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–+ servings

Jalapeno Hush Puppies (Fried Cornmeal Balls for Fish Fry Night)

These crispy Southern-style hush puppies are made with cornmeal, chopped onion, and optional jalapeños. Fry until golden and serve with tartar or cocktail sauce for a classic fish fry side.
12 servings
fried jalapeno hushpuppies on a platter with dipping sauces on the side
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups (318 g) white or yellow cornmeal
  • ¼ cup (30 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon table or sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 (50 g) large egg
  • 1-1/4 cups (284 g) buttermilk - (yogurt whey, or 1 cup milk+1/4 cup yogurt)
  • ½ cup (80 g) chopped onions
  • 1 small fresh jalapeno pepper (seeded and chopped)
  • peanut or vegetable oil - (for frying)

Instructions
 

  • Mix dry ingredients: 1 teaspoon granulated sugarn a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups white or yellow cornmeal, 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon table or sea salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons baking powderand 1 teaspoon granulated sugar.
  • Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 large egg, and 1-1/4 cups buttermilk together. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped onions and 1 small fresh jalapeno pepper (seeded and chopped), if using.
  • Combine and rest: Stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Let the batter rest while the oil heats.
  • Heat oil: Pour 1½-2 inches of peanut or vegetable oil in a fryer, heavy skillet or Dutch oven. Heat to 350˚F.
  • Fry hush puppies: Use two spoons to drop small balls of batter into the hot oil. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, turning as needed for even browning.
  • Drain and serve: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with dipping sauces.

Notes

  • Freezing tip: Hush puppies freeze well. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
  • Make-ahead option: Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately ahead of time, then combine just before frying.
  • About nutrition info: The nutrition calculation does not include oil absorbed during frying, since that amount varies depending on oil type, temperature, and frying time.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 2hush puppies | Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 184mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg