20 Fried Okra Recipe Southern Living You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 12, 2024
Southern cuisine is known for its rich flavors and hearty, comforting dishes. One beloved staple of the southern table is fried okra. This crispy and delicious vegetable is a favorite in many households, and it's not hard to see why. With its unique texture and flavor, fried okra is a versatile side dish that pairs well with any main course. In this article, we'll be sharing a mouth-watering fried okra recipe that will have you coming back for seconds. So put on your apron and get your frying pan ready, because it's time to dive into this southern living classic.
Main Ingredients: Tabasco Sauce, Okra, Kosher Salt, Flour, Yellow
Fried okra is a classic Southern dish that is loved by many. The crispy and flavorful vegetable is a perfect side dish for any meal, and it's also great as a snack. With its crunchy exterior and soft interior, fried okra is a textural delight that will leave you wanting more. Here are 13 variations of this beloved dish that you can try at home.
Southern fried okra is a staple in Southern cuisine. It's typically made by coating okra in a seasoned cornmeal mixture and then frying it until crispy. The result is a delicious dish that pairs well with any main course. For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some Cajun seasoning to the cornmeal mixture before frying.
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Southern Deep-Fried Okra
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Okra Pods, Yellow Cornmeal, All Purpose
If you're looking for a more indulgent version of fried okra, then deep-fried okra is the way to go. This method involves dipping the okra in a batter made with flour, cornmeal, and spices before frying it until golden brown. The batter creates a light and crispy coating, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
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Perfect Southern Fried Okra
Main Ingredients: Okra, Egg, Buttermilk, Yellow Cornmeal, All Purpose
For the perfect Southern fried okra, you'll need to start with fresh okra. Look for bright green pods that are free from any blemishes. Next, cut the okra into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a mixture of cornmeal, flour, and your favorite seasonings. Fry the okra until crispy, and you'll have the perfect side dish for any Southern meal.
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Southern Fried Okra (Air Fryer)
Main Ingredients: Okra, Corn Starch, Panko, Garlic Powder, Seasoning
If you're looking for a healthier version of fried okra, try using an air fryer. This method involves coating the okra in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices before cooking it in the air fryer. The result is crispy and delicious fried okra without all the added oil.
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Classic Southern Fried Okra with Cornmeal
Main Ingredients: Okra, Buttermilk, Flour, Cornmeal, Garlic Powder, Onion
The classic Southern fried okra recipe involves coating the okra in a mixture of cornmeal and flour. This creates a crispy and flavorful coating that pairs perfectly with the soft okra inside. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cornmeal mixture.
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Southern Fried Okra with Jalapeno Yogurt Sauce
Main Ingredients: Greek Yogurt, Jalapeno, Lime Juice, Fresh Cilantro
For a spicy twist on traditional fried okra, try serving it with a jalapeno yogurt sauce. The cool and creamy sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy and spicy okra. To make the sauce, simply blend together some plain yogurt, diced jalapenos, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
This classic Southern fried okra recipe is a must-try for any okra lover. The key to making this dish is to fry the okra in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows the okra to cook evenly and ensures a crispy exterior. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and you have a delicious side dish or snack.
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Southern Skillet Fried Okra
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Okra, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Salt
This method involves frying the okra in a cast-iron skillet. The high heat of the skillet creates a beautiful golden crust on the okra, while the inside stays soft and tender. For an extra Southern touch, try using bacon grease instead of oil to fry the okra.
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Fried Okra with Lemon Garlic Mayo
Main Ingredients: Frozen Okra, Salt, All Purpose Flour, Eggs, Cornmeal
The combination of fried okra and lemon garlic mayo is a match made in heaven. The tangy and creamy mayo pairs perfectly with the crispy and flavorful okra. To make the sauce, simply mix together some mayo, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Southern Fried Okra (Gluten-free, Paleo, AIP)
Main Ingredients: Okra, Farinha De Mandioca, Granulated Garlic
If you have dietary restrictions, you can still enjoy this Southern favorite by making a few tweaks to the traditional recipe. Instead of using cornmeal and flour, try coating the okra in a mixture of almond flour, tapioca flour, and your favorite seasonings. This creates a gluten-free, Paleo, and AIP-friendly version of fried okra that is just as delicious as the original.
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Fried Okra
Main Ingredients: Okra, Buttermilk, Hot Sauce, Self Rising Flour, Corn
If you're a fan of spicy food, then you'll love this variation of fried okra. Simply add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cornmeal mixture before frying for an extra kick of heat. Serve with a cool and creamy dipping sauce to balance out the spiciness.
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Spicy Fried Okra
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Yellow Cornmeal, Cajun Seasoning
This version of fried okra is perfect for those who love a bit of heat. It involves coating the okra in a mixture of cornmeal, flour, and spices before frying it until golden brown. For an extra layer of spiciness, try adding some diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the batter.
The Ingredients
When it comes to making the perfect fried okra, the ingredients are key. You'll need fresh okra, cornmeal, flour, eggs, and your choice of seasoning. We recommend using a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to give your okra a flavorful kick. You can also add in some cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, or replace the cornmeal with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Make sure to thoroughly wash and trim the okra before starting, as this will ensure a clean and delicious dish.
The Preparation Process
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to start prepping. Begin by slicing the okra into ½ inch rounds, discarding the top stem and tip. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, and seasonings. In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Now it's time to get your hands dirty. Take each slice of okra and dip it into the egg mixture, then coat it with the cornmeal mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess coating before placing the okra onto a plate. Repeat this process until all the okra slices are coated.
The Frying Process
To get that perfect golden-brown crunch, it's important to use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan with enough oil to cover the okra slices. Heat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and carefully drop in the okra, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until the okra is crispy and golden brown. Once done, remove the okra from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
The Perfect Pairing
Fried okra is a versatile side dish that pairs well with many main courses. Some classic southern combinations include fried chicken, barbecue ribs, and shrimp and grits. You can also add it as a crunchy topping to your salads or sandwiches for some added texture and flavor. Get creative and explore different ways to incorporate fried okra into your meals.
Conclusion
Fried okra is a beloved southern dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and easy preparation process, this recipe is a must-try for any food lover. So why wait? Grab some fresh okra and get ready to experience the deliciousness of this southern living classic.
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