Add Beer To Hush Puppy Batter For The Crispiest Texture

Hush puppies may take the prize for the most adorable sounding food, but these iconic southern classics have had staying power because of more than just their good name — they're exceptionally delicious. And while you may have a favorite recipe for these fritters, there's a single ingredient that can make them even more satisfyingly crisp.

Perhaps you've used a splash of vodka to create super juicy fried chicken, but in this case, you'll want to reach for another boozy ingredient — beer. Beer batter is known for its use in classics like Baja fish tacos, but in your hush puppies, incorporating about a two-to-one ratio of beer to cornmeal can be a total game-changer, guaranteeing the most tender, tasty morsels that have a light, crispy crunch factor. 

If you prefer, you can choose to just appreciate the magic that this addition makes without asking questions. However, for the scientifically inclined, there are sound reasons that this ingredient can be transformative to your fried bites.

Beer brings a pair of qualities to the table when it comes to frying batter. First, the effervescence for which it is so well-known. The carbonation in beer is thanks to the fermentation process, in which carbon dioxide is trapped in the bubbles. When used in batter, those bubbles help lighten the mixture. The next element is acidity. Carbonic acid interferes with gluten formation, which means you'll have a more tender finished product. This combination of factors create a lighter batter that won't absorb too much oil during the frying process, resulting in crispier treats that instead allow the flavor of your ingredients — like naturally sweet cornmeal — to really shine.

The type of beer is up to you; a lighter pilsner will be cleaner and less pronounced in flavor, while a darker, more robust beer may add a little of its own character to the mix. If you'd prefer to avoid using alcohol, other carbonated liquids like club soda can amp up fried dishes like this one, or you can even try ginger ale if you'd like to add a subtle spice to your flavor profile. Once you have the process down for these extra-crispy hush puppies, you may just find reasons to keep experimenting so you never run out.