Get ready to transform your ordinary okra into a Southern delicacy that's so irresistible, you'll be the talk of every potluck and family gathering! Deep Fried Pickled Okra is not just a side dish – it's a crispy, tangy explosion of flavor that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to a zesty, pickled interior – this isn't just food, it's a culinary adventure that bridges traditional Southern cooking with modern foodie excitement!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 jar pickled okra
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Drain the pickled okra thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the coating will stick properly and the okra will fry crisp.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal and flour. Season the dry mixture with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne or garlic powder.
- Beat the egg in a separate shallow bowl. This will help the dry coating adhere to the okra.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for perfect frying.
- Dip each pickled okra piece first into the beaten egg, then roll thoroughly in the cornmeal-flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coating.
- Carefully lower the coated okra into the hot oil in small batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes or until the coating turns golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for uniform browning.
- Remove fried okra with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve immediately while hot and crisp. Optional: Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch, remoulade, or spicy aioli.
Tips
- • Pat your pickled okra completely dry to ensure the coating sticks and becomes supremely crispy • Use a thermometer to maintain the perfect 375°F oil temperature – this is crucial for even, golden frying • Don't overcrowd the frying pan; cook in small batches to keep the oil temperature consistent • For extra flavor, experiment with adding spices like cayenne, smoked paprika, or garlic powder to your coating mix • Serve immediately after frying to enjoy maximum crispiness • Pair with a cool, creamy dipping sauce like ranch or remoulade to balance the tangy pickle flavor • If you're watching calories, you can also try air frying for a lighter version of this classic Southern treat
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg
