Southern Fried Okra (Printer-Friendly Version)
Crispy okra with a southern coating, quick to prepare and perfect as a flavorful side or snack.
# Ingredients Needed:
→ Produce
01 -
Fresh okra pods, sliced into ½-inch pieces (about 12 ounces)
→ Dairy
02 -
Buttermilk, ½ cup
→ Spices and Seasonings
03 -
Garlic salt, 1 teaspoon
04 -
Onion powder, ½ teaspoon
05 -
Paprika, 1 teaspoon
06 -
Black pepper, ½ teaspoon
→ Baking Ingredients
07 -
All-purpose flour, ½ cup
08 -
Fine yellow cornmeal, ½ cup
→ Oils
09 -
Peanut oil, enough for 2-inch deep frying
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Slice fresh okra pods into ½-inch pieces and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
02 -
Add buttermilk, garlic salt, and black pepper to the bowl with okra; stir to combine thoroughly.
03 -
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine all-purpose flour, cornmeal, garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper; seal and shake to mix evenly.
04 -
Working in batches of about ¼ cup, drain excess buttermilk from okra pieces and add them to the bag with the dry mixture; seal and toss to coat each piece uniformly.
05 -
Using tongs, transfer the coated okra from the bag to a wire rack set over a sheet pan, allowing excess coating to fall off; repeat until all okra is prepared.
06 -
Pour peanut oil into a deep fryer or heavy Dutch oven to a depth of 2 inches; heat the oil to 375°F (190°C).
07 -
Fry okra pieces in batches of about a dozen, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy; drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
08 -
Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce such as ranch, garlic aioli, or remoulade.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
For best results, use fresh okra and ensure it is dry before breading to achieve optimal crispiness.