Fried Okra

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My mom grew up in Oklahoma so she made fried okra for us often in the summer . It was always a treat and if you like crispy, golden fried foods, you’ll like this fried okra recipe.  If you’ve never tried okra, this is the dish for you to try for your first introduction to this underappreciated vegetable.

Okra is also known as gumbo. It’s found all over the world, from Africa to the US to England and Asia. Southern Fried Okra particularly popular in the South and Midwest of the US. You also find okra in many Cajun dishes. 

You can find the complete fried okra recipe below. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Okra

What are the health benefits of eating okra?

• It contains potassium, vitamin K vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid and calcium.
• It’s low calorie and high in fiber.
• There may be some benefits in helping to manage blood sugar, which is important for diabetes
• It can aid in digestion due to the high fiber content.
• There are studies that may demonstrate other health benefits. 

When is okra in season?

• In the US, okra is in season from July through September.

How to buy okra?

• You can grow okra in your garden if you’re a gardener.
• You can find okra at your local farmer’s market.
• Your local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) mostly likely will have okra.
• Most grocery stores will also carry okra.
• Look for smooth, fresh looking okra pods. 
• Avoid pods that have significant brown posts.
• Avoid okra that is 4 inches or longer because they will be tougher than shorter okra pods.

 How to cook okra?

• Fried okra
• Grilled
• Steamed
• Pickled
• Boiled in a soup or stew
• Braised with tomatoes

I’ve eaten okra in many different types of dishes and recipes and pan fried okra is my favorite by far. There’s something about that golden fried batter combined with the fresh okra that is just irresistible.

How to Make Fried Okra

The steps to making fried okra are simple:

• Wash, trim and cut the okra
• Salt the okra
• Mix the coating mixture
• Toss the okra in the coating mixture
• Freeze the okra on a cookie sheet for an hour
• Fry the okra in hot oil until golden brown
  • You can use a deep fryer or a pan of oil
  • You know the oil is hot enough when one piece of coated okra floats and sizzles in the oil
  • You want to use a skimmer or frying ladle so that you don’t get burned by oil spatters
• Remove the fried okra to paper towels to drain
• Serve promptly

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It’s easy to make fried okra in batches large enough to serve at a party or take to a potluck. What’s your favorite way to eat okra?

Pin for later so you’ll always be able to find this Southern comfort food recipe for fried okra.

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