Fried okra is a classic Southern dish that brings a delightful crunch to your table. This recipe combines the earthy flavor of okra with a crispy, golden coating, making it a perfect side dish or snack. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to impress.
If you're not familiar with okra, it's a green vegetable often used in Southern and Creole cooking. You might not have buttermilk on hand, which is essential for achieving the perfect coating. Make sure to pick up fresh okra and buttermilk at the supermarket. The rest of the ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have.

Ingredients For Fried Okra Recipe
Okra: A green vegetable known for its unique texture and flavor, often used in Southern cuisine.
Cornmeal: Provides a crunchy coating for the fried okra.
All-purpose flour: Helps bind the cornmeal to the okra.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the coating.
Buttermilk: Used to moisten the okra before coating, ensuring the cornmeal mixture sticks well.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying, giving the okra its crispy texture.
Technique Tip for Cooking Okra
When preparing okra, ensure it is thoroughly dried after washing. Excess moisture can cause the cornmeal coating to become soggy and not adhere properly. For an extra crispy texture, let the coated okra rest for a few minutes before frying. This allows the cornmeal mixture to set, resulting in a better crunch.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
sliced okra - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture when fried and can mimic the slight crunchiness of okra.
cornmeal - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a similar crispy texture to cornmeal when fried.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour is a great gluten-free alternative that also offers a light, crispy coating.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat along with the peppery flavor.
buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can provide the same tangy flavor and creamy texture as buttermilk.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a similar high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for frying.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Fried Okra
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the fried okra to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the okra soggy.
- Transfer the cooled okra to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a container, place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb any excess oil.
- Store the container or bag in the refrigerator. The fried okra will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the fried okra. Arrange the cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the okra is frozen solid.
- Once frozen, transfer the okra to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When ready to enjoy, reheat the fried okra directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread the okra in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the okra in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Avoid microwaving the fried okra as it can make the coating soggy and less enjoyable.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread the leftover fried okra on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and heated through.
Use an air fryer set to 350°F. Place the fried okra in the basket in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the fried okra in a single layer. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are crispy and warmed through.
If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place the fried okra on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may not retain the original crispiness.
Best Tools for Cooking Okra
Frying pan: A large, heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heating and enough space for frying the okra in batches.
Mixing bowl: A bowl to combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper, and another for the buttermilk.
Slotted spoon: Useful for removing the fried okra from the hot oil while allowing excess oil to drain off.
Paper towels: To drain the fried okra and absorb any excess oil.
Measuring cups: For accurately measuring the cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk.
Measuring spoons: For measuring the salt and black pepper.
Knife: To slice the okra into even pieces.
Cutting board: A surface to safely slice the okra.
Tongs: To handle the okra pieces when dipping them in buttermilk and coating them with the cornmeal mixture.
Thermometer: Optional but helpful to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying (around 350°F or 175°C).
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-slice the okra: Buy pre-sliced okra to save time on preparation.
Use a large frying pan: A larger frying pan allows you to cook more okra at once, reducing batch time.
Pre-mix dry ingredients: Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper ahead of time and store in an airtight container.
Buttermilk bath: Soak the okra in buttermilk while you prepare other ingredients to streamline the process.
Use a slotted spoon: Quickly remove fried okra from the oil with a slotted spoon to drain excess oil efficiently.
Fried Okra Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Okra sliced
- 1 cup Cornmeal
- ½ cup All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 cups Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 2. In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Dip the sliced okra in buttermilk, then coat with the cornmeal mixture.
- 4. Fry the okra in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- 5. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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