Here’s a delicious recipe for crispy fried okra!
Crispy Fried Okra Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh okra, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Okra:
- Rinse the okra under cold water and slice it into 1/2-inch rounds. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Soak in Buttermilk:
- Place the sliced okra in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over it. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes (you can also let it soak for a few hours in the refrigerator for better flavor).
- Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Coat the Okra:
- Remove the okra from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess coating.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of okra; it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the Okra:
- Carefully add the breaded okra to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and Serve:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried okra from the oil and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Season with additional salt if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve hot as a side dish or snack. Crispy fried okra pairs well with dipping sauces like ranch or remoulade.
Tips:
- For extra crunch, you can double-dip the okra by dipping it in buttermilk and then in the cornmeal mixture again.
- Adjust the spices to your taste, adding more cayenne for extra heat or other spices you enjoy.
Enjoy your crispy fried okra!
