Crispy Southern Fried Okra

Ingredients

1 lb fresh okra, sliced into rounds

1 cup cornmeal

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 large egg

½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)

Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the okra:

Wash and slice the okra into small bite-sized pieces.

2. Mix the wet ingredients:

In a bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.

3. Season the flour mixture:

In another bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

4. Coat the okra:

Dip the okra pieces into the egg mixture, then transfer them into the flour–cornmeal mixture. Stir until all pieces are well coated.

5. Heat the oil:

In a deep skillet, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

6. Fry the okra:

Add the coated okra in small batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per batch.

7. Drain:

Remove the fried okra and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.