Crispy Okra Fritters
These delicious and crispy okra fritters are the perfect summer treat, making use of fresh, vibrant okra when it's in season. When you chop the okra by hand, you preserve its unique texture while minimizing slime, resulting in perfectly crispy patties. Whether you're looking for a tasty vegetarian option or a side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, these fritters fit the bill. You can easily substitute frozen okra when fresh isn't available, ensuring you can enjoy this recipe year-round. Serve them with a zesty dipping sauce for extra flavor!
6
Servings
87
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
okra
1 lb (chopped fine)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped fine)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
water
1/2 cup (none)
egg
1 (beaten)
flour
1/2 cup (none)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (none)
cornmeal
1/2 cup (none)
bacon grease or oil
for frying (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped okra, chopped onion, salt, pepper, water, and egg. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cornmeal. Gradually add this dry mixture to the okra mixture, stirring until fully combined and a thick batter forms.
3
Heat a generous amount of bacon grease or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop in tablespoons of the okra batter, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon.
4
Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5
Serve warm, optionally with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Nutrition Information
4.7g
Fat
10g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Okra Fritters?
Crispy Okra Fritters are vegetable patties made from finely chopped okra, onions, and a cornmeal-based batter, fried until golden and crunchy.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1 lb of okra, 1/2 cup onion, salt, pepper, water, one egg, flour, baking powder, cornmeal, and bacon grease or oil for frying.
Can I use frozen okra instead of fresh?
Yes, you can easily substitute frozen okra when fresh is not available, making this a great year-round recipe.
How do I prevent the okra from being too slimy?
Chopping the okra by hand helps preserve its unique texture and minimizes the slime that can occur when it is over-processed.
Are these okra fritters vegetarian?
The fritters are vegetarian if you choose to fry them in vegetable oil rather than bacon grease.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of Crispy Okra Fritters contains approximately 87 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 4.7 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains about 10 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein do these fritters provide?
Each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
What is the best way to fry these fritters?
Heat oil or bacon grease in a skillet over medium-high heat, drop in tablespoons of batter, and flatten them slightly with a spoon.
How long should I fry each fritter?
Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
You can use bacon grease for added flavor or a neutral vegetable oil for a lighter taste.
What should I serve with okra fritters?
They pair beautifully with grilled meats or can be served with a zesty dipping sauce as a snack.
How fine should I chop the okra?
The recipe recommends chopping the okra fine to ensure it incorporates well into the batter and cooks evenly.
What is the role of cornmeal in this recipe?
Cornmeal provides a distinct crunch and traditional Southern flavor to the fritter batter.
Do I need to use baking powder?
Yes, baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the fritters stay light and slightly airy rather than dense.
How do I prepare the batter?
First mix the wet ingredients and vegetables, then whisk the dry ingredients separately before combining both into a thick batter.
Can I prepare these in advance?
They are best served warm and fresh, but the batter can be mixed shortly before frying.
Should I drain the fritters after frying?
Yes, place them on a paper towel-lined plate after removing them from the skillet to drain any excess oil.
Is the egg essential to the recipe?
The egg acts as a binder to hold the okra and dry ingredients together so the fritters don't fall apart during frying.
What temperature should the oil be?
The oil should be heated over medium-high heat so that it is hot enough to sizzle immediately when the batter is added.
Can I use different seasonings?
While the recipe calls for salt and pepper, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for more variety.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect summer treat when fresh okra is in peak season.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You could attempt to substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary.
What is the texture of these fritters?
They have a crispy, crunchy exterior with a tender, textured vegetable interior.
How much water do I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of water to create the batter.
What type of pan should I use?
A standard skillet is ideal for frying these fritters.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve a larger group of 12 people.