Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies
Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies are a Southern classic with a seafood twist featuring golden, crispy hush puppies filled with flavorful, juicy shrimp seasoned with herbs and spices. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they combine a crunchy exterior with a tender, moist interior for an irresistible and customizable treat.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 12 hush puppies 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Can be made Gluten Free with flour substitution
Shrimp Filling
- Fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 1/2 pound)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Preferred seasonings (e.g., paprika, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning)
- Vegetable oil, for sautéing (1 tablespoon)
Hush Puppy Batter
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF version)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying (enough for 3-4 inches depth)
- Prepare the Shrimp Filling: Chop the shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces and toss them with a pinch of salt, pepper, and your preferred seasonings. Sauté briefly in a skillet with a little vegetable oil until just pink and cooked through, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chopped green onions, then gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until just combined to form a thick batter.
- Stuff the Hush Puppies: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Using your hands or a spoon, take a generous spoonful of batter, flatten it lightly, place some shrimp filling in the center, then cover it with more batter, shaping it into a ball.
- Fry Until Golden: Carefully drop the stuffed hush puppies into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies hot or warm, garnished with fresh herbs or alongside your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible snack.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep hush puppies light and fluffy.
- Maintain frying oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking and crispy exterior.
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- Drain hush puppies on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- You can prepare the batter ahead and refrigerate; stir gently before frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 hush puppies
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: shrimp hush puppies, stuffed hush puppies, southern seafood appetizer, fried shrimp snack, hush puppies recipe