Fried Okra Recipe

Nothing says Southern snack like a deep fried piece of fresh okra wrapped in a crispy corn meal outer shell. If Okra is new to you, welcome! If its an old favorite, welcome too!

Fried Okra in Cornmeal

There is nothing more southern than deep fried okra in a batch of corn meal! Now okra isnt a common side for every person, but I personally love okra. Each bite is a delicious crunchy finger food that I truly enjoy and I hope you do too!

• 20 fresh okra stalks, cut into 1/4″ pieces
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup corn meal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• vegetable oil for frying

RELATED RECIPES: Fried Apples, Fried Corn Fritters, Fried Rice, Fried Zucchini, Fried Hush Puppies

Alternative Seasoning Flavors

In this recipe, I kept the seasoning super simple: Salt and Pepper. But you can def season up your corn meal with a variety of spices. I suggest either Lawry’s season salt to keep it simple or even a small dash of Cayenne is super complementary.  Depending on what part of the US you are from and how you like your flavors, add a bit of garlic salt, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, or chili powder. 

 

 

How to make Deep Fried Okra

Beat eggs well and place sliced okra in egg mixture. Mix well to evenly coat.

Let set for about 5 minutes while you heat your oil and mix your corn meal coating.

In a separate bowl, add corn meal, salt and pepper and mix well.

Heat at least 2″ of oil in a saucepan until hot.

Divide the okra into fourths. Add one fourth of the okra to the corn meal mixture and mix well to evenly coat. Place into hot oil and fry until browned on both sides, about 3-5 minutes.

Drain on paper towels and repeat, frying okra in batches and draining.

Serve immediately.

Makes 3-4 cups fried okra

 

 

What is Okra Exactly? 

Okra, uses in soups, stews, boiled, roasted, sauteed or fried (as it is here) is a fruit (not a vegetable because it has seeds!) that comes from the same family as a hibiscus flower. You may be surprised that Okra can be eaten raw with a little bit of salt, but most people enjoy it the most in gumbo or stew. Okra also has many nutritional benefits like antioxidants and heart health (probably not with the fried, lol). 

 

Common Fried Okra Recipe Questions

• What is the difference in frying and deep frying? Deep frying, like these okra, are where the oil covers the entire item in oil. Shallow frying, or regular frying, is just a sizzle at the bottom of the skillet or pan.
• Dipping Sauce for Fried Okra:  Cucumber Dip, Ranch Dip, Pickle Dip
• Want Okra without Cornmeal? Try dipping in flour, egg wash, and flour again 
• Are there carbs in Okra? There are about 7 carbs in one cup of Okra (this does not include the fried and cornmeal)