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Crispy Fried Okra Recipe Easy Homemade Perfectly Golden Crunch

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A nostalgic Southern comfort food, this crispy fried okra features a perfectly seasoned cornmeal coating and tender okra, delivering a golden, crunchy bite that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh okra pods, sliced into ½-inch pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free yogurt thinned with lemon juice)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • About 2 cups vegetable oil (peanut or canola oil recommended for frying)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound of fresh okra pods and pat dry. Slice into ½-inch pieces.
  2. Place sliced okra in a bowl and pour 1 cup of buttermilk over it. Stir gently to coat all pieces and soak for 10 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix evenly.
  4. Pour about 2 cups vegetable oil into a large cast iron skillet or heavy pan. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Drain okra from the buttermilk (do not shake off too much), then toss into the dry coating mixture. Stir to coat every piece evenly.
  6. Carefully add coated okra to hot oil in a single layer. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried okra to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil. Let rest for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Repeat frying with remaining okra, adjusting heat to maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C).
  9. Serve immediately hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Notes

Keep okra dry before soaking to avoid soggy coating. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Use oils with high smoke points like peanut or canola oil. Season immediately after frying for better flavor. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour. Baking alternative: bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried okra, crispy okra, Southern recipe, easy side dish, cornmeal coating, buttermilk soaked, gluten-free option, vegan adaptation

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/crispy-fried-okra-recipe-easy-homemade-perfectly-golden-crunch/