Fried Okra

Recipe by: Frank Stitt | from Frank Stitt's Southern Table: Recipes and Gracious Traditions from Highlands Bar and Grill

Cookstr

Course: Side Dish

Total Time: Under 1 Hour

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Inexpensive

Photo by: Joseph De Leo

Prepared well, fried okra embodies the flavors of a primal southern garden. The problem is that most commercial establishments go too heavy on the breading and cook way too much at a time, which keeps the okra from getting crisp on the outside and tender inside. But at home, with a big cast-iron skillet, and no more than six to eight hungry mouths to feed, you’ll be able to cook up a perfect batch. Although larger okra is sold “for frying,” I prefer the flavor and texture of the smaller pods.

Yield: Serves 6 to 8 as a side dish

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds small okra, stem ends trimmed, sliced into ¼-inch-thick slices
1 cup cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Kosher salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1 cup buttermilk
1½ cups vegetable oil or lard, or as needed

Directions

Place the okra in a bowl of ice water for 15 minutes to crisp; drain and pat dry.

Combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow pan. Transfer the okra to a large bowl and toss with the buttermilk. Lift the okra out with a slotted spoon and place in the pan of cornmeal, tossing it around to lightly coat. Transfer the okra to a rack set over a baking sheet.

In a large deep cast-iron or other heavy skillet, heat ¾ cup of the oil over high heat until almost smoking. Add just enough okra to cover the bottom of the skillet in a single layer, without crowding, lower the heat to medium, and cook until golden and crusty on the bottom, about 6 minutes. Turn and cook, tossing the okra once or twice, until well colored and crisp on all sides. With a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined sheet pan and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm in a low oven while you continue to cook the okra in batches, adding the remaining oil as needed. Dig in while the okra is warm!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

This recipe serves 8.

Calories 251kcal (13%)

Calcium 111mg (11%)

Vitamin C 24mg (40%)

Vitamin A 23mcg RAE (1%)

Potassium 429mg

Magnesium 87mg

Protein 5g

Sugar 2g

Fiber 5g