Best Ever Southern Fried Okra

Southern Comfort on a Plate: Best Ever Southern Fried Okra Extravaganza

Indulge in the crispy, golden goodness of the South with our Best Ever Southern Fried Okra recipe. This beloved Southern classic transforms humble okra into a crunchy delight that captures the essence of comfort food. Each bite is a symphony of textures, from the shatteringly crisp exterior to the tender, succulent okra inside. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the art of Southern frying and savor the best-ever rendition of this iconic dish.

Ingredients

For the Fried Okra:

  • 1 pound fresh okra, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Okra:

  1. Place the sliced okra in a bowl and pour buttermilk over it. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, allowing the buttermilk to tenderize the okra.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Take each okra slice from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and coat it evenly in the cornmeal mixture.
  5. Fry the coated okra in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
  6. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried okra to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Making the Dipping Sauce:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
  2. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  3. Serve the fried okra with the dipping sauce on the side.

Cook Notes

Perfect your Best Ever Southern Fried Okra with these expert tips:

  1. Freshness Matters: Opt for fresh okra with vibrant green color and minimal blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Buttermilk Tenderization: The buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the okra, ensuring a perfect balance between crispy exterior and tender interior.
  3. Uniform Slicing: To ensure even cooking, slice the okra into uniform rounds. This ensures that each piece cooks to perfection.
  4. Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature to achieve the desired crispiness without burning the coating.

Variations

Customize your Best Ever Southern Fried Okra experience with these delightful variations:

Spicy Kick:

Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cornmeal mixture for an extra kick of heat.

Parmesan Upgrade:

Mix grated Parmesan cheese with the cornmeal for a cheesy twist.

Herb-Infused Delight:

Add dried herbs such as thyme or oregano to the cornmeal mixture for a flavorful touch.

Keto Versions

Indulge in the crispy joy of Southern Fried Okra while staying keto-friendly with these low-carb adaptations:

Almond Flour Coating:

Replace the cornmeal and all-purpose flour with a mixture of almond flour and grated Parmesan for a keto-friendly coating.

Avocado Mayo Dipping Sauce:

Swap the regular mayonnaise in the dipping sauce with avocado mayo to reduce carb content.

Coconut Oil Frying:

Use coconut oil for frying instead of vegetable oil for a keto-approved cooking fat.

In conclusion, the Best Ever Southern Fried Okra is more than a dish; it’s a celebration of Southern culinary heritage and the joy found in simple, perfectly executed recipes. As you savor each crispy bite of golden okra, you’re transported to a place where comfort is served on a plate.

So, whether you’re a Southern soul longing for a taste of home or an adventurous foodie ready to explore the delights of Southern cuisine, this recipe is a must-try. Gather your ingredients, heat up that oil, and get ready to experience the Best Ever Southern Fried Okra—Southern comfort at its finest!