Southern Fried Okra

With this delicious Southern Fried Okra recipe, savor the traditional tastes of the South. This meal embodies the spirit of Southern comfort food—it’s crispy on the outside and delicate inside. Prepare to delight in every bite of tradition.

Tasting Notes

The Southern Fried Okra boasts a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes. The golden-brown, crunchy coating complements the tender okra, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. It’s a side dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh okra, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Kitchen Equipment

• Deep fryer or large, deep skillet
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Mixing bowls
• Plate or tray for coating

Instructions

1. Prep the Okra:
   • Wash and slice the fresh okra into 1/2-inch rounds.
2. Soak in Buttermilk:
   • Place the sliced okra in a bowl and pour buttermilk over it. Allow it to soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
3. Prepare Coating Mixture:
   • In a separate bowl, combine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Coat the Okra:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
   • Take each soaked okra piece and coat it thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture.
5. Fry Until Golden:
   • Carefully place the coated okra in the hot oil, frying in batches.
   • Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
6. Drain and Serve:
   • Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried okra from the oil, placing it on a plate or tray lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Pro Tips

• For extra crispiness, ensure the oil is hot before frying.
• Don’t overcrowd the frying pan to maintain the crunchiness of the okra.
• Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Variations

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating mixture for a spicy kick.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo.

FAQs