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Fried Okra

Fried Okra

Fried okra is a real southern treat. It is also one of my few times a year indulgences. I rarely fry food and usually do more grilling, roasting, or slow-simmering. But every now and then I break down and do some frying. One of those occasions is when okra is in season. As soon as I see it in the farmers market I have to have it. This year one of the market vendors had this beautiful organically grown okra:

Okra in a basket

It may seem odd to fry a fresh organic vegetable. I admit it is not the healthiest preparation. However it is my favorite. I have loved fried okra ever since I can remember. My mother and mother-in-law will make it for certain family gatherings. I am like a kid as soon as I see it. I go back for a second, and sometimes a third helping. I only make it a couple of times a year and each time it seems special.

There are different versions of fried okra. One is prepared with a simple coating of cornmeal and flour. The other is with a batter coating. My version is the simple cornmeal/flour one. I do not care for the batter version because it seems to over-take the flavor of the okra. I like to slice my okra on the thin side, somewhere between 1/4 to 1/2-inch:

Sliced Okra

I use a cast iron skillet for frying the okra. You can use any type of skillet. I have also used a solid stainless steel one and my mother-in-law uses a non-stick pan. It is quite simple to do – just heat up the skillet with some oil, add the coated okra, and fry until browned. Some prefer a light-brown and I like it more brown and crispier. The okra will tend to soak up the oil as it is frying so add more oil if the pan becomes too dry. Be sure to drain it on paper towels after it is finished or it will be too greasy. Season it with salt and pepper and it is done.

What fried food is your favorite indulgence? Is it seasonal or throughout the year? Mine vary depending on the season or the occasion.  Summer means fried okra to me. I am sad to see the season ending soon. Next up is autumn and more tasty treats to come. Stay tuned!

PS. Are you on facebook? If so, please like my facebook page. Thanks!

Fried Okra

Southern-style okra fried with a coating of cornmeal and flour.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author Renee

Ingredients

  • 1 pound okra stems removed
  • 4 tablespoons cornmeal
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable or canola oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Slice okra into 1/4 to 1/2-inch slices. Place okra in a bowl. Add the cornmeal and flour and stir until okra is evenly coated.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, add the oil to cover the bottom of the skillet. Once the oil is heated, add the okra to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until lightly browned on the bottom. Use a spatula to turn okra over in the pan. Add more oil if needed (okra will tend to soak up the oil). Continue to cook and turn okra until evenly browned. Transfer okra to a bowl or platter lined with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Remove paper towels and serve okra warm.

Recipe Notes

Southern-style okra fried with a coating of cornmeal and flour.

Recipe Rating




Barbara

Wednesday 19th of July 2023

I like okra and stewed tomatoes.

Amberr Meadows

Wednesday 19th of September 2012

My mouth was just watering looking at that delicious fried okra. It is my favorite veggie and fried green tomatoes runs a close second.

Renee

Thursday 20th of September 2012

Would you believe I am not a fan of fried green tomatoes? I'll make up for it though with double or triple helpings of fried okra.

Anita at Hungry Couple

Wednesday 29th of August 2012

Being in the north, we don't see too much okra around here and I've never actually tried any. I've heard about the sliminess but I imagine frying takes care of that. Now I'm quite curious...

Renee

Wednesday 29th of August 2012

Boiled okra is very slimy and I cannot eat it. Fried is a whole different thing and is not slimy at all.

Yosef - This American Bite

Tuesday 28th of August 2012

Thank you for inspiring me! I have included this recipe in my August Roundup. Please stop by and let me know what you think of the post.

Renee

Wednesday 29th of August 2012

Thank you so much Yosef! I did stop by and loved your post.

amy @ fearless homemaker

Friday 24th of August 2012

I absolutely love fried okra but have never tried making it myself at home. Yours looks awesome, especially with that gorgeous farmer's market okra!