Side Dish: United States – Southern United States – Hush Puppies

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 10 min

Additional 10 min

Total 35 min

Ingredients

- 1 cup (120 g) yellow cornmeal
- 3/4 cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp (12 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) baking soda
- 1 tsp (6 g) fine salt
- 1/2 tsp (1.5 g) cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp (1.5 g) onion powder
- 1/2 tsp (1.5 g) garlic powder
- 1/2 cup (80 g) finely diced yellow onion
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced (about 2 tbsp / 12 g)
- 1 large egg (50 g)
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter, melted (optional)
- Vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions

1. In a large bowl whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cayenne (if using), onion powder, and garlic powder until evenly blended.
2. Stir in the diced yellow onion and sliced scallions so they are distributed through the dry mix.
3. In a separate bowl whisk the egg, buttermilk, and melted butter (if using) until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until incorporated — the batter should be thick but spoonable; a few small lumps are fine. Let the batter rest 8–10 minutes to hydrate the cornmeal.
4. Meanwhile, pour vegetable oil into a heavy pot or deep fryer to a depth of 2–3 inches and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy; maintaining temperature is key to a crisp exterior and cooked interior.
5. When oil is ready, drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls (or use a small cookie scoop) into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pot (work in batches). Fry, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon or spider, until deep golden brown and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per batch depending on size.
6. Remove hush puppies to a paper towel–lined tray to drain and sprinkle lightly with a pinch of salt while hot. Keep finished batches warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven if needed while frying remaining batter.
7. Serve hot alongside sliced barbecue brisket sandwiches so the hush puppies provide a crunchy, cornmeal-rich contrast and soak up savory juices.