Anson'S Favorite French Fried Okra
Crispy, golden fried okra coated in seasoned cornmeal and flour, perfect as a snack or side dish for those who enjoy Southern-inspired flavors and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Turn the deep fryer on first so the oil will be hot when needed.
- Mix the cornmeal mix and flour together in a Ziploc bag.
- Place partly thawed okra, egg, milk, salt, and pepper into a bowl and toss until thoroughly coated.
- When the oil is hot, spoon half of the coated okra into the Ziploc bag of cornmeal and flour and shake to coat.
- Put the breaded okra into the deep fryer and cook until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, consider adding a teaspoon of baking powder to the cornmeal mix. If fresh okra isn’t available, frozen works well but should be partially thawed before coating. You can use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a richer flavor. Experiment with spices in the coating, like paprika or cayenne, to give an extra kick to your French fried okra.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Anson's Favorite French Fried Okra as a delightful appetizer or side dish. It pairs beautifully with Toni's Buttermilk Pie for a complete meal. For a Southern-style feast, serve it alongside fried chicken or a fresh garden salad. A dipping sauce, like ranch or spicy mayo, can enhance the flavor and add variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fried okra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the okra in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crispiness, rather than microwaving which can make it soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Anson'S Favorite French Fried Okra contains roughly 247 calories, with 7g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 841mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or even almond flour for a different texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, and adjustments in the cooking time might be necessary.
What can I do if my okra becomes soggy after frying?
To prevent sogginess, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the fryer, as that can lower the oil temperature. If they do get soggy, try reheating in the oven to crisp them back up.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While fried okra is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the coated okra in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just fry it right before serving to ensure it’s hot and crispy. This makes it perfect for gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).