Fried Okra and Dipping Sauce Recipe

fried okraPhoto byAuthor

Fried okra is a beloved Southern dish that's crispy, flavorful, and perfect as a side or snack. Here's a simple and delicious recipe, along with helpful tips and dipping sauce ideas to elevate your experience.

Fried Okra Recipe

Ingredients:

- 1 pound fresh okra, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces

- 1 cup buttermilk

- 1 cup cornmeal

- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

- Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Okra:

- Wash and dry the okra thoroughly.

- Cut the okra into 1/2-inch pieces, discarding the tops.

2. Soak in Buttermilk:

- Place the sliced okra in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over it.

- Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps the coating stick to the okra better.

3. Prepare the Coating:

- In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

- Mix well to ensure even distribution of the spices.

4. Coat the Okra:

- Remove the okra from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.

- Dredge the okra pieces in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

5. Heat the Oil:

- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

6. Fry the Okra:

- Carefully add the coated okra to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding.

- Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.

- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried okra to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. Serve:

- Serve the fried okra hot, with your choice of dipping sauces.

Helpful Tips:

- Choose Fresh Okra: Select small, tender okra pods for the best texture and flavor.

- Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the okra is completely dry before soaking in buttermilk to avoid excess moisture in the coating.

- Uniform Size: Cut the okra into uniform pieces for even cooking.

- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a consistent temperature to ensure crispiness and prevent sogginess.

- Serve Immediately: Fried okra is best enjoyed fresh and hot, right after frying.

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

remoulade saucePhoto byAuthor

1. Spicy Remoulade:

- 1/2 cup mayonnaise

- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

- 1 tablespoon ketchup

- 1 teaspoon hot sauce

- 1 clove garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon lemon juice

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Mix all ingredients until well combined.

ranch dressingPhoto byAuthor

2. Ranch Dip:

- 1/2 cup sour cream

- 1/4 cup mayonnaise

- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Stir together until smooth.

honey mustard saucePhoto byAuthor

3. Honey Mustard:

- 1/2 cup mayonnaise

- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

- 2 tablespoons honey

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- Mix until creamy and smooth.