Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these Spicy Crawfish Hush Puppies are little golden bites of Southern comfort with a kick! Loaded with tender crawfish, a blend of spices, and a touch of heat, they’re the perfect bite-sized treat for seafood lovers. And let’s not forget the Creole Dipping Sauce—a creamy, zesty companion that takes these hush puppies to the next level.
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at hush puppies the same way again!
Why You’ll Love Spicy Crawfish Hush Puppies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about bringing a taste of the South right to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving these as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re guaranteed to steal the show. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
Versatile: Great as a party appetizer, side dish, or even a game-day snack.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients while still feeling indulgent.
Quick and Easy: No need for complicated steps—just mix, fry, and enjoy!
Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite seasonings for a personal touch.
Crowd-Pleasing: Crunchy, savory, and packed with bold flavors, these hush puppies are impossible to resist!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Spicy Crawfish Hush Puppies
These hush puppies are all about flavor and texture—here’s what makes them so good:
Crawfish: Tender, juicy crawfish tails add a rich seafood flavor and a meaty bite.
Cornmeal: Gives the hush puppies their signature crispy exterior and hearty texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a light, fluffy inside while holding everything together.
Baking Powder: Ensures a perfect rise, keeping them airy instead of dense.
Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, making the batter extra flavorful.
Green Onions: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the crawfish.
Jalapeño: Adds just the right amount of heat—adjust to your spice preference!
Cajun Seasoning: A blend of bold spices that gives these hush puppies their signature Southern kick.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall depth of flavor.
Hot Sauce: Just a splash for an extra punch of heat and tang.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown finish.
Ingredients in Creole Dipping Sauce
This creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce is the perfect match for hush puppies:
Mayonnaise: The rich and creamy base of the sauce.
Creole Mustard: Adds a zesty, slightly tangy kick.
Hot Sauce: Enhances the spice level and flavor depth.
Garlic Powder: A hint of garlic makes everything better.
Paprika: Brings warmth and a touch of smokiness.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens up the flavors.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these crispy, flavorful hush puppies:
Preheat Your Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F. Maintaining the right temperature ensures perfectly crispy hush puppies.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.
Prepare the Batter: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix it with buttermilk and hot sauce. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the Additions: Gently fold in the crawfish, green onions, and diced jalapeño. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the hush puppies light and fluffy.
Shape and Fry: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small balls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per batch).
Drain and Cool: Remove the hush puppies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the Creole Dipping Sauce ingredients until smooth.
Serve and Enjoy: Dip those crispy hush puppies into the creamy Creole sauce and savor every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 280
(Note: The full nutritional breakdown is available in the recipe card below.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Spicy Crawfish Hush Puppies
These hush puppies are best served hot and crispy, straight out of the fryer. Here are some great ways to enjoy them:
- Pair with the Creole Dipping Sauce for the ultimate flavor combo.
- Serve as a side with fried catfish or shrimp po’boys for a classic Southern meal.
- Add to a seafood platter with fried oysters and calamari.
- Enjoy with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, citrusy contrast.
Additional Tips
- For extra crunch, let the batter rest for 10 minutes before frying.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño and hot sauce.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer! Cooking in small batches ensures even frying.
- Use a thermometer to keep the oil temperature steady for the best texture.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make these hush puppies ahead of time?
Yes! Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up.
2. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Frying gives the best texture, but you can bake them at 375°F for 15-20 minutes if preferred.
3. What if I don’t have crawfish?
You can substitute shrimp or even crab meat for a different seafood twist.
4. Can I freeze these hush puppies?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before serving.
5. How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
A kitchen thermometer is the best way to check, but you can also drop a small piece of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and floats, it’s ready!
6. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, buttermilk adds great flavor. If you don’t have it, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar as a substitute.
7. How do I keep the hush puppies from getting too dense?
Make sure not to overmix the batter—stir just until combined!
8. Can I make the Creole sauce spicier?
Absolutely! Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
9. What’s the best oil for frying hush puppies?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil all work well for frying.
10. Can I make mini hush puppies?
Yes! Just use a smaller scoop and reduce the frying time slightly.
Conclusion
These Spicy Crawfish Hush Puppies with Creole Dipping Sauce are the ultimate Southern comfort food—crispy, flavorful, and absolutely addictive. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of golden-brown hush puppies with that creamy, zesty dipping sauce is pure perfection.
So grab your ingredients, heat up that oil, and get ready to enjoy a bite of Southern goodness!
Print
Spicy Crawfish Hush Puppies with Creole Dipping Sauce
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 18 hush puppies 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
These flavorful hush puppies are made with crawfish and a kick of spice, served with a tangy Creole dipping sauce. A perfect appetizer or side dish with a Southern flair.
Ingredients
For the Hush Puppies:
- 1/2 pound crawfish tails, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Creole Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and smoked paprika.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, green onions, and parsley.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the crawfish tails.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Use a spoon to drop the batter into the hot oil, frying in batches. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the hush puppies from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- For the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, lemon juice, Creole seasoning, and parsley.
- Serve the hush puppies warm with the Creole dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- For extra flavor, you can add a small chopped jalapeño to the batter.
- Hush puppies are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven to maintain their crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hush puppy
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg