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Southern Fried Okra Recipe
Okra is my favorite vegetable ever. I love the hairy pod, the gooey slime and the soft texture. My family used to grow okra plant in our garden.
I especially love crispy Southern fried okra. They are so crunchy, addictive and the okra has no slime! It’s such a great appetizer, I just can’t stop eating.
How to Fry Okra?
In California, Okra is in season starting in June, so I got myself some okras and made them into these crunchy nuggets. Now, how to fry okra? It’s very easy and involves a few simple steps:
- Remove the cap and bottom tip of the okra and cut the pods into small pieces.
- Add the okras to buttermilk.
- Coat the okras with a dry all-purpose flour and cornmeal batter (mixture).
- Deep fry in vegetable oil until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the excess oil on paper towels and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Air Fryer to Fry Okra?
Yes you can and the end result tastes exactly the same. You can use air fryer to fry the okra after coating with the all-purpose flour and cornmeal mixture. Just add 1 tablespoon of oil to your air fryer before air frying.
What Does Okra Taste like Fried?
Okra has a mild flavor that many say tastes similar to eggplant, but the texture is more fibrous and tender. Additionally, the vegetable has a slime that will make it have a silky texture.
Is Fried Okra Good for You?
It is pretty low in calories has a high fiber content. It has also been proven to help with blood sugar and cholesterol, making okra good for you.
How Many Calories per Serving?
This fried okra recipe is only 183 calories per serving, with 35g of carbs.
What Dishes to Serve with This Recipe?
This meal is best served as an appetizer and goes well with a main dish. For a Southern style wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
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Crispy Fried Okra
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. okra
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 dashes ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- oil (for deep frying)
Instructions
- Trim off the cap and tip of the okra and cut into small pieces.
- Combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, smoked paprika and ground black pepper in a bowl. Stir to mix well.
- Add the buttermilk to a bowl. Work in batches, dip the okra in the buttermilk, then coat the okra with the flour mixture. Make sure the okra is evenly coated.
- Heat up a sauce pan or frying pan with 2 inches of oil. Deep fry the okra (in batches) until they turn crispy and golden brown in color. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with a dipping sauce such as a spicy Ranch dipping sauce (just add Sriracha to it).
Notes
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Can cornmeal be substituted?
Yes, corn flour or breadcrumbs work, but most flours and oats as well.
My batter falls off when I cook it. What am I doing wrong?
These came out crispy and delicious! Thanks p
😊👍
Can I use my air fryer instead of frying them in oil?
You can try!
I only have access to frozen Okra. Is that okay to use?
I don’t think the texture will be good.
Gonna try tonight! Love fried okra, my Daddy was from Georgia, so kind of grew up with it! {That and grits lol) many here in Calif think its disgusting, but just haven’t had it prepared the right way!
This looks like My ol’ Dads, I’m sure he is looking down and smiling!
Thanks
That’s awesome!