Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies

If you’re craving a crispy, golden appetizer packed with a delightful seafood twist, Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies should be your next kitchen adventure. These bite-sized treats combine the classic Southern hush puppy mix with savory, tender shrimp tucked inside, delivering a perfect balance of crunch and juicy flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a fun snack, Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies bring warmth, comfort, and excitement to your table that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The mild sweetness of shrimp blends perfectly with the savory cornmeal batter for a taste that’s both unique and comforting.
• Crispy on the Outside, Tender Inside: Achieve that irresistible crunch on the outside while keeping the shrimp juicy and flavorful inside.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether a casual gathering or festive event, these hush puppies serve as an irresistible appetizer or snack.
• Simple to Make: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, anyone can whip up this delicious recipe in no time.
• Customizable: Easily adjust spices, herbs, or add your favorite sauces to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create incredible taste and texture. Each component plays a key role—from the cornmeal providing crunch, to the shrimp adding savory sweetness, and seasonings bringing it all to life.

• Cornmeal: The base for the batter ensures a golden, crunchy exterior that hush puppies are known for.
• All-Purpose Flour: Balances the cornmeal texture and helps bind the ingredients together perfectly.
• Baking Powder: Adds lift and fluffiness to the batter for a light, airy bite.
• Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, keeping the hush puppies tender inside.
• Fresh Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, chopped into bite-size pieces for a juicy seafood surprise within.
• Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and a hint of color.
• Garlic Powder and Paprika: Seasonings that deepen flavor with a subtle smoky, savory note.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for perfectly seasoned hush puppies.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying—choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that golden crust.

Variations for Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! It’s incredibly easy to tweak ingredients based on what you have, your taste preferences, or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas to make this dish your own.

• Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the batter for a little heat.
• Cajun Style: Incorporate Cajun seasoning in the batter and shrimp for a bold, Southern flavor profile.
• Cheese Lover’s Version: Mix shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the batter for gooey, melty goodness.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour to keep the hush puppies accessible to everyone.
• Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill to add a fresh herbal note that brightens the flavors.

How to Make Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir the dry ingredients until evenly mixed. Slowly whisk in the buttermilk until you get a thick but smooth batter. Set this aside as you prep your shrimp and green onions.

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp Filling

Chop fresh shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss the shrimp with finely chopped green onions and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will be the rich, savory center of your hush puppies.

Step 3: Fill the Hush Puppies

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Using a spoon, scoop a small amount of batter into your hand, flatten it slightly, place a spoonful of shrimp mixture in the center, then cover it with more batter forming a round ball. This gives you a perfectly stuffed hush puppy ready for frying.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Carefully drop the stuffed hush puppies into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, turning occasionally until they are deep golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies

• Oil Temperature Control: Keep the oil steady at 350°F for the crispiest hush puppies without absorbing too much oil.
• Even Sizes: Make hush puppies uniform in size so they cook evenly and look professional.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid tough hush puppies with dense texture.
• Fresh Shrimp is Key: Use fresh or well-thawed shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
• Drain Properly: Let the hush puppies rest on paper towels post-frying to soak up extra oil and stay crispy.

How to Serve Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the hush puppies. A small dollop of tangy remoulade or spicy aioli on the side complements the seafood flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies pair wonderfully with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, fried green tomatoes, or a fresh cucumber salad, balancing richness with refreshing crispness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these hush puppies on a rustic wooden board with a trio of dipping sauces: spicy mayo, cocktail sauce, and lemon-garlic butter, inviting friends or family to customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cooled Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain crispiness rather than the microwave.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To keep that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch, reheat frozen or refrigerated hush puppies in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used as long as it is fully thawed, drained, and patted dry to avoid excess moisture that could affect the batter texture.

What oil is best for frying Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil to achieve perfect crispiness without burning.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While baking is possible for a healthier alternative, frying provides the classic crispy texture most people love. Baking may result in a softer exterior.

How do I make the hush puppies less spicy?

Simply omit any spicy additions like jalapeños or cayenne pepper and stick to the base seasoning for a mild, crowd-pleasing taste.

Are Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies gluten-free?

Traditional recipes are not gluten-free due to the use of all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour blends to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp Stuffed Hush Puppies are such a fun, flavorful twist on a Southern classic that truly bring people together. From the crunchy bite to the tender shrimp surprise inside, every mouthful feels like a delicious celebration. I can’t wait for you to try making these at home and enjoy how easily they become a new favorite in your recipe collection!

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