Authentic Southern Fried Okra Food

SOUTHERN FRIED OKRA

Steps:

• Pat okra dry with paper towels. Place buttermilk in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, seasoning blend and pepper. Dip okra in buttermilk, then roll in cornmeal mixture., In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat 1 in. of oil to 375°. Fry okra, a few pieces at a time, for 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN FRIED OKRA

Steps:

• Wash okra and cut into 1/2 inch rounds.
• Put in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with flour. Shake it around vigorously to coat evenly, then bounce in a wire strainer to remove all excess. Final coat should be very light!
• Return to mixing bowl and add beaten egg. Stir to cover each piece of okra.
• Place cornmeal in zipper bag with salt and pepper.
• Add okra in 1 cup batches and shake until each piece is coated. Remove with something that will allow extra cornmeal to fall away. Put on a plate until all okra is coated.
• Fry in 1/2 inch lard or oil at 400 degrees or med-high until pieces are golden brown.
• Drain on brown paper or a wire rack.
• Salt additionally if desired.

SOUTHERN FRIED OKRA

Steps:

• In a big bowl beat egg with a fork, pour milk in and combine. Pour the cornmeal in another big bowl.
• Pour enough oil in a big skillet, halfway up, or you can use a deep fryer. Set heat to Medium-high.
• Put some okra pieces in milk mixture and then coat in cornmeal batter. Fry in skillet 10-15 min, occasionally turning/stirring them around. They are done when crispy and golden brown but not black!
• Drain on paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with salt and pepper (i don't use pepper but some people prefer it).
• Repeat with rest of okra till all gone. Enjoy!