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Crispy Southern Fried Okra

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A classic Southern fried okra recipe that delivers a perfect balance of crispy and tender with a flavorful, crunchy coating. Ideal as a snack or side dish, this recipe is quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh okra, washed and sliced into ½-inch pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice as substitute)
  • ½ cup yellow cornmeal (finely ground)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • About 2 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Wash 1 pound of fresh okra and pat dry thoroughly to reduce sliminess. Slice into ½-inch pieces.
  2. Place sliced okra in a large bowl and pour 1 cup of buttermilk over it. Stir gently to coat all pieces. Let soak for at least 15 minutes.
  3. In another bowl, combine ½ cup yellow cornmeal, ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional), and ¼ tsp garlic powder. Mix well.
  4. Pour about 2 cups vegetable or peanut oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan. Heat to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Using a slotted spoon, lift okra from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then toss in the dry mixture until fully coated. Shake off extra coating.
  6. Carefully add coated okra to hot oil in a single layer without overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until deep golden brown and crunchy.
  7. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove fried okra and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain. Let cool slightly before serving.
  8. Repeat frying remaining okra in batches, maintaining oil temperature between 350°F and 360°F (175-180°C).

Notes

Dry okra thoroughly before soaking to avoid sliminess. Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for best crispness. Fry in small batches to prevent sogginess. Use a wire rack to drain for a crispier coating. Season immediately after frying with a pinch of salt. Variations include gluten-free flour substitutions, baking, or air frying for a lighter option.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried okra, southern fried okra, crispy okra, crunchy snack, southern side dish, fried vegetable, easy snack recipe

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/crispy-southern-fried-okra-recipe-easy-perfect-crunchy-snack-ideas/