Fried Okra
Fried Okra is a classic Southern dish with a crispy golden coating and a tender inside. It’s perfect as a side dish or snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (500g) fresh okra
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Prepare the okra:
Wash the okra well and dry it completely. Slice into medium-sized rounds.
Soak the okra:
Place the sliced okra in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over it. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
Make the coating:
In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Coat the okra:
Remove the okra from the buttermilk and dredge it in the flour mixture. Toss well to coat evenly.
Fry:
Heat vegetable oil to 350–375°F (175–180°C).
Fry the okra in batches for 3–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and serve:
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve hot with ranch dressing, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for extra crispiness:
- Make sure the okra is completely dry before soaking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.