Southern Fried Okra (Quick and Easy)

Nothing says “Southern comfort food” more than a plate of Southern Fried Okra. This delicious side dish packs many flavors in just a few simple steps, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. And best of all, it’s easy to make! So, let’s get started on this classic Southern recipe and whip up some delicious fried okra.

What is Fried Okra?

Fried okra is a Southern dish and a beloved cuisine amongst many families. It consists of slices of fresh okra coated in either cornmeal or flour and then fried in oil. Okra can have a crunchy breaded crust while the inside remains tender and juicy. Fried okra is an excellent source of dietary fiber, potassium, essential minerals, and vitamins A & C. Additionally; it contains calcium that helps support bone health. Fried okra can be served on its own or as an appetizer with other dishes for variety. Whether it's enjoyed as part of a meal or simply as a snack at home, everyone loves Fried Okra! I love my fried okra near me with a side of white rice!

Ingredients For Southern Fried Okra

Fried okra is a popular Southern side dish that is delicious and easy to prepare. All you need to make it are a few simple ingredients.

Fresh okra

Eggs

Buttermilk

All-purpose flour

Garlic Powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Creole Seasoning

Flour

Cornmeal

Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil work well)

How To Cook Southern Fried Okra?

Old fashion fried okra is a classic staple in many households across the South! It's quick to prepare, flavorful, and fun for everyone to enjoy! Whether you're serving it as an appetizer on the holidays or as part of an entree at dinner time, this dish will surely please everyone at your table! Let’s get to making!!

To a bowl with cornmeal add in your seasonings and mix well.
To a bowl with cornmeal add in your seasonings and mix well.

Variations

There are numerous ways to prepare fried okra, which makes it so popular! Fried okra is always my goal for any season but let me give some ways to mix things up.

Hot and spicy - This crunchy vegetable's sweet and spicy version is a favorite today. Fried okra can be seasoned with chili, cayenne pepper, or paprika to add an extra kick of flavor. Add a kick of the hot sauce.

Condiments- Fried okra can be served with ranch dressing or even homemade ketchup & garlic mayonnaise. Whatever way you decide to try it, hot and spicy okra is sure to bring a unique kick of flavor to any dish.

Gumbo- Okra is an incredibly versatile vegetable, and one of its most popular dishes is gumbo okra. This traditional Creole favorite owes its origins to slaves brought across the Atlantic from West Africa to New Orleans, who incorporated their signature preparation methods and ingredients into the local cuisine. Okra is commonly used as a thickener in gumbo soup recipes due to its texture, giving the broth a unique smoothness.

Equipment

Buttermilk fried okra is a delicious vegetable with a pleasant flavor and texture and is often used in various dishes. It can be cooked in many different ways, from frying to boiling. To make it easier to cook okra, having the right equipment comes in handy. Okra cuts easily with kitchen shears or a sharp chef's knife, meaning prepping vegetables for use is not time-consuming. Additionally, having non-stick cookware or cast-iron skillet makes sautéing okra a breeze as the vegetables won't stick to the pan and burn. With these essential tools, anyone can enjoy cooking up some tasty Okra for dinner!

Questions

What Meat Goes Well with Okra?

For nutrition and flavor, okra is a beloved ingredient in many kitchens. Its naturally slimy texture and earthy flavor play nicely with other dishes. If you're looking for an entrée that pairs perfectly with okra, look no further than grilled or fried meats. Grilled turkey or chicken work particularly well as their smoky flavor adds character to the okra. For greater intensity, opt for pan-fried steak, which is mouth-wateringly delicious with fresh okra and a few seasonings sprinkled on top. Whichever route you choose, you'll have a fantastic dinner that makes the most of the nutrition from okra and adds some delicious meats to the mix.

How Many Calories in Fried Okra?

Fried okra is a popular dish enjoyed by many in the United States and worldwide. Most are unaware of just how many calories it contains. On average, a single serving of fried okra is about 120 calories. The calories come from the combined ingredients used to fry the okra, such as oil, breading, batter, and additional spices that may be added for flavor.

Lastly, there you have it—Southern fried okra that’s ready to enjoy! This classic Southern side dish will surely be an instant hit at any gathering. It can easily be adjusted to fit any dietary restrictions with vegan options like almond milk instead of buttermilk or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil too! Whether you serve it plain or with added flavor, this dish is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters! Enjoy!