fbpx

Fried Okra Recipe

By Nicole A. Taylor
Email Facebook Facebook Pinterest X
1 / 7
Brush any dirt off the okra before chopping it.
Brush any dirt off the okra before chopping it.
Photo courtesy Countryman Press
2 / 7
Discard the stems as you chop the okra into 1/2-inch pieces.
Discard the stems as you chop the okra into 1/2-inch pieces.
Photo courtesy Countryman Press
3 / 7
Soak the chopped okra in buttermilk for 15 minutes before dredging it.
Soak the chopped okra in buttermilk for 15 minutes before dredging it.
Photo courtesy Countryman Press
4 / 7
Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to shake off excess cornmeal.
Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to shake off excess cornmeal.
Photo courtesy Countryman Press
5 / 7
Fry in batches, giving the oil time to reheat after each batch.
Fry in batches, giving the oil time to reheat after each batch.
Photo courtesy Countryman Press
6 / 7
Delicious and crunchy, fried okra is a popular appetizer or side dish.
Delicious and crunchy, fried okra is a popular appetizer or side dish.
Photo courtesy Countryman Press
7 / 7
“The Up South Cookbook” by Nicole A. Taylor is full of creative recipes combining the rich flavor of Brooklyn with the comfort and tradition of Southern cooking.
“The Up South Cookbook” by Nicole A. Taylor is full of creative recipes combining the rich flavor of Brooklyn with the comfort and tradition of Southern cooking.
Cover courtesy Countryman Press
40 min DURATION
15 min COOK TIME
25 min PREP TIME
6 servings SERVINGS

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped okra (about 1 pound)
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup fine cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1-1/2 cups sunflower oil

Directions

  • Gently rub any dirt off okra. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces, discard hard stem.
  • Pour buttermilk in a shallow bowl, add the okra and soak for 15 minutes.
  • Combine the salt, pepper, cornmeal, flour, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Whisk together well.
  • Toss buttermilk-soaked okra in cornmeal mixture. Using a spider strainer or slotted spoon, shake off excess cornmeal.
  • Place oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat. Insert an instant-read thermometer in oil. When the temperature reaches 350 degrees F, the okra is ready for the skillet.
  • Carefully drop okra in the oil (work in batches). Cook about a minute and flip over, until golden brown. Remember to let the oil reach the 350 degree F mark before dropping more okra, and don’t crowd the pan.
  • Transfer to baking sheet with cooling rack on top. Sprinkle with more salt, if desired.Let’s talk okra. If you’ve never witnessed them growing from seed to pod, it’s something beautiful. Gorgeous flowers grow right beside the vegetable and can be used to thicken soup or simply fried. The inside anatomy of okra is often used as stencils or stamps: artful food.

    • More from The Up South Cookbook:

    Tagged with: cooking okra, fried okra, nicole a taylor, recipe, southern appetizer recipes, the up south cookbook
    Email Facebook Facebook Pinterest X
    Recipes You May Also Like
    Cornbread Turkey Pot Pie Recipe image
    Cornbread Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
    • By Family Features
    Thanksgiving Leftovers image
    Thanksgiving Leftovers
    • By Chef Elizabeth
    Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Topping Recipe image
    Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Topping Recipe
    • By Mccormick
    Thanksgiving is full of favorite dishes, and it’s the twists on those favorites that can make them stand out and become new favorites.