Captain D’s Hush Puppies are crispy and tasty, perfect for enjoying alongside your favorite seafood dishes. With their golden-brown crunch on the outside and soft, flavorful center, they’re a real treat.

If you wanna make your seafood dinner even better, I suggest to you this yummy recipe for Captain D’s Hush Puppies. They’re like little bites of joy! Every time I make Captain D’s Tartar Sauce, I feel like I need to pair it with something tasty, like these Hush Puppies. And guess what? They’re super easy to make, so you can enjoy them without any hassle.

These Hush Puppies are perfect for munching on with your favorite seafood or as a snack all by themselves. With their crispy outside and soft inside, they’re a real treat for your taste buds. So why not give this recipe a go and treat yourself to the deliciousness of Captain D’s Hush Puppies today!

What is Captain D’s Hush Puppies?

Captain d’s Hush Puppies are savory, deep-fried cornmeal-based fritters that are a popular side dish at Captain D’s seafood restaurant chain. These crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside morsels are typically made from a batter consisting of cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, finely chopped onion, buttermilk, beaten egg, and melted butter.

The batter is mixed until just combined and then dropped by spoonfuls into hot oil for frying until golden brown and crispy. Hush puppies are known for their delicious flavor and are often served alongside seafood dishes or enjoyed as a snack on their own.

How to make Captain D’s Hush Puppies?

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Step 1:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.

Step 2:

Add the finely chopped onion to the dry mixture and stir to distribute the onion pieces throughout the mixture.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, beaten egg, and melted butter until well combined.

Step 4:

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick but moist.

Step 5:

In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). There should be enough oil to fully submerge the hush puppies.

Step 6:

Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry the hush puppies for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 7:

Using a slotted spoon, remove the hush puppies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 8:

Serve the hush puppies hot as a side dish with your favorite seafood or enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack.

Notes

• Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C) for perfectly cooked hush puppies. Too hot, and they may burn on the outside while remaining raw inside; too cool, and they can become greasy.
• Overmixing can make the hush puppies dense and tough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
• Frying in small batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping too much and ensures the hush puppies cook evenly.
• Place fried hush puppies on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.

What to pair with Captain D’s Hush Puppies

I always choose to enjoy Captain D’s Hush Puppies with a side of fried fish, their crispy exterior complementing the flaky fish perfectly. As a dip, I prefer Captain D’s Tartar Sauce, adding a tangy kick that enhances the savory flavor of the hush puppies. And sometimes, I like to pair them with grilled shrimp for a delightful surf and turf combination. Additionally, if you like a touch of sweetness, corn on the cob makes for a delicious accompaniment, balancing out the savory flavors with its buttery sweetness. For more variety, consider serving them alongside a refreshing Nish Nosh Salad in a light vinaigrette dressing.

FAQ

Can I freeze leftover hush puppies?

While hush puppies are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Can I make Captain D’s Hush Puppies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make gluten-free hush puppies. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using it.

Can I bake the hush puppies instead of frying them?

While frying gives hush puppies their traditional crispy texture, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Can I make mini hush puppies for appetizers?

Yes, you can use a smaller scoop or spoon to portion out the batter for bite-sized hush puppies perfect for appetizers or party snacks.

How long will leftover hush puppies stay fresh?

Leftover hush puppies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven for best results.

Conclusion

Making Captain D’s Hush Puppies is a fun and tasty adventure. These crispy bites are a perfect match for seafood or as a snack. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the fryer or later on as leftovers, they always hit the spot. With this recipe, you can easily whip up a batch of these delicious hush puppies at home and enjoy the comforting taste of the South whenever you like.