Skillet Fried Okra Recipe
Introduction
Skillet Fried Okra: A Southern Delight
If you’re looking for a comforting classic that brings the essence of Southern cooking to your table, skillet-fried okra is a must-try dish. Perfectly crispy, golden, and delicious, it’s an incredible side or snack to enjoy with family and friends. Learn how to make skillet-fried okra with ease following this guide.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
What You’ll Need
Fresh okra – sliced into bite-sized pieces
All-purpose flour
Cornmeal
Salt
Black pepper (to taste)
Vegetable oil (or your preferred frying oil)
Getting Started
The ingredients for skillet-fried okra are simple and can easily be found in your pantry or nearby store. Using fresh okra is key to achieving the crispy and crunchy texture Southern-style fried okra is known for.
Prep Time
How to Prepare Your Okra
Wash the okra thoroughly before beginning. After drying, slice it into bite-sized pieces—the thinner the slices, the crispier the result. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper until blended evenly. Toss the sliced okra in this mixture, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Ready, Set, Fry
In a heavy skillet, heat oil over medium heat. The oil should cover the bottom of the pan, but it doesn’t need to be too deep—shallow frying works perfectly. Once the oil is warm enough (about 350°F), drop the coated okra pieces in small batches into the skillet. Fry each batch until golden brown and crispy, flipping occasionally to cook evenly on all sides.
Serving and Enjoying
Once fried, remove the okra with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy! Skillet-fried okra makes for a delightful side dish that complements almost any meal. With its crunchy exterior and tender inside, it’s bound to become a family favorite.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Okra
– Wash the okra thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
– Trim the tips and ends off the okra and slice them into round pieces about ½ inch thick.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
– In a medium-sized bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well to blend evenly.
– Place the sliced okra into the dry mixture and toss, coating all pieces evenly.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
– In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about ½ inch deep.
– Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, but not smoking. Test the oil by dropping in a small pinch of the cornmeal mixture. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
Step 4: Fry the Okra
– Carefully add a single layer of breaded okra to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the skillet.
– Fry the okra for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes or until all pieces are crispy and golden.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
– Once done, remove the fried okra from the skillet using a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
– Serve hot and enjoy as a side dish or snack.
Notes
Note 1: Choosing Fresh Okra
– Select smaller pods; they are typically more tender and less fibrous than larger ones.
Note 2: Avoid Overcrowding
– Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil’s temperature, leading to soggy okra instead of crispy results.
Note 3: Adjusting Seasoning
– Feel free to customize the seasoning mix to your taste by adding ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper.
Note 4: Oil Temperature
– Keep an eye on the oil temperature to avoid burning the okra. Adjust the heat as necessary during frying.
Note 5: Storing Leftover Okra
– Fried okra is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in an oven or air fryer for a crispier texture.
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Cook Techniques
Choose Fresh Okra
Fresh okra is key to perfect skillet-fried okra. Select okra pods that are firm and bright green, avoiding ones that are soft or brown.
Cut Uniform Pieces
Slice the okra into evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking. Uniform pieces will cook at the same rate and give you a better texture.
Soak in Buttermilk
Coat the okra in buttermilk to help the cornmeal adhere properly. This step ensures each piece is well-seasoned and crispy once fried.
Use a Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet distributes heat evenly and retains heat well, making it ideal for frying. Heat the skillet properly before adding the coated okra.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet
Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and make the okra soggy instead of crispy.
Drain Excess Oil
Place the fried okra on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. This helps keep the fried okra crispy.
FAQ
What oil is best for frying okra?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, is best for frying okra.
Why is my fried okra soggy?
Soggy fried okra can be caused by overcrowding the skillet, not heating the oil properly, or not draining the okra correctly after frying.
Can I use frozen okra?
Yes, you can use frozen okra, but it’s best to thaw and pat dry thoroughly before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
To test the oil’s temperature, drop a small pinch of cornmeal or a piece of okra into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.
How do I store leftover fried okra?
Store leftover fried okra in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to help retain its crispiness.
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Conclusion
Making skillet-fried okra is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic Southern dish. With just a few ingredients and a hot skillet, you can achieve that perfect crispy texture that makes fried okra irresistible. It’s the perfect side dish to accompany a variety of meals or even as a satisfying snack on its own. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Classic Southern Cornbread
Pair skillet fried okra with homemade Southern-style cornbread for a traditional side combination that captures the essence of Southern cuisine.
Black-Eyed Peas
Serve fried okra alongside a hearty dish of black-eyed peas for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Fried Catfish
Combine fried okra with crispy fried catfish to make a complete Southern fried feast.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Add a refreshing side of tomato and cucumber salad to balance the crispiness of the fried okra.
Mashed Potatoes
Include fluffy mashed potatoes as an additional side dish to round out a comforting plate of food.
Collard Greens
Enjoy fried okra alongside savory collard greens for a nutritious and classic Southern pairing.
Macaroni and Cheese
Pair fried okra with creamy macaroni and cheese for a delicious and indulgent meal.
