Juicy and flavorful on the inside and crispy on the outside, this cornmeal fried okra recipe is so good. It’s a tasty appetizer or you could even have it as a side dish or a snack. Okra is a nutritious vegetable that also boasts plenty of flavor. Perhaps you’re looking for new recipes to try and, if so, give this one a whirl. It’s a real Southern favorite, so perhaps pair it with fried chicken and mashed potatoes.
You can use fresh or frozen okra (just don’t use the canned kind because it can be slimy). The breading is a mixture of cornmeal and flour, egg, and garlic. It’s a very simple dish but one which perfectly showcases the distinctive flavor of okra. Since this is a deep fried recipe, you’re going to need either a deep fryer or a deep, heavy pot you can use instead along with a candy thermometer so you can check the oil is hot enough.
Fried okra is a classic Southern dish which makes a nice appetizer or side. This recipe feeds 4 to 6 people depending on portions size as well as hunger level!
Why You’ll Love the Recipe:
Okra might not be a vegetable you use much but after tasting this recipe you might reconsider. The okra is juicy and tasty while the cornmeal coating is so crunchy. You can liven this up with some cayenne pepper or chili powder in the breading if you want.
How to Serve It:
Serve the fried okra hot with ranch dressing, ketchup or another kind of dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
- Okra
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cornmeal
- Egg
- Garlic powder
- Oil, for deep frying
How to make Cornmeal Fried Okra:
Cut the okra into ½-inch slices and throw the stems and tips away.
Put it in a colander and give it a good rinse.
Toss the okra in the flour and shake off any excess.
Beat the egg in another bowl.
Then add the floured okra to the egg and toss to coat in that.
Put the cornmeal in a Ziploc bag with the garlic, salt and pepper.
Add a cup of okra at a time to the bag, shaking well to coat.
Once all the okra is coated, you can heat enough oil for deep frying in a deep fryer or heavy pot.
Get it up to 350˚F.
Fry the okra in batches.
It takes about 2 minutes on each side and is done when it’s golden brown all over.
Drain on paper towels then serve hot with ranch dressing or your preferred dipping sauce.
Now ready to serve, enjoy!
Cornmeal Fried Okra
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or thawed okra
- 2½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups yellow cornmeal
- 1 beaten egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Cut the okra into ½-inch slices and throw the stems and tips away.
- Put it in a colander and give it a good rinse.
- Toss the okra in the flour and shake off any excess.
- Beat the egg in another bowl, then add the floured okra to the egg and toss to coat in that.
- Put the cornmeal in a Ziploc bag with the garlic, salt and pepper.
- Add a cup of okra at a time to the bag, shaking well to coat.
- Once all the okra is coated, you can heat enough oil for deep frying in a deep fryer or heavy pot.
- Get it up to 350˚F.
- Fry the okra in batches.
- It takes about 2 minutes on each side and is done when it’s golden brown all over.
- Drain on paper towels then serve hot with ranch dressing or your preferred dipping sauce.
Can You Make It Ahead?
You can prepare it ahead and then just cook it later if you want.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers will keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator but they won’t be so crispy.
Variations and Substitutions:
Liven up the breading with your favorite spices. A pinch of Cajun seasoning would be good, or some onion powder.
