Best Fried Pickles in NYC...Yes Please!

Southern Hospitality BBQ- www.southernhospitalitybbq.com has the best fried pickles in NYC, period. I'm not just saying this because I work for them, they really do! I've tried fried pickles almost everywhere as they're one of my favorite little bites when done right. I've had them in the North, the South and some of the best BBQ restaurants in and around NYC including Southern, and they always come out on top. Even better than Brother Jimmy's (in my opinion). Bro Jim's is often credited as having The Best "Frickle" in NYC. Yes, for those of you that don't know, a frickle is a fried pickle...kinda cute right? One of the most important reasons is Southern Hospitality BBQ cuts their pickles into little crispy chips as opposed to spears or whole. This is super important, if the pickle pieces are too large then the end product tends to be limp & soggy...so not ideal. Luckily, I have a bit of an in with the Chef and was able to obtain the recipe to this signature appetizer for those who aren't able to make the trip into the big city. For those living in and around Manhattan, you can find this savory, perfectly salty southern specialty at Southern Hospitality BBQ on 45th Street & 9th ave. My mouth is literally watering just writing about them!

BTW-they're served with a BBQ ranch dipping sauce. Yea, I said it BBQ RANCH! Say whaaaa?!?!!

Southern Hospitality BBQ's Fried pickles

Yield  2 to 4 

2 cups dill pickle chips

1 cup flour 

1 teaspoon black pepper 

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon Cajun mix

1/4 teaspoon paprika 

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

2 eggs

2 cups of very fine bread crumbs (Panko are a good option)

Frying oil

Salt to taste

In a large plastic food-storage bag, mix together the flour, salt and spices  

Place the pickle chips in the bag and shake until they are well coated.

Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt in a shallow plate

Place the bread crumbs in a plate.

In small batches, dip the flour-coated pickles into the eggs and then lightly dredge in the bread crumbs, Place the bread coated pickles on a large baking sheet, Repeat until all the pickles are coated.

In a large, heavy skillet heat 1/2 inch of oil on medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees.

 If you don't have a thermometer just make sure oil is hot but not smoking it should bubble a little when you place the pickles. 

Cook the pickles until golden brown, turning once. 

Don't overcrowd your skillet, or the pickles will be soggy you want some space in between the pickles, 

fry the pickles in batches and drain on paper towels.

Serve immediately with your favorite dressing. 

My choice for Best "Frickle" in NYC!

The delectable BBQ Ranch-So unfortunately not even I could get this secret recipe as both the ranch and BBQ sauce are house made. I recommend experimenting on your own! Go nuts! I'm def going to do the same and will keep you posted if I get close :-)