How to Make the Perfect Classic Southern Hushpuppies
Southern American · Easy · 30 min · 6 servings
Golden deep fried cornmeal fritters with a crispy exterior and a soft fluffy interior packed with onion flavor. These iconic Southern side dishes pair perfectly with fried fish and coleslaw.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Southern Hushpuppies recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups yellow cornmeal
- 0.5 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl combine the yellow cornmeal, all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and one teaspoon of salt. Whisk everything together until evenly distributed. Good leavening is key to achieving that light and fluffy interior.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the finely diced yellow onion. Do not overmix the batter as this will make the hushpuppies tough.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of 3 inches. Heat over medium high heat to 365 degrees F. Maintaining the right temperature ensures the hushpuppies cook through without burning on the outside.
Step 4: Fry the Hushpuppies
Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons carefully drop rounded tablespoon sized portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches of 6 to 8 at a time for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown all over. They will naturally roll over as they cook.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Remove the hushpuppies with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel lined plate to drain. Sprinkle lightly with salt while still hot. Serve immediately alongside fried catfish, coleslaw, or any Southern meal.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- buttermilk → whole milk with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar stirred in
- yellow onion → sliced green onions for a milder and brighter flavor
- all purpose flour → gluten free 1 to 1 flour blend to make them gluten free
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overmixing the batter which develops gluten and creates dense rubbery hushpuppies
- Frying at too high a temperature which browns the outside before the center cooks through
- Making the portions too large which results in undercooked centers
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 5g protein, 34g carbs, 14g fat, 2g fiber.
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