Fried Okra Recipe
This fried okra recipe features fresh okra slices dipped in buttermilk, coated with a seasoned cornmeal blend, and deep-fried to golden perfection. It’s a classic side dish or appetizer that’s simple to prepare and absolutely delightful!
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Servings: 6 people
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh okra pods
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley optional
Instructions
- Begin by heating a deep pot filled with 3 inches of vegetable oil to 375 degrees F. This ensures the okra will fry to a perfect golden crisp.
- Prepare the okra by trimming off the stem ends, then slicing each pod into 3/4 inch thick rounds.
- In a large bowl, combine the okra slices with the buttermilk, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. This will serve as your breading mixture.
- One by one, dredge each okra piece in the flour mixture, making sure they are evenly coated. Continue until all the okra pieces are breaded.
- Carefully place about 10 pieces of the coated okra into the hot oil, frying them for approximately 3 minutes or until they achieve a golden brown color.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried okra from the oil, letting any excess oil drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- If desired, sprinkle the hot, crispy okra with chopped parsley before serving for an added burst of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful crunch!
Notes
Stir the okra occasionally while it fries to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Choose okra pods of similar size, around 3 inches long, for uniform cooking. Use a frying thermometer to maintain the correct oil temperature; too hot and the okra may burn, too cold and it will absorb excess grease and become heavy. Fresh okra is ideal for this recipe, as frozen okra tends to become mushy when thawed and won't hold up well during frying.