Joanna Gaines Hush Puppy Recipe
The Joanna Gaines Hush Puppy Recipe is a classic Southern treat that is crispy on the outside and soft inside. These golden balls of cornmeal goodness are perfect as a side for fried fish, shrimp or barbecue.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
Add Onion and Mix
- Add the finely chopped onion to the dry ingredients. Stir well so the onion is evenly distributed. The onion adds flavor and texture to the hush puppies.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until smooth. Make sure the mixture is well combined before adding to the dry ingredients.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix, or the hush puppies may turn dense.
Heat the Oil
- Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan or deep fryer. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a small test batter is added.
Shape and Fry the Hush Puppies
- Use a spoon to drop small portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry 3–4 hush puppies at a time. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Drain Excess Oil
- Remove the hush puppies with a slotted spoon. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Serve Warm
- Serve the hush puppies warm with your favorite main dish. They taste best fresh and hot right out of the fryer.
Notes
- Use fresh buttermilk for better flavor and tenderness.
- Chop the onion finely to avoid large crunchy pieces.
- Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Keep the hush puppies bite-sized for faster cooking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper based on how spicy you like them.