Southern Fried Okra is crunchy and delicious. Enjoy as a snack or side dish. Easy to make with simple ingredients. Recipe and photography by Beverly Davis for CornbreadMillionaire.com.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time7 minutesmins
Total Time17 minutesmins
Servings: 3servings
Ingredients
2cupsokra sliced 1/2-thick or largerfresh or frozen/thawed
1-1/2cupsself-rising white cornmeal mix
1teaspooncoarse ground black peppermore or less as preferred
1/4teaspoongarlic herb seasoning blendoptional
1teaspoonsaltmore or less as preferred
1/4cupbuttermilk (optional)*Use if a thick breading is preferred.
vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Wash sliced okra in warm/salty water. Rinse in warm/clear water.
Thoroughly pat dry with thick paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Set aside.
Pour buttermilk into a medium sized bowl. Set aside.
DO THIS STEP IF A THICK BREADING IS PREFERRED.
In a separate zippered bag or bowl, combine white cornmeal mix, coarse ground black pepper, salt, and garlic seasoning blend (if using).
Drop okra chunks into bowl of buttermilk. Remove with a slotted spoon. Drain excess.
DO THIS STEP IF A THICK BREADING IS PREFERRED.
Roll okra chunks in cornmeal mixture until evenly coated. Set aside.
Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet. Warm over low-medium heat until sizzling hot, but not smoking (1-2 minutes). Drop ONE battered okra chunk into the hot oil. If it sizzles, add enough okra chunks to create a single layer.
Turn heat up to medium.
Fry 2 to 3 minutes OR until golden brown.
Flip over and fry 2 to 3 more minutes OR until golden brown.