French Fried Okra
Crispy and tender, French Fried Okra offers a delightful snack or side dish with a crunchy exterior and flavorful interior. Perfect for okra lovers and those seeking a Southern-inspired treat, this recipe highlights the vegetable's natural flavor with a golden, savory coating.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the okra into 1/4-inch slices.
- Beat the egg with the milk until well combined.
- Bring cooking oil to a hot temperature suitable for frying, similar to French fries.
- Sift flour into a shallow pan or plate.
- Dip 5 or 6 slices of okra into the milk mixture, then drop them into the flour, roll to coat evenly.
- Immediately drop the coated okra slices into the hot oil and fry until light brown.
- Remove the fried okra and drain on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with salt and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, consider using cornmeal or a mix of cornmeal and flour for coating the okra. If you want a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour. Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect golden-brown color. If you have leftover batter, it can be used to coat other vegetables, making it versatile for other vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the French fried okra as a delicious appetizer or snack, perfect alongside a dipping sauce like ranch or remoulade. It pairs beautifully with Hamburger Deluxe for a complete meal. Additionally, consider serving it alongside Spinach And Artichoke Casserole as part of a vegetarian spread.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the fried okra cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness, rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Fried Okra contains roughly 1357 calories, with 21g protein, 252g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (55% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and potassium (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 919mg per serving (40% 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 frozen okra for this recipe?
Yes, frozen okra can be used, but it's essential to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating adhere better and prevent sogginess when frying.
What oil is best for frying the okra?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great choices for frying okra due to their high smoke points. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and can impart a distinct flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free French fried okra, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornmeal. Ensure that any additional seasonings or batters are also gluten-free.
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).