Description
Southern Hush Puppies are light and flaky cornmeal dough balls that are fried to a golden brown exterior and soft interior. Perfect as a classic Southern side dish, these hush puppies are quick to prepare and delicious served with tartar sauce.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup flour
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small cubes
For Frying and Serving
- Oil for frying (enough to fill skillet 2 inches deep)
- Tartar sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oil: Heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet to 365°F (185°C), ensuring sufficient depth for frying hush puppies evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper. Stir these together to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Crack in the egg and pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until just combined. Then fold in the cold, cubed butter gently to keep the dough light and flaky.
- Fry the Hush Puppies: Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the batter carefully into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes each, or until they turn golden brown on the outside and are cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Remove fried hush puppies using a metal strainer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm, optionally with tartar sauce on the side.
Notes
- Maintain oil temperature at 365°F to ensure hush puppies cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to allow proper frying and browning.
- Using cold butter creates a flaky texture inside the hush puppies.
- Serve immediately for best texture and warmth.
- Tartar sauce pairs nicely, but can be substituted with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern