Southern Style 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.

FRIED OKRA

Steps:

• Cut off and discard tip and stem ends of okra; cut okra crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place in a large bowl.
• Combine 3 qt. water and salt; pour over okra. Soak 30 minutes; drain, rinse well, and drain again. Dredge okra, in batches, in cornmeal.
• Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 375ºF. Fry okra, in batches, 4 minutes or until golden. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.

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!

"FRIED" OKRA, SOUTHERN-STYLE

Steps:

• Top the chili pepper and score it down the middle. We use red Thai chilis.
• Peel and smash the clove of garlic, leaving it mostly intact. Set aside with the chili pepper.
• Wash and thoroughly dry the okra. Cut off and discard ends. Slice into 1/8" slices on the diagonal.
• Heat a non-stick frying pan/skillet over medium heat. When hot, add 1 tbsp of the oil, the chili pepper, and the garlic. Stir-fry for one minute, then discard the chili pepper and garlic.
• Add the sliced okra to the pan, stirring frequently. Stir-fry for five minutes.
• Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil and sprinkle with sea salt and a couple of grinds of black pepper, to taste. Continue to stir-fry the okra for another 5-10 minutes, depending on how soft or crunchy you want your okra-- the longer you fry it, the softer it will get. I prefer mine softer. Your okra should be browned somewhat to get the authentic "Southern" flavor of fried okra.
• Remove to a warm plate and serve immediately.

SOUTHERN FRIED OKRA

Steps:

• Slice okra in 1/4-inch slices.
• Wash in cold water.
• Mix cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper together.
• Roll okra in cornmeal mix.
• Fry in hot skillet for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels or brown paper bags.