Picture this: you’ve just come home from a long day and the sun is starting to set, draping your kitchen in a cozy glow. The thought of fast food feels uninspiring, but a delicious transformation is just a few steps away. Enter Crabby Hush Puppies, those golden, crispy delights that are the perfect blend of savory flavor and satisfying crunch.
I discovered this recipe while sifting through my favorite family dishes, and I’ll admit, the addition of sweet crabmeat turns a simple classic into something quite extraordinary. These bite-sized morsels don’t just look impressive; they’ll have everyone at the table clamoring for more. Each puff is a delightful surprise, bursting with the aromatic hints of Old Bay seasoning and the unmistakable comfort of homemade cooking.
You’ll love how easily they come together—perfect for those unexpected gatherings or as a comforting snack while you unwind. Let’s dive into this recipe and bring the taste of coastal kitchens right to your home!
Why will you love Crabby Hush Puppies?
Deliciously Unique: These hush puppies are not your average fried snack; the addition of crabmeat elevates them to a gourmet level that will impress your guests.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these tasty bites in no time, making them ideal for any occasion.
Crispy, Crunchy Perfection: Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, while the soft, flavorful inside keeps you coming back for more.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s game night or a family dinner, these treats are sure to disappear fast, making them a crowd-pleaser!
Flavor-Packed Comfort: Loaded with Old Bay seasoning, they bring a delightful coastal flavor right to your kitchen, sure to brighten any day.
Once you see how quick and satisfying these are, you might want to check out more comforting recipes like Seafood Grits for a flavorful twist!
Crabby Hush Puppies Ingredients
For the Batter
- Canola oil – This neutral oil is perfect for frying, giving your hush puppies a crispy exterior.
- Yellow cornmeal – Adds that classic texture and flavor that makes hush puppies irresistible.
- All-purpose flour – Helps to bind the ingredients together for a light and fluffy result.
- Granulated sugar – Just a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Old Bay seasoning – This iconic spice blend brings coastal charm and depth to your crabby hush puppies.
- Baking powder – Adds a lightness to the batter, ensuring a delightful puff when fried.
- Kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors in your hush puppies for a delicious bite.
- Cayenne pepper – A touch of heat that adds a nice kick to these goodies.
For the Crab Mixture
- Buttermilk – Provides moisture and a subtle tang, enriching the flavor profile.
- Egg white – Helps to bind the ingredients while keeping the hush puppies light and airy.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and a lovely flavor; make sure it’s cooled before mixing.
- Claw crabmeat – The star ingredient, its sweet, tender flakes will make your hush puppies shine.
- Yellow onion – Brings a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Fresh chives – Add a pop of color and a mild oniony taste to elevate your dish.
For Serving
- Fresh parsley leaves (optional) – A sprinkle of this herb adds a refreshing touch before serving.
How to Make Crabby Hush Puppies
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Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed medium pot, warm the canola oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F on an instant-read thermometer. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and place a wire rack on top to keep your hush puppies crisp.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, Old Bay seasoning, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper until well combined. This mixture will give your hush puppies the perfect texture and flavor.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg white, and melted butter until smooth. Then gently stir in the flaked crabmeat, minced onion, and chives, ensuring everything is well mixed.
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Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overwork the batter for the best results.
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Fry the Hush Puppies: Using a 1-ounce scooper or a 2-tablespoon measure, drop balls of batter into the hot oil, frying in batches. Cook them until golden brown on all sides, turning halfway through frying; this should take about 2 minutes.
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Drain and Serve: Using a spider or slotted spoon, transfer the fried hush puppies to the prepared wire rack to drain. Let them cool for about 5 minutes, then serve them warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Optional: Serve with a tangy dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Crabby Hush Puppies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to personalize this delightful recipe with these fun twists that add your own special touch!
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Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce to the batter for an extra layer of heat that spice lovers will adore.
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Cheesy Delight: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy, savory flavor that melts beautifully in every bite.
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Herb-Infused: Experiment with herbs like dill or cilantro in place of chives for a fresh, aromatic twist that brightens the dish.
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute the crabmeat with 1 cup of finely chopped, sautéed mushrooms for a delicious, seafood-free version.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these hush puppies suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
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Sweet Corn Addition: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels to the batter for a sweet burst of flavor surrounded by a crispy shell.
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Bite-sized Appetizer: Roll the batter into smaller balls for mini hush puppies that are perfect as finger food for parties.
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Zesty Citrus: Add the zest of one lemon or lime to the batter for a refreshing, tangy undertone that complements the crab well.
Let your creativity flow and transform these hush puppies into something uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Crabby Hush Puppies?
These delightful bites deserve a well-rounded meal to accompany their crispy goodness and rich flavors.
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Refreshing Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw complements the hush puppies, balancing their richness while adding a refreshing crunch.
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Spicy Remoulade Sauce: Serve with this zesty dipping sauce that pairs beautifully with crab flavors and enhances the overall taste experience.
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Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, sweet corn adds a juicy, buttery element that contrasts wonderfully with the crispy hush puppies.
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Fried Green Tomatoes: Their acidity and texture offer a lovely contrast, enhancing the comfort food experience while maintaining Southern charm.
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Sautéed Green Beans: Lightly seasoned and cooked to a tender-crisp, they add an earthy flavor and a healthy side to your meal.
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Crisp Lettuce Wraps: Leafy greens filled with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime will lighten things up, providing a fresh contrast to each fried bite.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: Bright, citrusy lemonade or a refreshing glass of iced tea will cleanse the palate, making each bite of hush puppy taste even better.
Expert Tips for Crabby Hush Puppies
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Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at 350°F before frying. If it’s too cool, the hush puppies will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
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Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense hush puppies rather than light, airy bites.
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Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pot when frying. This helps maintain the oil temperature, ensuring perfectly crispy crabby hush puppies that brown evenly.
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Rest After Frying: Allow the hush puppies to sit on a wire rack for a few minutes to cool and crisp up further. This prevents steaming and keeps the texture delightful.
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Flavor Up Your Dipping Sauce: Pair your hush puppies with a zesty dipping sauce such as a remoulade or tartar sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
How to Store and Freeze Crabby Hush Puppies
Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy your hush puppies within a few hours, keep them covered on the countertop. They are best consumed fresh for optimal crunch.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain some crispness.
Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy your frozen crabby hush puppies, bake them from frozen at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Make Ahead Options
These Crabby Hush Puppies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness, mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately is recommended; keep the dry mixture (cornmeal, flour, and seasonings) and the wet mixture (buttermilk, egg white, butter, crabmeat, onion, and chives) chilled until you’re ready to combine them. When ready to serve, simply mix the two components, drop them into hot oil, and fry until they’re golden brown—this way, you ensure that your hush puppies remain just as delicious and crispy. Enjoy the time-saving benefits of having a satisfying snack ready at your convenience!
Crabby Hush Puppies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right crabmeat for my hush puppies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, lump crabmeat if you can find it. Look for meat that is sweet-smelling and has a clean, ocean-like scent, avoiding any with dark spots or a strong fishy odor. Canned crabmeat can also work in a pinch—look for blue crab meat, preferably packed in water rather than oil.
What is the best way to store leftover hush puppies?
Very! To store leftover hush puppies, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing the container to prevent moisture buildup, which could make them soggy.
Can I freeze hush puppies?
Definitely! To freeze your crabby hush puppies, first, allow them to cool completely. Then, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. After that, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll stay delicious in the freezer for up to 3 months!
What should I do if my hush puppies turn out greasy?
If you find your hush puppies are too greasy, it might be a sign that the oil temperature wasn’t high enough during frying. Make sure the oil reaches 350°F before adding the batter, and fry in small batches to keep the heat consistent. Also, letting them drain on a wire rack will help reduce excess oil soaking in as they cool.
Can I make these hush puppies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To create a gluten-free version of crabby hush puppies, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Ensure that your baking powder and seasonings are also gluten-free, and you can enjoy these tasty bites worry-free!
Are hush puppies safe for pets?
While hush puppies are not toxic to pets, they may not be the best treat for them due to the seasoning and frying process. The Old Bay seasoning contains spices that could upset a pet’s stomach, so it’s best to keep these delectable bites for human enjoyment only!
Crabby Hush Puppies: Crispy Delights Made at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the oil: In a heavy-bottomed medium pot, warm the canola oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, Old Bay seasoning, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a new bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg white, and melted butter. Stir in crabmeat, onion, and chives.
- Combine mixtures: Fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
- Fry the hush puppies: Drop balls of batter into hot oil, cooking until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer hush puppies to a wire rack to drain and cool for about 5 minutes.