Description
Southern Fried Okra is a classic southern comfort food featuring crispy, golden-brown okra pieces coated in a seasoned cornmeal and flour mixture, then deep-fried to perfection. It's a delicious side dish or snack with a satisfying crunch and flavorful seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh or frozen okra, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1/8 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal (yellow or white)
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare Okra: Drizzle the buttermilk over the cut okra pieces to moisten them evenly.
- Season: Sprinkle seasoning salt and ground black pepper over the okra, then use your hands to mix thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
- Add Flour: Evenly sprinkle all-purpose flour over the seasoned okra and mix again by hand to ensure all pieces are coated well.
- Coat with Cornmeal: Add the cornmeal to the okra mixture and toss gently with your hands to coat evenly, taking care that the okra pieces do not stick together.
- Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or heavy skillet, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for frying.
- Fry Okra: Carefully drop the coated okra pieces into the hot oil in batches, frying for about 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain: Remove the fried okra with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Season to Taste: While still warm, sprinkle additional salt if desired for extra flavor.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly and enjoy as a snack or side dish with your favorite meal.
Notes
- This recipe works well with fresh or properly thawed frozen okra; avoid moisture to keep coating crispy.
- Use yellow or white cornmeal depending on your color preference; both work great.
- Maintain oil temperature to ensure even frying and prevent sogginess.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch, but leftovers can be reheated in a hot oven for crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning salt or add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
