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Ingredients
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Hush Puppies
Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
Method
Hush Puppies
Prepare dry ingredients
In a large bowl whisk together 1.5 cups yellow cornmeal, 0.75 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt until evenly combined.
Combine wet ingredients
In a separate medium bowl whisk 1 cup buttermilk and 1 large egg until smooth.
Mix batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir briefly to combine. Fold in 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion, 1/4 cup chopped scallions, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (if using), 1/2 minced jalapeño (if using), and 1/2 cup corn kernels. Batter should be thick but scoopable; if too thick, add up to 1–2 tablespoons of buttermilk.
Heat oil
Pour about 1 liter of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy pot or deep fryer leaving at least 3 inches headspace. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a small bit of batter — it should sizzle and rise steadily to the surface.
Fry hush puppies
Using two spoons or a small ice cream scoop (about 1 tablespoon per hush puppy), drop rounded scoops of batter carefully into the hot oil, working in batches so you don't overcrowd (6–8 at a time depending on pot size). Fry 2½–3½ minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should be about 190°F (88°C). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on paper towels.
Keep warm
Keep cooked hush puppies warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a rack while you finish remaining batches so they stay crisp.
Serve
Serve hot with the Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce. Provide napkins — hush puppies are best eaten immediately.
Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil. Whisk until smooth.
Stir in 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro and 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (if using). Taste and adjust: add a bit more lime for brightness or a pinch of sugar if you prefer sweeter.
Transfer sauce to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes if time allows to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside warm hush puppies.