Savor the flavors of the South with our irresistible Southern Fried Okra! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor, this classic Southern dish is a crowd favorite that complements any meal. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, each bite of this golden-fried okra will transport you to the heart of Dixie with its rich and satisfying flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh okra pods, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal or cornmeal mix
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Okra:
- Wash the fresh okra pods under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim off the stems and slice the okra into 1/2-inch rounds.
- Soak in Buttermilk:
- Place the sliced okra rounds in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Stir gently to ensure that all the okra pieces are coated in buttermilk. Let the okra soak in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to help reduce the slime texture.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the cornmeal (or cornmeal mix), all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Coat the Okra:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Working in batches, remove the okra from the buttermilk, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off, and dredge it in the cornmeal mixture until evenly coated.
- Fry the Okra:
- Carefully place the coated okra rounds into the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded in the skillet or fryer.
- Fry the okra in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even frying.
- Drain and Serve:
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried okra to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining okra batches until all the okra is fried.
- Serve Warm:
- Serve the Southern Fried Okra immediately while still warm, garnished with a sprinkle of additional salt if desired.
- Enjoy the crispy, golden-brown goodness of this classic Southern delicacy as a side dish, appetizer, or snack!
Enjoy the crispy and flavorful goodness of our Southern Fried Okra, a beloved classic that embodies the essence of Southern cuisine! This dish, with tender okra slices coated in a crispy cornmeal crust, is sure to impress at any gathering or meal. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, every bite of this golden-fried okra is a taste of the South that will leave you wanting more. So preheat the fryer and treat yourself to this Southern delight today! 🌽🍴