Fried Okra Recipe

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Ever find yourself wondering how to turn that fresh okra in your fridge into something everyone will love?

Or maybe you’re tired of the same old side dishes and need something new and exciting?

Look no further! Fried okra recipe is the perfect solution—crispy, delicious, and incredibly easy to make.

This Southern classic is sure to become a favorite in your household.

What Is Fried Okra?

Fried okra is a popular dish made by coating fresh okra slices in a mixture of flour and cornmeal, then frying them until they’re golden brown and crispy.

It’s a Southern classic known for its crunchy texture and delicious flavor.

The okra pieces are small, bite-sized, and perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish.

Fried Okra Recipe With Cornmeal

Ingredients

12 ounces fresh okra, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
Oil for frying

Instructions

Start by sprinkling salt and pepper on the okra pieces.
In a small bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed.
In another bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, seasoned bread crumbs, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly with a whisk.
Dip the okra pieces into the dry coating mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
Next, dip the coated okra into the beaten eggs, making sure each piece is fully covered.
Dip the egg-coated okra back into the dry coating mixture. Set the coated okra on a baking sheet.
Allow the coated okra to sit for 15-20 minutes. This helps the batter adhere better.
Pour about 1 inch of oil into a frying pan and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F.
Fry the okra in batches until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried okra to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Enjoy your fried okra recipe without egg while it’s warm and crispy.

How To Serve Fried Okra?

Fried okra is best served hot, straight out of the fryer. Here are some simple ways to enjoy it:

As a Side Dish: Pair it with your favorite main dishes like fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or grilled fish.
With Dipping Sauces: Serve it with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or a tangy barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
In a Basket: For a casual snack, serve fried okra in a basket lined with paper towels or parchment paper.
At a Picnic: Pack it in a container to bring along for a picnic or outdoor gathering.

Recipe Substitutions

If you need to change up the ingredients, here are some easy substitutions:

Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tangy flavor.
Cornmeal: For a different texture, you can use panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers instead of cornmeal.
Vegetable Oil: Any high-heat oil like canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil can be used for frying.

Recipe Variations And Additions

Want to make your fried okra even more exciting? Try these variations and additions:

Spicy Fried Okra: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating mixture for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Fried Okra: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the coating for a cheesy flavor.
Herb-Flavored Okra: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the coating for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
Lemon Zest: Add some grated lemon zest to the coating for a fresh, citrusy twist.
Onion Rings: Slice some onions and coat them along with the okra for a mixed batch of fried goodies.

How To Refrigerate Fried Okra?

Cool Completely: Let the fried okra cool completely at room temperature.
Use an Airtight Container: Place the cooled okra in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. Fried okra can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How To Freeze Fried Okra?

Cool Completely: Allow the fried okra to cool completely.
Flash Freeze: Spread the okra pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer. Freeze for about 1 hour until the okra pieces are solid.
Store in Freezer Bags: Transfer the frozen okra to a freezer-safe resealable bag or an airtight container.
Label and Freeze: Label the bag with the date and store it in the freezer. You can store frozen fried okra for up to three months.

How To Reheat Fried Okra?

From The Refrigerator:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the fried okra on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

From The Freezer:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the frozen fried okra on a baking sheet in a single layer. No need to thaw.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

Quick Microwave Method (For Refrigerated Okra):

Arrange on Plate: Place the fried okra on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer.
Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes. This method is faster but may not keep the okra as crispy as the oven method.

What’s The Best Okra For Frying?

Fresh okra is the best choice for frying. Look for small to medium-sized pods that are firm and bright green. They should feel tender but not mushy.

Avoid larger pods, as they can be tough and woody. Stick to smaller pods for the best texture and flavor.

Can You Utilize Frozen Okra To Make Fried Okra?

Of course, you can opt for frozen okra to make fried okra. Be sure to thaw and pat it dry thoroughly to remove any excess moisture.

This helps the coating stick better and prevents splattering when frying.

Why Is My Okra Slimy?

Okra contains a natural substance called mucilage that can make it slimy when cut or cooked.

This slime is more noticeable in dishes like stews or soups.

To reduce sliminess when frying, slice the okra just before cooking and coat it well in the flour mixture.

The frying process helps minimize the sliminess.

Can You Make Fried Okra Ahead?

Yes, you can prepare fried okra ahead of time, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

If you must make it ahead, fry the okra and let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight box in the refrigerator.

When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to regain its crispiness.

Avoid microwaving, as it can make the okra soggy.

What’s The Best Breading For Fried Okra Recipe Air Fryer?

The best breading for deep-fried okra combines flour, cornmeal, and seasonings.

Using a mix of all-purpose flour and yellow cornmeal gives the okra a crispy texture.

Adding seasoned bread crumbs to the mix enhances the flavor and adds extra crunch.

For seasoning, paprika and a touch of cayenne pepper can provide a balanced, flavorful kick.

Should You Soak Okra Before Breading?

Soaking okra before breading is optional but can be helpful.

If you soak okra in buttermilk or a seasoned liquid for about 10 minutes, it helps the breading stick better.

However, you can also bread the okra directly without soaking if you’re short on time.

Tips For The Perfect Fried Okra

Use Fresh Okra: Fresh okra works best for frying. Choose small to medium-sized pods that are firm and green.
Dry Thoroughly: Make sure the okra is completely dry before breading to help the coating stick.
Heat the Oil Properly: Ensure the oil is hot (around 350°F) before frying. If the oil is not hot enough, the okra can turn out greasy.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the okra in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps keep the oil temperature steady and ensures even cooking.
Drain Well: Use a slotted spoon to remove the okra from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. This keeps the okra crispy.