Crispy Cornmeal-Fried Okra
This delightful recipe for Crispy Cornmeal-Fried Okra brings back fond memories of my childhood, where my grandmother would whip up this Southern classic for family gatherings. The okra is sliced into perfectly sized rings and coated in a seasoned cornmeal mixture, giving each bite a satisfying crunch. Whether you enjoy it as a savory snack, a side dish at dinner, or a delightful appetizer, this fried okra is sure to please. Perfectly cooked to a golden brown, it’s delicious on its own or paired with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing or ketchup. This recipe hails from the beloved 'Soul and Spice' cookbook, celebrating the rich flavors and traditions of Southern cooking.
4
Servings
175
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Okra
1 lb (cut into 1/2 inch rings)
Cornmeal
1 cup (for coating)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Vegetable Oil
1/4 cup (for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the okra thoroughly, then slice it into 1/2 inch rings, discarding the stem ends.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
3
Toss the okra rings in the cornmeal mixture until they are evenly coated with the seasoned cornmeal.
4
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5
Carefully add the coated okra rings to the hot oil in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
6
Fry the okra for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally with a spatula, until they are golden brown and tender.
7
Remove the fried okra from the skillet and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
8
Serve the crispy okra warm, with your favorite dipping sauces or enjoy them straight from the plate.
Nutrition Information
8.75
Fat
21.25
Carbs
3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Cornmeal-Fried Okra?
It is a Southern classic dish consisting of okra rings coated in a seasoned cornmeal mixture and fried to a golden brown.
How should I prepare the okra for this recipe?
Wash the okra thoroughly, discard the stem ends, and slice the pods into 1/2 inch rings.
What ingredients are in the seasoned coating?
The coating is a mixture of 1 cup of cornmeal, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of vegetable oil for frying.
How long does it take to fry the okra?
The okra should be fried for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and tender.
How do I ensure the okra stays crispy and not greasy?
After frying, remove the okra from the skillet and drain it on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
What heat setting should I use for frying?
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is shimmering.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
One serving contains 175 calories, 8.75g of fat, 21.25g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein.
Can I serve this with dipping sauces?
Yes, it is delicious paired with dipping sauces such as ranch dressing or ketchup.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe is from the 'Soul and Spice' cookbook, which celebrates Southern cooking traditions.
How much okra do I need?
The recipe requires 1 lb of fresh okra.
Should I fry all the okra at once?
No, you should add the okra in a single layer to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures even frying.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
Crispy cornmeal-fried okra is best served warm, either as a snack, side dish, or appetizer.
What size should the okra rings be?
The okra should be sliced into rings that are 1/2 inch thick.
How do I coat the okra in the cornmeal?
Toss the sliced okra rings in the mixing bowl with the cornmeal and spices until they are evenly coated.
What spices are used in the seasoning?
The recipe uses paprika, salt, and black pepper to season the cornmeal mixture.
Is this a vegetable-based dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a vegetable dish and is a popular way to enjoy okra.
Can this be eaten as a snack?
Yes, its crunchy texture makes it a perfect savory snack or appetizer.
How do I know the oil is ready for frying?
The vegetable oil is ready when it begins to shimmer in the skillet over medium-high heat.
What gives the okra its satisfying crunch?
The crunch comes from the seasoned cornmeal coating and the frying process.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
According to the provided nutrition data, the cholesterol content is not listed or is negligible.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 6 main ingredients: okra, cornmeal, paprika, salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil.
Is this a traditional soul food recipe?
Yes, it is identified with soul food and Southern cuisine traditions.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
What are the tag categories for this recipe?
Tags include fried okra, southern cuisine, vegetable dish, appetizer, snack, cornmeal, family recipe, and soul food.
Is the okra fried until tender?
Yes, the goal is to fry the okra until the exterior is golden brown and the inside is tender.
Why do you remove the stem ends?
The stem ends are tough and inedible, so they are discarded during the slicing process.