Country Fried Okra

Name: Country Fried Okra
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh okra, sliced into rounds; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Tender okra pods dredged in seasoned cornmeal and fried until shatteringly crisp, a beloved Southern side that pairs with anything off the grill or out of the oven.

30 minEasyServes 4230 cal/serving

Southern AmericanSideStovetopVegetarianLow CarbHalal-friendlyPork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

1 lb fresh okra, sliced into rounds
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1

Place 1 lb sliced into rounds fresh okra in a bowl, pour 1/2 cup buttermilk over them, and toss to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2

In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Stir well.
3

Pour 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying) into a deep skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
4

Working in batches, lift the fresh okra from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then toss in the cornmeal mixture until evenly coated.
5

Carefully add the coated fresh okra to the hot oil in a single layer without crowding. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until deep golden and crispy.
6

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried fresh okra to a paper-towel-lined plate. Season lightly with additional kosher salt while still hot.
7

Repeat with remaining fresh okra. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Questions

Can I make Country Fried Okra dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1/2 cup buttermilk. Swap the buttermilk for plant milk soured with a teaspoon of vinegar per cup. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Country Fried Okra gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Country Fried Okra keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Country Fried Okra?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

Smothered Pork Chops main
Loaded Baked Sweet Potato main
Lemon Oregano Grilled Chicken with Farro main

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