
Shrimp and Hush Puppies is a classic Southern American dish, particularly popular in coastal regions like the Carolinas and the Gulf Coast. It features crispy, deep-fried shrimp served alongside hush puppies—small, savory balls of cornmeal-based dough that are also fried to a golden brown. The dish is a staple of casual seafood shacks and family gatherings.
This dish is high in protein from the shrimp and carbohydrates from the cornmeal batter, with a significant amount of fat due to the deep-frying process. A typical serving provides a good source of selenium and vitamin B12, and generally ranges from 500 to 800 calories, depending on portion size and preparation.
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 58 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 mcg |
| Selenium | 42 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 310 mg |
| Zinc | 3.2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 5.8 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 65 mg |
| Vitamin E | 2.1 mg |
Per 1 plate (350 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Hush puppies have a fun origin story, with legends claiming they were originally fried cornmeal bits tossed to barking dogs to 'hush the puppies' during fish fries. Nutritionally, the combination offers a balance of lean seafood protein with the energy-dense, comforting carbs of the cornmeal, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.