Fried Okra
Fried Okra is a beloved Southern classic featuring fresh okra coated in a seasoned cornmeal and flour batter, then fried to golden perfection for a crispy, flavorful side dish. Perfectly crunchy with a mild, kid-friendly taste, this quick and versatile recipe complements a variety of Southern meals or stands alone as a tasty snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour)
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh okra, small to medium pods, sliced into bite-sized rounds
Coating
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free/almond flour for gluten-free version)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Binder
- 2 large eggs or 1 cup buttermilk
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, about 1 inch depth for frying
Instructions
- Prep the Okra: Wash the okra pods thoroughly, then pat them dry completely to minimize slime. Slice into bite-sized rounds.
- Prepare the Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs or buttermilk until smooth to create the wet mixture.
- Coat the Okra: Dip each okra slice into the egg or buttermilk mixture, then dredge it in the cornmeal-flour seasoning, ensuring even coating on every piece.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to about 1 inch depth and heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C), the ideal frying temperature.
- Fry Until Golden: Add coated okra in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove okra with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Choose fresh okra for less slime and better texture.
- Pat okra dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying and crispiness.
- Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Salt fried okra immediately after frying for best seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: fried okra, southern fried okra, crispy okra, southern side dish, gluten-free fried okra, okra recipe
Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/fried-okra/