If you’re in the mood for something unique and delicious, I’ve got just the recipe for you: Classic Okra Fritters. Its a super fun and delicious way to enjoy this one-of-a-kind vegetable. Not only is okra packed with nutrients, but its delicate texture and subtle taste make it a nearly perfect base for fritters. I love serving these up with some of my favorite dipping sauces, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
What you Need to Make Classic Okra Fritters:
These fritters are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a satisfying snack. Quick to make, this recipe puts the unique veggie to good use. Get ready to savor the delicious crunch and earthy notes of okra in every bite!
Okra Fritter Ingredients
- Fresh okra pods
- Cornmeal
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt and pepper
- Buttermilk
- Egg
- Onion
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How to Make Classic Okra Fritters
This recipe is really quick and easy to make, and in my opinion, is the very best way to enjoy this unique vegetable! Kids and adults will love it alike! Bump up or down the spicy factor by varying how much cayenne pepper is added. Also consider mincing up hot peppers to add into the breading if you want a real spicy treat.
- Dice the Okra and Onion: Remove the tough stems of the okra pods, chopping into small pieces. Dice up the onion and set aside with the chopped okra.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg until well combined.
- Add Okra and Onion: Add the diced onion and okra to the buttermilk mixture and stir.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick batter forms.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot (350 degrees).
- Fry the Okra: Using a large spoon, carefully drop the fritter mixture into the hot oil. I like my fritters to be 2-3 inches across.
- Perfect Fry: Fry the fritters until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain: Remove the fritters from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate or on wire rack.
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve these Classic Okra Fritters immediately hot and crispy.
Why You’ll Love Classic Okra Fritters
- Crispy Delight: The fritters have a golden and crispy batter with a bit a spice.
- Okra’s Earthy Flavor: The unique taste of okra, enhanced by the savory and aromatic seasonings.
- Versatile Dish: Serve these fritters as a delightful appetizer, a satisfying side dish or a tasty snack.
- Southern Tradition: Classic Okra Fritters capture the essence of Southern cuisine with their simple yet irresistible flavors.
- Family Favorite: These fritters are loved by all ages, making them a perfect addition to family gatherings and gatherings with friends.
What are Okra Fritters?
Okra Fritters are a beloved Southern dish that transforms fresh okra into crispy and flavorful bites. This recipe is my favorite way to eat okra, and you can really spice this up by adding more cayenne or minced hot peppers (jalapenos work great) to the batter.
The sliced okra is coated in a mixture of cornmeal and flour, creating a perfect crunchy breading when fried. The buttermilk and seasonings give the fritters a savory taste, while the cayenne pepper adds a hint of heat.
Best enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. These fritters showcase the delicious versatility of okra.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips for Okra Fritters
- Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. Too hot, and the fritters might burn on the outside before cooking through; too cold, and they can become greasy. Medium-high heat or 350-375 degrees is perfect.
- Drain Excess Moisture: Pat the okra slices dry with paper towels before mixing them with the batter. This helps in achieving a crispier texture.
- Well-Diced: Dice the okra, onion and hot peppers into uniform size even cooking. This ensures that all fritters cook at the same rate and have a consistent texture.
Variations
- Spice it Up: Add a more cayenne pepper, minced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick that complements the okra’s flavor.
- Cheesy Twist: Incorporate shredded cheddar, parmesan, or feta cheese into the batter for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Mix chopped fresh herbs like thyme or basil into the batter for a burst of fresh fragrance and taste.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve the fritters with various dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, remoulade, or sweet chili sauce.
Classic Okra Fritters
Ingredients
- 1 lb Fresh okra pods, finely diced
- ½ cup Onion, finely diced
- ¾ cup Cornmeal
- ¾ cup All-purpose flour
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- ¾ cup Buttermilk
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- ½ tsp Cayenne pepper, (optional)
- ¼ cup Jalapeno, minced (optional)
- ¼ cup Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, cayenne and garlic powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg until well combined.
- Add diced onion and okra to the buttermilk mixture and stir.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick batter forms.
- In a deep frying pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot. 350 degrees is perfect.
- Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the okra batter into the hot oil, creating fritter patties about 3 inches wide.
- Fry the fritters until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the fritters from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate or on wire rack.
- Serve the okra fritters hot and crispy, with your choice of dipping sauce. Love it!
