Hush Puppies Recipe

Time40m
Serves6

Make Hush Puppies Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Hush Puppy Batter

Finishing & Serving

Method

Hush Puppy Batter

1

Combine dry ingredients

In a medium bowl whisk together 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar until evenly distributed.

2

Mix wet ingredients

In a separate bowl whisk 1 cup buttermilk with 1 large egg until smooth.

3

Fold together

Pour the buttermilk-egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula just until combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick but spoonable. If it seems excessively thick, add up to 2 tablespoons additional buttermilk.

4

Add aromatics

Fold in 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion, 2 tablespoons chopped scallions, 1 teaspoon finely chopped jalapeño (optional), and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Let batter rest 10 minutes at room temperature to hydrate the cornmeal.

For Frying

5

Heat oil

Pour about 3 cups neutral oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of roughly 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a small spoonful of batter: it should sizzle and float up steadily without burning.

6

Portion batter

Using two spoons or a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon measure) form evenly sized mounds of batter. Wet the spoons occasionally to prevent sticking. Work in batches of 10–12 hush puppies so the oil temperature remains steady.

7

Fry

Carefully lower batter mounds into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, until golden brown and cooked through, about 2.5–3.5 minutes per batch depending on size. Internal texture should be tender with a light crust.

8

Drain

Transfer cooked hush puppies to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or to paper towels to drain briefly. Immediately sprinkle lightly with salt to taste.

Finishing & Serving

9

Keep warm and serve: If making multiple batches, keep finished hush puppies warm in a single layer in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish frying remaining batter so they stay crisp.

10

Serve hot with lemon wedges and your choice of remoulade or honey mustard for dipping.