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Authentic Southern Fried Okra Recipe

Crispy, golden-brown Southern fried okra with a secret trick for perfectly adhering cornmeal! This traditional recipe delivers the ultimate crunch in every bite. Learn our simple method for achieving that irresistible, flavorful coating.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Calories 228.9 kcal
Protein 15g
Rating 3.8 (12 Reviews)
Authentic Southern Fried Okra 81

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Authentic Southern Fried Okra

  • 1 1/2 lbs fresh okra, washed, dried, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/2 inch lard, for frying
  • 1/2 inch vegetable oil (as an alternative to lard, for frying)

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How to Make Authentic Southern Fried Okra

  1. Wash the okra and cut into 1/2-inch rounds.
  2. Place the okra rounds in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of flour.
  3. Gently toss the okra to coat. Then, place the okra in a wire mesh strainer and shake vigorously to remove excess flour. The final flour coating should be very light.
  4. Return the okra to the mixing bowl and add the beaten egg.
  5. Stir gently to coat each piece of okra evenly.
  6. Place the cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a large resealable zipper bag.
  7. Add the okra to the bag in 1-cup batches. Seal the bag and shake until each piece is thoroughly coated with the cornmeal mixture.
  8. Remove the okra from the bag, allowing excess cornmeal to fall back into the bag. Place the coated okra on a plate until all okra is coated.
  9. Heat 1/2 inch of lard or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (approximately 400°F).
  10. Carefully add the okra to the hot oil in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per batch.
  11. Remove the fried okra with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  12. Season with additional salt to taste, if desired.
  13. Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, flavorful Southern Fried Okra!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

25 g

Sugar

6g

Fat

3g

Carbs

15g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Side Dishes Vegetables