Go Back
Close-up of sliced okra being fried in a pan, coated with a light breading.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Fried Okra

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this fried okra is coated in a seasoned cornmeal batter and pan-fried to golden perfection. It’s a Southern favorite that’s quick to make and irresistible as a snack or side dish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: comfort food, crowd-pleaser, fresh, from the garden, game-day, holiday, homemade, party snacks, small batch, summer
Author: Angela Judd

Equipment

Ingredients

  • Fresh, young okra pods
  • Cornmeal
  • Coconut oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Rinse your tender okra pods and slice them thinly.
    A person slicing the stem off fresh okra pods on a wooden cutting board with a knife, prepping ingredients for the best recipes for okra.
  • Save the ends and tips to make a fresh batch of okra water.
    A glass of iced lemonade with mint and lemon slices, a mason jar of lemonade, and half a lemon on a table—refreshing sips to enjoy while browsing the Best Recipes for Okra.
  • Coat the okra slices in cornmeal, making sure they are evenly covered.
    Close-up of dry granulated gelatin in a glass bowl, perfect for experimenting with new textures in the kitchen or pairing with the best recipes for okra.
  • Heat up a cast iron skillet and generously coat the bottom with coconut oil. You want enough oil for the okra to fry properly.
    Oil is poured into a hot pan, melting a solid white chunk of fat or shortening—the perfect start for the Best Recipes for Okra.
  • Place the okra slices in a single layer in the skillet. Add a pinch of salt and cook them on one side until they are well-browned.
    Okra pieces frying in a black skillet on a stove, with a jar of coconut oil and paper towels nearby—perfect for trying out the Best Recipes for Okra.
  • Flip the slices and brown the other side. Make sure they are cooked long enough to get a crispy shell and be tender in the middle.
    Chopped okra being sautéed in a pan, some pieces are browned and crispy—perfect for those seeking the Best Recipes for Okra.
  • Add salt to taste once they are done cooking. Drain the fried okra on a paper towel and serve immediately for the best crunch.
    Crispy, golden-brown fried okra pieces rest on a paper towel—an irresistible snack and a classic choice among the best recipes for okra.

Video

Notes

Optional: If you like seasoned okra, try adding garlic or onion powder, paprika, or black pepper to your cornmeal before tossing the okra in it. 

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 59g | Saturated Fat: 46g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 435mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 430IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 3mg
QR Code linking back to recipe