Fried Okra
Gluten Free Living – 2014
Ok, I have to admit it. I’m a Fried Okra nut. I mean I love Fried Okra. Whenever we go to a buffet for lunch or dinner, I head right over for the Fried Okra every time! I can eat gobs of this stuff. The funny thing is, I never even tasted okra before I was in my late twenties when we were in Florida. I turned my nose up at it anytime I saw it, because we never ate this stuff at home when I was a kid.
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When my neighbor served this to us for dinner one night after the birth of our second child, I loved the stuff. I have eaten it voraciously ever since. While, I rarely ever cooked it myself, I took every opportunity to eat Fried Okra when we ate out. Even after I started healthy eating in 2009, I would occasionally indulge in Fried Okra. There aren’t too many fried foods that I eat any more. Fried Okra is one of the few.
When I saw fresh okra in the stores a few weeks ago, I decided to get a batch of it and cook it up for myself. I only use cornmeal to dredge the okra in, coconut oil (or avocado oil) to fry the okra in, and salt and pepper to season the okra. That’s it. It’s really simple yet so wonderful. A lot of people can’t eat okra because of the texture. I think okra is a lot better fried than in gumbo, but then some people would say I’m crazy. The frying process prevents the okra from being gooey in the middle which is why many people won’t eat okra to begin with.
If you enjoy okra, or even if you’ve never tasted it before, why don’t you give my Fried Okra a try sometime? It’s so mouthwatering. It’s a great side dish to serve anytime you’re grilling steaks or chicken. It’s even good with hamburgers and hot dogs. While most people think of Fried Okra as only a deep-fried version, mine is pan-fried instead. This version is gluten free as well as vegan. Fried Okra is such a simple pleasure but one your family is sure to enjoy.
I can eat Fried Okra by the plateful!
Fried Okra is so tasty. I only season it with salt and pepper, but that’s all it needs!
This recipe is so easy to prepare.
This simple recipe includes only 5 ingredients. It’s gluten free and vegan.
Here’s what I did.
Wash okra. Slice in about 1/2-inch pieces. Dredge okra pieces in cornmeal until well covered.
You will have to fry the okra in two or three batches.
Place coconut oil (or avocado oil) in skillet over medium to medium high heat. Add okra. Saute about 5 minutes before turning.
Turn okra pieces over and saute. You will need to saute until fork tender. This will take approximately ten minutes per batch.
Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Saute until okra is fork tender.
Fried Okra is a family favorite.
Fried Okra is nice and crunchy with a slightly sweet taste from the cornmeal.
If you enjoy Southern-style food, you’ll love Fried Okra.
While I used coconut oil to fry the okra in, you can also use avocado oil with good results.
Here’s the recipe.
FRIED OKRA
(My own concoction)
Fried Okra
Equipment
- 1 small bowl
- 1 sharp knife to cut okra
- 1 large skillet
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 1 qt. fresh okra washed and cut in 1/3 to ½” pieces
- 1/2 cup cornmeal or, as needed
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or avocado oil, or as needed
- 1 tsp. Salt and pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Slice okra and dredge each piece well in cornmeal.
- Set aside.
- Melt a few tablespoons of coconut oil in skillet over medium.
- Add okra and fry turning every five minutes or so until fork tender.
- Season with salt and pepper while frying.
- Remove to paper towel-lined plate.
- Season with salt and pepper again.
- You will probably have to fry the okra in two batches.
- Add a little more coconut oil and repeat the process.
- It will take about 20 minutes to cook two batches of okra.
Notes
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen
Nutrition
- 1 qt. fresh okra, washed and cut in 1/3 to ½” pieces
- cornmeal
- coconut oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
- Slice okra and dredge each piece well in cornmeal.
- Set aside.
- Melt a few tablespoons of coconut oil in skillet over medium.
- Add okra and fry turning every five minutes or so until fork tender.
- Season with salt and pepper while frying.
- Remove to paper towel-lined plate.
- Season with salt and pepper again.
- You will probably have to fry the okra in two batches.
- Add a little more coconut oil and repeat the process.
- It will take about 20 minutes to cook two batches of okra.
Doesn’t Fried Okra look yummy?
Fried Okra is a southern favorite. I’m so glad my neighbor made some of this for me all those years ago. Because our family has enjoyed it ever since.
This is terrific with steaks, chicken or pork chops.
If you enjoy Fried Okra, you’ll love this version!
You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!
Fried Eggplant, Yellow Squash or Zucchini
Fried Okra
Equipment
- 1 small bowl
- 1 sharp knife to cut okra
- 1 large skillet
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 1 qt. fresh okra washed and cut in 1/3 to ½” pieces
- 1/2 cup cornmeal or, as needed
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or avocado oil, or as needed
- 1 tsp. Salt and pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Slice okra and dredge each piece well in cornmeal.
- Set aside.
- Melt a few tablespoons of coconut oil in skillet over medium.
- Add okra and fry turning every five minutes or so until fork tender.
- Season with salt and pepper while frying.
- Remove to paper towel-lined plate.
- Season with salt and pepper again.
- You will probably have to fry the okra in two batches.
- Add a little more coconut oil and repeat the process.
- It will take about 20 minutes to cook two batches of okra.
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