5.0 from 15 votes
Best Southern Fried Okra
Crunchy breaded and fried okra is a classic summertime side dish! This southern fried okra recipe is easy to make in only 30 minutes.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 192 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen okra whole pods
- 2/3 cup yellow cornmeal not mix
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or cayenne
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 quart fry oil peanut, canola, soy
Instructions
- Set a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Pour the oil into the pot and place a cooking thermometer on the side of the pot, with the tip down in the oil. Set a paper towel lined holding plate to the side of the stove.
- Check the temperature every couple of minutes as you prep the recipe. When it reaches 375 degrees F, turn the heat down to medium to maintain.
- Set out two shallow bowls. In one bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, smoke paprika, and pepper. Mix and set aside. In the second bowl whisk together the egg, milk, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Cut the tops off the okra pods. Then cut each pod into half inch rounds. Toss the chopped okra pieces into the egg mixture. When you get down to the thin tip of the okra pod, discard.
- Toss the okra pieces in the egg mixture. Mix well to coat. Then working in batches, drain off the egg mixture and toss the pieces into the cornmeal breading.
- Once the oil is at 375 degrees F, shake the excess breading off the okra and gently place half in the fry oil. Stir and fry for 3-5 minutes, until the okra is golden-brown. If you want it very crispy, make sure to fry at least 4 minutes.
- Use a skimmer to move the fried okra to the holding plate. Then repeat with the second batch.
- Serve immediately or keep warm in a warming drawer or low temperature oven.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Fried okra tastes best when served hot and fresh. Do not make ahead, or freeze and thaw.
Nutrition Information
Serving
0.5cup
Calories
192kcal
(10%)
Carbohydrates
35g
(12%)
Protein
7g
(14%)
Fat
3g
(5%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
1g
Trans Fat
0.01g
Cholesterol
42mg
(14%)
Sodium
899mg
(37%)
Potassium
398mg
(11%)
Fiber
6g
(24%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
927IU
(19%)
Vitamin C
20mg
(22%)
Calcium
91mg
(9%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 192
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.5cup | |
| Calories | 192kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 42mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 899mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 398mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 927IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 91mg | 9% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.