Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

Fried Okra

Teresa Ambra

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.

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

I can eat Fried Okra by the plateful!

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

Fried Okra is so tasty. I only season it with salt and pepper, but that’s all it needs!

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

This recipe is so easy to prepare.

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

This simple recipe includes only 5 ingredients. It’s gluten free and vegan.

Here’s what I did.

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

Wash okra. Slice in about 1/2-inch pieces. Dredge okra pieces in cornmeal until well covered.

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

You will have to fry the okra in two or three batches.

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

Place coconut oil (or avocado oil) in skillet over medium to medium high heat. Add okra. Saute about 5 minutes before turning.

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

Turn okra pieces over and saute. You will need to saute until fork tender. This will take approximately ten minutes per batch.

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Saute until okra is fork tender.

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

Fried Okra is a family favorite.

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

Fried Okra is nice and crunchy with a slightly sweet taste from the cornmeal.

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

If you enjoy Southern-style food, you’ll love Fried Okra.

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

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 | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

Fried Okra

Teresa Ambra
Fried Okra is a fantastic Southern-style indulgence that goes perfectly with steaks, chicken or pork chops. This fantastic side dish is so simple and easy to make. Not to mention, it's incredibly tasty to the taste buds! This is our family's favorite way to serve okra. Gluten free and vegan.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Veggie Side Dish
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4
Calories 268 kcal

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

NOTE: If you aren't concerned about eating vegan, this is also good fried in butter.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 7gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 495mgPotassium: 771mgFiber: 9gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1694IUVitamin C: 54mgCalcium: 196mgIron: 2mg
Keyword gluten free, okra, side dish, vegan, vegetable
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Fried Okra[/b]
Recipe Type: Veggie Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Author: Teresa Ambra – my own creation
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Tasty southern-style side dish that’s simple and easy, not to mention tasty! Our favorite way to serve okra.
Ingredients
  • 1 qt. fresh okra, washed and cut in 1/3 to ½” pieces
  • cornmeal
  • coconut oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. Slice okra and dredge each piece well in cornmeal.
  2. Set aside.
  3. Melt a few tablespoons of coconut oil in skillet over medium.
  4. Add okra and fry turning every five minutes or so until fork tender.
  5. Season with salt and pepper while frying.
  6. Remove to paper towel-lined plate.
  7. Season with salt and pepper again.
  8. You will probably have to fry the okra in two batches.
  9. Add a little more coconut oil and repeat the process.
  10. It will take about 20 minutes to cook two batches of okra.
Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

Doesn’t Fried Okra look yummy?

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

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.

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

This is terrific with steaks, chicken or pork chops.

Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

If you enjoy Fried Okra, you’ll love this version!

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Fried Zucchini

Fried Zucchini | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this is the most delicious way to serve #zucchini. It's quick & easy & absolutely mouthwatering. #GlutenFree #SideDish #FriedZucchini #GlutenFreeSideDish #Southern #cornmeal #SouthernSideDish

Fried Eggplant, Yellow Squash or Zucchini

Fried Eggplant, Yellow Squash or Zucchini | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this easy 3-ingredient #recipe is our favorite way to enjoy #zucchini, #YellowSquash or #Eggplant. #Squash #GlutenFree #FriedEggplantYellowSquashOrZucchini

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen
Fried Okra | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #Southern-style indulgence is a terrific side dish for steak, chicken or pork chops. This pan-fried version is #Vegan, #GlutenFree & incredibly easy. #FriedOkra #SideDish

Fried Okra

Teresa Ambra
Fried Okra is a fantastic Southern-style indulgence that goes perfectly with steaks, chicken or pork chops. This fantastic side dish is so simple and easy to make. Not to mention, it’s incredibly tasty to the taste buds! This is our family’s favorite way to serve okra. Gluten free and vegan.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Veggie Side Dish
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4
Calories 268 kcal

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

NOTE: If you aren’t concerned about eating vegan, this is also good fried in butter.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 7gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 495mgPotassium: 771mgFiber: 9gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1694IUVitamin C: 54mgCalcium: 196mgIron: 2mg
Keyword gluten free, okra, side dish, vegan, vegetable
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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