These tasty fritters are filled with surprises, even before you dip them in the jalapeno remoulade.
Photo by Gwénaël le Vot
Crab-stuffed Hush Puppies
MAKES 24
1 cup cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2–3 scallions, thinly sliced
½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
¼ cup milk
½ cup beer (or use all milk)
8 ounces lump crab meat
Cooking oil, for frying
Remoulade sauce, optional (see tips below)
In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt. In another medium bowl, combine the egg, scallions, bell pepper, milk and beer (you can substitute more milk if you want to skip the beer). Add to dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the crab meat. Batter will be thick. In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 inches of oil to 365 F. Using a medium-small scoop, drop batter into the hot oil. Work in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Fry 2–3 minutes until golden brown, then remove to a paper towel-lined platter. Keep warm in a 200 F oven until ready to serve. Serve with your favorite sauce or remoulade.
___
Jalapeno Remoulade
MAKES ABOUT 1½ CUPS
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chili sauce
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
¼ cup capers, coarsely chopped
¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
2 scallions, chopped (save green tops for garnish)
½ jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (or serrano if you prefer more heat)
1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Scallion tops, thinly sliced, for garnish
In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients—except scallion tops—until well combined. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced scallion tops. Leftover remoulade will keep up to one week in refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.
Chef’s tip
Always wear plastic gloves when prepping jalapenos and avoid contact between hands and eyes. If you can tolerate the mild heat in jalapenos, no need to remove the seeds.
___
Related stories
Let the tailgating begin—Chef Belinda Smith-Sullivan reveals her all-star lineup for delicious gameday eating.
Festive finger foods—Elevate your tailgating spread with these festive finger foods that will delight your fellow fans. They also work great as holiday appetizers. Beef Wellington bites, anyone?