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4.9 from 60 votes

Southern Fried Okra

Southern Fried Okra is a summer dinner favorite! Tender fresh okra is dredged in a light coating of finely ground white cornmeal and fried to a crispy, golden brown in hot peanut oil.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 180 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh okra pods
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ⅓ cup finely ground white cornmeal
  • peanut oil

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Wash and dry the okra pods. Remove the top and tail from each pod and slice crosswise into approximately 1/2 inch pieces.
  2. Place in a large bowl and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add cornmeal to bowl with the sliced okra. Using your hands, toss the okra in the cornmeal until each piece is well coated.
  3. Pour oil to a depth of about 3/4” in a heavy cast iron frying pan. Heat the oil and test for readiness by dropping a piece of the prepared okra into the pan. If the okra immediately begins to bubble the oil is ready for cooking.
  4. Cook the okra in two to three batches until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Do not crowd the pan.
  5. Remove to a paper towel lined plate or a wire rack to drain. Sprinkle very lightly with additional salt if desired.

Notes

  • Note: nutritional values for the peanut oil are not included in the caloric calculation.
  • When choosing okra, select pods that are bright green and about 3 inches or less in length. Avoid the larger, more mature pods.
  • I recommend peanut oil for most frying. Peanut oil has a high smoke point and won't break down at the higher temperatures needed for frying.
  • Cook the okra in two to three batches to avoid crowding the pan.
  • Fried okra should be cooked and served immediately. Like most fried foods, it's not at its best when made ahead or leftover.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Calories 180kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 37g (12%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 2g (3%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 17mg (1%) Potassium 796mg (23%) Fiber 10g (40%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 1624IU (32%) Vitamin C 52mg (58%) Calcium 186mg (19%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 180

% Daily Value*

Serving 1
Calories 180kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 37g 12%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 17mg 1%
Potassium 796mg 17%
Fiber 10g 40%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 1624IU 32%
Vitamin C 52mg 58%
Calcium 186mg 19%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.