Crispy Homemade Hush Puppies Recipe
Crispy and golden hush puppies made from a flavorful cornmeal batter, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and green onions, then deep-fried to perfection. These classic Southern American side dishes are perfect for accompanying burgers or seafood and bring a delightful crunch and slightly sweet taste to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 30 hush puppies
- Category: Side Dishes & Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup cornmeal (fine grind or medium grind)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 2-3 Tbsp cane sugar or coconut sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 3 stalks green onion, finely chopped
- 2/3 cup buttermilk or cream
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Frying
- 3 cups avocado oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and sugar. Whisk everything together thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the finely chopped green onions, buttermilk (or cream), and lightly beaten eggs into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined to form a thick batter; avoid overmixing to keep the hush puppies tender.
- Heat the Oil: In a large thick-bottomed pot or heavy-duty saucepan, pour in 3 to 4 cups of avocado oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain an even temperature for perfect frying.
- Form and Fry Hush Puppies: Using your hands or a tablespoon, scoop portions of batter (about a tablespoon each) and gently drop them into the hot oil. Fry 3 to 6 hush puppies at a time to allow enough space for even cooking and browning. The oil should bubble vigorously, gently turning the hush puppies to cook evenly on all sides.
- Cook Until Golden Brown: Fry the hush puppies for about 1 to 2 minutes until they become golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a heat-resistant slotted spoon to turn or remove the hush puppies as needed.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked hush puppies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm as a delicious side with burgers or seafood, or enjoy leftovers with jam for breakfast.
Notes
- Serve hush puppies with burgers or fried seafood for a classic Southern experience.
- Leftover hush puppies can be enjoyed the next day with jam for a sweet breakfast twist.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked puppies.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying and crispiness.
