Southern Fried Okra is a summer dinner favorite! Tender fresh okra is dredged in a light coating of finely ground white cornmeal and fried to a crispy, golden brown in hot peanut oil.
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Total Time 35 minutesminutes
Servings 2servings
Ingredients
1poundfresh okra pods
⅓cupfinely ground white cornmeal
salt and pepper to taste
Peanut oil
Instructions
Wash and dry the okra pods. Remove the top and tail from each pod and slice crosswise into approximately 1/2 inch pieces.
Place in a large bowl and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add cornmeal to bowl with the sliced okra. Using your hands, toss the okra in the cornmeal until each piece is well coated.
Pour oil to a depth of about 3/4” in a heavy cast iron frying pan. Heat the oil and test for readiness by dropping a piece of the prepared okra into the pan. If the okra immediately begins to bubble the oil is ready for cooking.
Cook the okra in two to three batches until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Do not crowd the pan.
Remove to a paper towel lined plate or a wire rack to drain. Sprinkle very lightly with additional salt if desired.
Notes
Note: nutritional values for the peanut oil are not included in the caloric calculation.
When choosing okra, select pods that are bright green and about 3 inches or less in length. Avoid the larger, more mature pods.
I recommend peanut oil for most frying. Peanut oil has a high smoke point and won't break down at the higher temperatures needed for frying.
Cook the okra in two to three batches to avoid crowding the pan.
Fried okra should be cooked and served immediately. Like most fried foods, it's not at its best when made ahead or leftover.