Fish and Hush Puppy Skillet with Ketchup Tartar Sauce

There are some dishes that just transport you. For me, this Fish and Hush Puppy Skillet is one of them. I can vividly recall a trip down the Gulf Coast years ago, the air thick with the scent of saltwater and fried goodness. We stumbled upon a tiny, unpretentious shack right on the water, where the owner, a woman with hands as capable as they were kind, served up a skillet dish that was nothing short of magic. The crispy, golden hush puppies cradled tender, flaky fish, all baked together in a cast-iron skillet that had seen a thousand delicious meals. It was rustic, comforting, and utterly unforgettable, and it inspired me to recreate that experience in my own kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 1 (10-inch) skillet meal
• Dietary Type: Contains Fish, Dairy, Gluten (from cornmeal mix), Egg

Ingredients

This recipe brings together the simple elegance of fresh fish with the satisfying crunch of homemade hush puppies, all baked together in one glorious skillet. The accompanying ketchup tartar sauce adds a tangy, creamy counterpoint that ties it all together.

For the Hush Puppies and Fish:

• 2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix
• 1/4 cup sliced scallions
• 1 red jalapeno chile, seeded and minced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup lager beer
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup canola oil, for frying
• 2 catfish fillets, cut into 2-inch pieces (about 8 oz. each)
• 1/2 cup fish-fry mix (we use Zatarain’s)

For the Ketchup Tartar Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
• 1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish

Equipment Needed

• 10-inch cast-iron skillet
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Small mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Spatula
• Toothpick or skewer
• Serving plate (large enough to cover the skillet)
• Knife

Instructions

This is where the magic truly happens. We’ll combine the elements of a classic Southern fry-up with a simple baking technique to create a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious.

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a hot 450°F (230°C). A high heat is crucial for getting that perfect golden crust on our hush puppies.
2. Prepare the Hush Puppy Batter Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the self-rising cornmeal mix, sliced scallions, minced red jalapeno chile, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the aromatics.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients and Batter: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the lager beer, buttermilk, and egg until well combined and slightly frothy. Pour this wet mixture into the cornmeal mixture. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable. Do not overmix, as this can lead to tough hush puppies. Set this batter aside.
4. Heat the Oil: Place your 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add the 1/4 cup of canola oil and heat it until it shimmers. You want the oil to be hot enough to create a beautiful, crisp exterior on the fish and hush puppies.
5. Fry the Fish: While the oil is heating, place your fish-fry mix in a shallow dish. Dredge each catfish fillet piece in the fish-fry mix, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Carefully place the coated fish pieces into the shimmering hot oil in the skillet. Fry them on only one side for precisely 2 minutes. This brief fry will start the crisping process and set the exterior of the fish before it’s baked.
6. Add the Hush Puppy Batter: Once the fish has fried for 2 minutes on one side, carefully pour the prepared hush puppy batter directly over the fish in the skillet. Ensure the batter covers the fish as evenly as possible.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Now, carefully transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake until the hush puppy topping is a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center of the hush puppy portion comes out clean. This should take approximately 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
8. Rest the Skillet: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Let the meal rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and makes the dish easier to handle.
9. Invert and Serve: After resting, use a spatula to gently loosen the edges of the hush puppy topping from the sides of the skillet. Place a large serving plate, upside down, over the top of the skillet. With a confident and swift motion, and using oven mitts for protection as the skillet will still be very hot, flip both the plate and the skillet over together quickly. The contents of the skillet should now be on the serving plate, with the fish at the bottom and the golden hush puppies on top.
10. Prepare the Ketchup Tartar Sauce: While the skillet meal rests or just before serving, whisk together the ketchup, mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, and prepared horseradish in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. This creates a delightful, tangy sauce to accompany the dish.
11. Serve: Cut the skillet meal into wedges, like a pie, and serve immediately with the prepared Ketchup Tartar Sauce on the side for dipping.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cornmeal Mix Matters: The success of your hush puppies hinges on the quality of your self-rising cornmeal mix. Look for one that’s finely ground and has good flavor. If using a plain cornmeal, you’ll need to add baking powder and salt according to package directions.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When frying the fish, ensure you’re not overcrowding the skillet. If your skillet is too small or you have too much fish, fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve a crispier exterior.
• Jalapeno Heat: For a milder flavor, be sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the red jalapeno chile. For a spicier kick, leave some membranes in, or consider using a spicier pepper altogether.
• Beer Choice: While lager beer is specified for its mild flavor and carbonation, you can experiment with other light beers. The alcohol content will cook off, leaving behind a subtle depth of flavor.
• Skillet Temperature is Key: The 450°F (230°C) oven temperature is critical for achieving a perfectly golden, cooked-through hush puppy topping. If your oven tends to run hot or cold, use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Careful Flipping: The inversion step can be intimidating. Ensure you have a stable, large plate and use sturdy oven mitts. A quick, decisive flip is usually the most successful approach.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Fish and Hush Puppy Skillet is best enjoyed immediately after it’s flipped from the skillet, allowing you to savor the contrast between the crispy hush puppies and the tender fish. Serve it hot, with generous dollops of the Ketchup Tartar Sauce.

Leftovers, while not as ideal as a fresh bake, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm individual portions in a skillet over low heat, or in a toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the hush puppies soggy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	235.7 kcal	12%
Total Fat	11.4 g	15%
Saturated Fat	1.6 g	8%
Cholesterol	38.6 mg	13%
Sodium	695.9 mg	30%
Total Carbohydrate	24.9 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1.9 g	7%
Sugars	4 g	8%
Protein	8.4 g	17%

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Variations & Substitutions

• For a Gluten-Free Option: While difficult with traditional hush puppies, you could potentially experiment with a gluten-free cornmeal mix and a binder like psyllium husk. However, this would significantly alter the texture and is not a direct substitution.
• Different Fish: While catfish is classic, other firm white fish like tilapia, cod, or haddock can be used. Ensure they are cut into similar sized pieces for even cooking.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeno to your preference, or omit it entirely for a milder dish.
• Herbs: Feel free to add other fresh herbs to the hush puppy batter, such as chopped parsley or chives, for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: This recipe is inherently fish-centric, but you could adapt it with hearty vegetables like chunks of zucchini or bell peppers coated in the fish-fry mix, though the texture and flavor profile would be quite different.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the hush puppy batter ahead of time?
A: It’s best to make the hush puppy batter just before you plan to use it. Letting it sit for too long can affect the texture of the final hush puppies.

Q: What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
A: A heavy oven-safe skillet, like one made of stainless steel with an oven-safe handle, can be used as a substitute. Ensure it can withstand the 450°F oven temperature.

Q: How do I know if the fish is cooked through?
A: The fish will be flaky and opaque. Since it’s baked with the hush puppies, it will continue to cook. The toothpick test in the hush puppy batter is the primary indicator of doneness for the entire dish.

Q: Is the ketchup tartar sauce optional?
A: While you can certainly serve the skillet with other condiments, the ketchup tartar sauce is designed to complement the flavors of the fish and hush puppies perfectly.

Q: Can I make the tartar sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the Ketchup Tartar Sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It may thicken slightly, so you can stir in a teaspoon of water or milk if needed before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain comfort in a one-skillet meal, and this Fish and Hush Puppy Skillet delivers that in spades. It’s a dish that’s both approachable for home cooks and impressive enough to share. The rustic charm, the delightful combination of textures, and the bright, tangy sauce make it a winner every time. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, embrace the sizzle, and bring a taste of the coast to your own table. Don’t hesitate to share your culinary triumphs (or even happy accidents!) with fellow food lovers. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some coleslaw for a complete, satisfying meal. Happy cooking!