Wet Fried Okra Food

FRIED OKRA

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with enough oil to reach 2 inches up the sides of the pot. Heat oil to 360 degrees F.
• Thinly slice okra lengthwise. In batches, fry okra in the hot oil until edges turn golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt. Place okra on a serving platter. Fry sage leaves in a single batch until crisp and nearly translucent, about 1 minute. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt. When cool enough to handle, crumble sage leaves over okra and serve warm or at room temperature.

FRIED OKRA

Steps:

• Wash the okra, cut it into 1/2-inch rounds, and place it in a small brown paper bag or plastic bag. Add the cornmeal and salt and pepper and shake to coat the okra with the cornmeal and seasoning mixture. Heat the bacon fat in a large, heavy skillet. Drop in the okra pieces a few at a time and fry until golden brown, turning frequently so that they are browned on all sides. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

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.

PAN-FRIED OKRA

Steps:

• Wash the okra, and place aside, leaving the okra slightly wet. Cut the okra crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces and place in a large bowl. Season the okra with the salt, adding more to taste.
• Pour the cornmeal over the okra. Using both hands, firmly grip the bowl, and shake it until all the okra pieces are coated. If too dry, add a little water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and, if needed, more cornmeal can be added. Lightly press the okra with your hands, making sure that the cornmeal sticks to the okra. Toss the okra again. All the pieces should be coated evenly, with a light layer of cornmeal - but the okra shouldn't be obscured.
• In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. You can determine if the oil is ready by dropping a pinch of cornmeal into it; the oil should sizzle, but not smoke. (If it's not hot enough, the okra will soak up the oil.)
• Once the oil is ready, working in two batches to avoid crowding, drop half the okra into the hot oil and cook it, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until golden and crisp. Using a slotted spoon or spider, remove the okra to a plate covered with a paper towel to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining okra, and serve immediately.