Southern Fried Cornbread/How Cakes 1 1/2 cups self-rising cornmeal 2/3 cups buttermilk or can use regular milk, too 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup oil (I use canola oil) for cooking Mix meal, milk, egg and salt together. Drop by spoonful into hot oil. Brown on one side then turn and fry until golden brown on both sides.