Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies Recipe

If you’ve ever been a fan of Long John Silver’s famous hush puppies, you know that these tasty little bites are hard to resist.

The perfect blend of crispiness on the outside with a soft, flavorful interior makes them a go-to side dish at the popular fast-food chain.

To make this, you’ll need a few simple ingredients like cornmeal, flour, baking powder, garlic salt, and onion powder.

And, of course, the critical secret to achieving that desired crispy texture is frying them in the right oil.

How to Make Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies

Ingredients List

To make Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup whole milk
• Vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-step process

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, onion powder, and garlic salt.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg before adding it to the dry ingredients; then pour in the whole milk.

Mix well until all ingredients are combined and the batter has the consistency of bread batter.

If the batter seems too thin, add more cornmeal or flour as needed.

Step 3

In a deep frying pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 365°F (185°C), ensuring there is enough oil to submerge the hush puppies.

Step 4

Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.

Be careful not to overcrowd the frying pan, and let the hush puppies cook until they become golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 5

Once the hush puppies are done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain the excess oil.

You may want to serve your Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Side Dishes for Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies

Finding the perfect side dish to complement Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies is essential for an enjoyable meal.

Hush puppies are a Southern favorite, traditionally served with types of seafood.

Here are some side dish options that will complete your meal, adding delicious flavors and textures to the Hush Puppies:

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic side dish for seafood dishes, including hush puppies.

The creamy, tangy flavor of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy and savory Hush Puppies.

You can either make your coleslaw from scratch or buy pre-made for convenience.

French Fries

A popular choice for many Long John Silver’s fans are well-seasoned and crispy French fries.

Serving fries with Hush Puppies and seafood creates a delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Plus, their simple taste works well with the more complex flavors of the Hush Puppies.

Grilled or Steamed Vegetables

Adding a side of grilled or steamed vegetables is a great way to balance the meal and provide some variety.

You can choose from a wide range of vegetables, including green beans, asparagus, corn on the cob, or even a medley.

The flavors from the Hush Puppies combined with the freshness of the vegetables make for a satisfying meal.

Macaroni and Cheese

In line with Southern dishes, macaroni and cheese can be served as a side to your Hush Puppies.

The rich and creamy taste of mac and cheese adds an extra layer of flavor to the meal, while the contrast in textures makes for an enjoyable dining experience.

In conclusion, take your pick from the above-listed side dishes, and you’re sure to elevate your Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies experience.

Regardless of your choice, each of these side options will work well with your Hush Puppies, making for a satisfying and enjoyable meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies, you might need to substitute some ingredients with alternatives that are readily available or suit your preferences.

Here are some substitutes for the main ingredients in the recipe:

Cream of Tartar and Baking Soda

In case you don’t have baking powder, you can use cream of tartar and baking soda as alternatives.

Mix ⅔ teaspoon of cream of tartar with ⅓ teaspoon of baking soda to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder in the recipe.

The combination of these two ingredients will give you a similar leavening effect as baking powder.

Freshly minced or Grated Onion 

If you don’t have onion powder, you can use freshly minced or grated onion as an alternative.

One small onion is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of onion powder, but you can adjust the amount according to your taste preference.

Just remember to drain the excess liquid from the fresh onion before adding it to the recipe to avoid altering the batter’s consistency.

How to Store Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies

Storing Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies properly is essential if you want to enjoy them later.

There are several effective methods to help maintain their taste and texture.

Here, we will discuss different ways to store these delicious hush puppies, including the use of airtight containers, single layers, and paper towel-lined baking sheets.

Airtight Containers:

One of the best ways to store hush puppies is in airtight containers.

Place the completely cooled hush puppies in the container, ensuring there is no excess air inside.

This will help prevent them from becoming stale.

Seal the lid tightly and store the container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry.

Single Layer:

When storing hush puppies, it’s important to place them in a single layer in the container or on a tray.

Stacking them on top of each other can lead to sogginess or crushing.

If you need to store multiple layers, use a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to avoid sticking together.

Paper Towel-Lined Baking Sheet:

Before placing the hush puppies in a container or on a tray, it is a good idea to line the surface with paper towels.

The paper towels not only help absorb any residual oil but also provide a cushion to maintain the hush puppies’ shape and integrity.

If you’re planning to freeze them, start by placing the paper towel-lined baking sheet in the freezer for a couple of hours until the hush puppies are firm.

After they are frozen, transfer them to freezer-safe bags or airtight containers for long-term storage.

To summarize, storing Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies effectively can prolong their shelf life and maintain their taste and texture.

Utilize airtight containers, store them in a single layer, and use a paper towel-lined baking sheet to keep your hush puppies fresh and delicious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The choice of oil can make a significant difference in the taste and texture of hush puppies.

Canola oil is a popular and suitable option for deep-frying, as it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor.

Avoid using oils with low smoke points or strong flavors, as they may negatively impact your hush puppies.

Overmixing Dry Ingredients

When combining the dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and seasonings), avoid overmixing.

Gently whisking these ingredients together is sufficient to distribute them evenly.

Overmixing can cause the hush puppies to become dense and tough.

Improper Use of a Deep Fryer

Using a deep fryer for frying hush puppies requires proper temperature control and the right amount of oil.

Make sure the oil reaches a temperature of 365°F (185°C) before adding the hush puppies.

Maintain this temperature throughout the frying process, as fluctuating oil temperatures can result in uneven browning and undercooked or overcooked hush puppies.

Failing to Use a Cookie Scoop

When forming hush puppies, using a cookie scoop can help to create uniform sizes and shapes.

This ensures even cooking and a visually appealing final product.

If you don’t have a cookie scoop, try using two spoons to form the hush puppies, but be mindful of size and shape consistency.