Okra is a pretty sticky vegetable. It is actually easy to coat okra, because of the sticky, or even slimy texture. I use buttermilk as one of my ingredients for this southern fried okra, but not to help the breading stick. The buttermilk is used to add a nice flavor ( buttermilk is a quite salty), and it actually helps the okra achieve a beautiful golden brown color while it fries.
I usually use frozen okra (it’s cheaper, I don’t have to worry about it going bad, and it’s already cut up) but you can definitely use fresh okra. Before frying the okra make sure to rinse the okra. I usually wash my okra and other vegetables in cool water with a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
Now that I’ve given you the scoop, why not give this recipe a try for yourself. Be sure to watch my video tutorial, and leave me a comment down below.
PS. Have some dipping sauce, and hot sauce on hand, and make sure you make plenty of fried okra for everyone. This okra will go fast!
INGREDIENTS
2 quarts fresh okra
1 to 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
About 1 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
INGREDIENTS
2 quarts fresh okra
1 to 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
About 1 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon feshly ground black pepper or to taste
½ teaspoon onion powder or garlic powder (optional)
½ to ¾ cup bacon drippings or vegetable oil (enough to fill the skillet ¼ inch deep)
PREPARATION
Wash the okra with lots of water and let dry. Remove the ends and slice into ¼- to ½-inch-thick rounds; place in large bowl. (If the okra is tough, throw it out.) Pour the beaten egg(s) over the okra and stir gently until the rounds are coated. Add the cornmeal, salt, pepper, and, if desired, onion or garlic powder, stirring gently to coat.
Heat the bacon drippings in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. To test, add a slice of okra to the skillet to see if it really sizzles. Pour half the okra into the skillet and cook until golden brown all over, turning it with a metal spatula. (Some people like it almost burned.) You may need to add more bacon drippings.
Remove the okra from the skillet and repeat with the remaining okra, adding more drippings if needed.
ENJOY !