Shrimp And Fried Okra
A flavorful Southern dish featuring crispy fried okra paired with seasoned shrimp and smoky bacon, perfect for a hearty, savory meal with rice or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the okra, pat dry, and cut into 1/2-inch circles.
- Wash the deveined shrimp and pat dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Fry bacon strips until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In bacon drippings, sauté chopped onion and seasoned shrimp until cooked.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a skillet.
- Add 2 cups of okra to the heated oil and stir constantly until it browns gently, ensuring it doesn't burn.
- Drain all oil off the fried okra.
- Mix the sautéed shrimp and onions with the drained okra in the skillet.
- In a separate bowl, toss remaining okra with sugar and lightly add bacon pieces on top.
- Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and cook for a few minutes. Serve with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, consider using cornmeal to coat the okra before frying. You can also substitute the bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option. If you're short on time, pre-cut frozen okra can be a great alternative. Don't forget to keep an eye on the okra while frying to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp and fried okra over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or some crusty bread. For a complete experience, consider serving alongside New Orleans Red Kidney Beans for a hearty combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the shrimp and okra in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the okra soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp And Fried Okra contains roughly 374 calories, with 9g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (96% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2133mg per serving (93% 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 shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used; just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This will help maintain the proper texture and prevent excess moisture during sautéing.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions and shrimp. You can also serve the dish with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a kick.
What type of oil is best for frying the okra?
Vegetable oil is a great choice for frying due to its high smoke point. However, you can also use canola oil or peanut oil for a slightly different flavor. Just ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the okra for the best results.
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).