Savor the taste of the South with our Crispy Southern Fried Okra Delight. This dish is a classic Southern treat, featuring fresh okra pods coated in a seasoned cornmeal batter and fried to golden perfection. Each bite offers a delightful crunch, revealing the tender, flavorful interior of the okra. It's a perfect side dish or snack that brings the comfort of Southern cooking right to your table.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Nutritional Profile (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
Ingredients
- Fresh okra pods, sliced: 500g (1.1 pounds / 17.6 ounces)
- Cornmeal: 120g (4.2 ounces / 0.26 pounds)
- All-purpose flour: 60g (2.1 ounces / 0.13 pounds)
- Paprika: 5g (0.18 ounces / 0.01 pounds)
- Garlic powder: 5g (0.18 ounces / 0.01 pounds)
- Onion powder: 5g (0.18 ounces / 0.01 pounds)
- Buttermilk: 240ml (8 ounces / 0.5 pounds)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Prep the Okra: Wash and slice the okra pods into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Marinate Okra: In a bowl, soak okra slices in buttermilk for 10 minutes.
- Prepare Coating: Mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
- Coat the Okra: Drain okra from buttermilk. Toss with the cornmeal mixture until evenly coated.
- Fry the Okra: Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry okra in batches until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain and Serve: Place fried okra on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Buttermilk Soak: Soaking okra in buttermilk helps the coating adhere and adds flavor.
- Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a steady temperature for even frying.
- Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake the okra instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, but the texture will be different.
What can I serve with fried okra?
It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack.
Can I use frozen okra?
Fresh okra is preferable, but thawed frozen okra can be used in a pinch.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.