Southern-Style Fried Okra

Southern-Style Fried Okra

Introduction

Fried okra is a beloved Southern classic known for its crispy exterior and tender interior. This dish is made by coating fresh okra slices in a seasoned cornmeal mixture and frying them to golden perfection. A great side dish or appetizer, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh okra (caps removed, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Okra:
   Wash and slice the okra into small, even pieces. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Coat the Okra:
   In a bowl, toss the okra slices with buttermilk until evenly coated. In another bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge the Okra:
   Using a slotted spoon, transfer the buttermilk-coated okra to the dry mixture. Toss until all pieces are well-coated.
4. Heat the Oil:
   In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the okra pieces halfway.
5. Fry the Okra:
   Fry the okra in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Season and Serve:
   Sprinkle additional salt over the hot okra, if desired. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Conclusion

Southern-style fried okra is a quick and flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with main courses or can be enjoyed as a standalone snack. Its irresistible crunch and savory seasoning make it a staple for any Southern-inspired meal. Enjoy it warm and watch it disappear quickly!

For more details, visit the full recipe

Thank you for following me on  Facebook , Pinterest !