, and easy hush puppies are a great place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my hush puppies tough? What did I do wrong?
Tough hush puppies are usually the result of overmixing the batter, which develops the gluten in the flour and leads to a less tender result. Just like with a good Yorkshire pudding, you want to mix until just combined.
Also, be sure your oil temperature is consistent too low, and they'll soak up oil and become dense instead of light and fluffy!
How do I make hush puppies that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside?
The key to perfectly textured hush puppies is hot oil and a well balanced batter! Ensure your oil is at a consistent 350°F (175°C) for even cooking. Don't overcrowd the fryer, as that lowers the oil temperature.
Also, consider letting the batter rest for a few minutes before frying it gives the cornmeal a chance to hydrate and contributes to a fluffier interior, much like letting pancake batter rest.
Can I prepare hush puppy batter in advance?
While you can make the batter ahead of time, it's best to fry it soon after mixing. If you must prep in advance, store the batter in the refrigerator for no more than a couple of hours.
Keep in mind that the baking powder and baking soda will start to lose their effectiveness over time, potentially leading to denser hush puppies. Just give it a gentle stir before frying, like waking up a sleepy hobbit.
How to make hush puppies that are gluten-free or dairy-free?
Luckily, making gluten-free or dairy-free hush puppies is quite simple! For gluten-free, use a reputable gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. For dairy-free, swap the buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk or soy milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tanginess of buttermilk.
The texture and flavor will still be fantastic even Mary Berry would approve!
What's the best way to store leftover hush puppies? Can you freeze them?
Leftover hush puppies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) or in an air fryer to restore some of their crispiness. You can also freeze hush puppies!
Place cooled hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a preheated oven. They won't be quite as good as fresh, but they'll still hit the spot.
My hush puppies are browning too quickly, but the inside is still raw. What am I doing wrong?
This usually indicates that your oil is too hot. Lower the heat to maintain a steady 350°F (175°C). Also, ensure that you're frying in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too drastically when you add the batter. Think of it like slow roasting a Sunday joint patience is key!
Golden Crispy Hush Puppies A Southern Delight
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 0g |
