Original Fried Pickle Recipe

1/2 cup buttermilk
salt and black pepper to taste
1 (16 ounce) jar dill pickle slices
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups fine cornmeal
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 quart oil for frying

Dipping Sauce:
1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 (12 ounce) jar buttermilk ranch dressing

Cover a plate with parchment paper or wax paper. In a shallow dish, combine buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Place pickles in mixture and set aside.

Pour the flour, cornmeal, seafood seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning into a large, resealable plastic bag; shake to mix well. Add pickles a few at a time and tumble gently to coat evenly with the flour mixture. Remove and place on prepared plate.

Heat oil to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C) in deep-fryer or heavy deep skillet.

Fry pickles in several batches until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside with a moist interior, 1 to 2 minutes.

Drain on paper towels.

In a small bowl, combine buttermilk ranch dressing with 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; blend. Serve as a dipping sauce for warm pickles.