In a large bowl combine the cornmeal, sugar, and salt. Add the boiling water and stir with a whisk or wooden spoon to blend into a thick dough.
Shape the dough into 8 patties about 3-inches in diameter. Place the patties in a single layer on parchment paper to keep them from sticking to each other.
Put the oil in a large frying pan and heat to high for at least 5 minutes. The temperature should reach 350 F. Drop in 4 of the patties and cook in the hot oil for 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Flip the patties and cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from the pan. Repeat the process with the remaining 4 cornbread patties.