Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies Recipe

Crispy on the outside, tender inside—Long John Silver’s hush puppies are exactly what you want with fried fish or a seafood feast!

The secret to that signature crunch?

A mix of cornmeal and flour in just the right ratio, so they fry up crisp but not too dense.

A bit of onion and a pinch of sugar bring out the classic sweet-savory balance that makes these hush puppies stand out.

They fry up beautifully golden, with a crisp shell that gives way to a soft, almost cake-like center.

Eat them hot with a side of tartar sauce, or just pop them straight off the plate—they won’t last long, guys!

How to Make Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
• ½ cup Cornmeal
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 ½ tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Sugar
• ¼ tsp Onion Powder
• 1 ¼ cups Milk
• 1 Egg
• Vegetable Oil (for frying)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

The mixture should be the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, sugar, and onion powder.

Step 2:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined.

This mixture will ensure your hush puppies are moist and have the right texture.

Step 3:

Gradually add the milk and egg mixture to the dry ingredients.

Mix until you achieve a batter consistency, similar to thick bread batter.

Step 4:

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.

You want the hush puppies to fry evenly for a perfect golden-brown finish.

Step 5:

Using a spoon or scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.

Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Step 6:

Fry each hush puppy for 3-4 minutes or until they turn a golden brown.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Perfect Oil Temperature

The oil should be consistently at 350°F for best results. A thermometer helps maintain the right temperature.

Batter Consistency

If the batter is too thick or thin, adjust by adding a small amount of milk or flour.

This ensures the right texture for frying.

Test Batch First

Try frying a small test batch to see if the batter holds together and crisps up nicely.

Adjust seasoning if needed before frying the remaining batter.

Uniform Shapes

Using a scoop makes the hush puppies uniform in size, helping them cook evenly.

This way, each one is perfectly crisp and delicious.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to add minced jalapeños or green onions to the batter for a spicy twist.

Get creative and customize to your taste!

What to Serve with Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies

Fried Fish

The classic pairing for Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies is fried fish.

When you make these golden, crispy bites, you can’t go wrong by having them alongside perfectly fried fish.

Try battering and frying up some cod or haddock for a delicious, flaky combination.

Coleslaw

Nothing screams traditional pairing more than coleslaw.

This cool, creamy side dish complements the crunchy texture of hush puppies.

You can whip up a batch of coleslaw using fresh cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing for that authentic touch.

Grilled Vegetables

If you’re looking for something a bit different, grilled vegetables will provide a smoky and healthy side dish.

Consider grilling some zucchini, bell peppers, and onions to bring out their sweetness and add a splash of color to your plate.

Spicy Corn Salad

Add a kick to your meal with a spicy corn salad.

Prepare a salad with fresh corn kernels, diced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro, all mixed with a zesty lime dressing.

This side will offer a refreshing contrast to the hush puppies.

Green Bean Almondine

Green bean almondine is an elegant yet simple side dish that might intrigue you.

Sautee some fresh green beans with butter, garlic, and toasted almonds for a sophisticated, nutty flavor that pairs well with the hush puppies.

Variations and Substitutions

Ingredients Options

You might want to try using both white and yellow cornmeal for your hush puppies.

White cornmeal tends to have a milder flavor, while yellow cornmeal can give a slightly sweeter taste.

Instead of garlic salt, consider using onion powder for a hint of different flavor.

Dairy and Egg Alternatives

If you’re avoiding dairy, almond milk or soy milk can be effective substitutes for the whole milk in the recipe.

For those who want an egg-free option, use a flaxseed meal mixture as an alternative to eggs!

Cooking Tips

You can make hush puppies slightly sweet by adding a tablespoon of sugar or honey!

If you prefer crunchier hush puppies, use a bit more cornmeal and a bit less flour.

Don’t be afraid to try different combinations; it’s all about finding what you like best!

How to Store Leftover Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies

You’ve made a batch of delicious hush puppies, and now you find yourself with some extras.

Storing them properly is key to keeping them fresh!

Let’s dive into what you need to do to make those leftovers last.

Short-Term Storage

If you’re planning to eat your hush puppies in the next two to three days, the refrigerator is your best bet.

Place the hush puppies in a container that is lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture, then pop them in the fridge.

This simple trick keeps your hush puppies crisp and delicious!

Freezing for Longer Storage

For those of you who won’t be eating them soon, freezing is a great option.

To freeze, put the hush puppies in a freezer bag or airtight container, and remember to label them with the date.

Properly stored, these hush puppies will keep in the freezer for up to three months!

Helpful Tips

Avoid stacking the hush puppies too tightly, as it can lead to squishing and uneven freezing.

You might want to place parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them to maintain their shape.

These extra touches help preserve the texture and taste you love!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Much Flour

Adding too much flour can weigh down your hush puppies and make them dense.

Try to stick to the recommended flour-to-cornmeal ratio for the best results.

Overcooking

Pay attention to cook times because overcooking can lead to dry, crunchy hush puppies.

Keep a close eye on them as they fry to achieve that perfect golden brown.

Incorrect Batter Consistency

Finding the right balance between dry and wet ingredients is crucial.

If the batter is too runny or too thick, the texture will be off.

Aim for a batter that holds its shape but isn’t too thick.