Fried Okra Recipe
Fresh okra, sliced, dredged in beaten egg, and coated in cornmeal, are fried until golden and crisp to make this simple, delicious, and comforting Southern classic! This recipe keeps the okra nuggets wonderfully crispy and never slimy.
Ingredients
You can fry okra at home with just a few ingredients you may already have on hand. If not, here's what to add to your grocery list:
- 10 okra pods, sliced into -inch pieces
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup cornmeal
- teaspoon salt
- teaspoon ground black pepper
- cup vegetable oil
How to Make Fried Okra
Restaurant-worthy fried okra is within reach just follow these simple steps. Heres a brief overview:
Step 1: Prepare the Okra
Soak the sliced okra in a beaten egg for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps keep the okra moist and provides a sticky surface for the cornmeal coating.
Step 2: Coat the Okra
While the okra is soaking, mix the cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Once the okra is ready, dredge it in the cornmeal mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
Step 3: Fry the Okra
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated okra to the hot oil, stirring continuously to ensure even frying. When the okra starts to brown, reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking until the okra is golden and crispy.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
Once the okra is golden brown, remove it from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
How to Store Fried Okra
Store any leftover fried okra in an airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place it in the oven for the crispiest results.
Can You Freeze Fried Okra?
It's best to freeze the okra before frying. Dredge the egg-soaked okra in cornmeal and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Flash freeze until frozen solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. For extra protection against freezer burn, wrap the bag in a layer of aluminum foil. When ready to cook, simply fry the okra directly from frozen.
Community Tips and Praise
"These fried up beautifully," says one home cook. "They were super crisp and not at all greasy or soggy. I think soaking the okra in the egg first really helped. I added green Tabasco to the egg mixture."
"Quick and delicious," says another. "Its a go-to recipe when okra from the garden is picked. The light batter lets the flavor of the okra shine through."
"Perfect," shares a fan. "I will only use this recipe for my okra. Also, it works so well on fried green beans! Light and just enough crunch."
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 394
Total Fat: 29g (37% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 5g (24% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 47mg (16% Daily Value)
Sodium: 167mg (7% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 29g (11% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
Protein: 5g (9% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 5mg (6% Daily Value)
Calcium: 33mg (3% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (11% Daily Value)
Potassium: 115mg (2% Daily Value)

Comments
Sandra Baker
10/09/2025 06:34:32 AM
This recipe, with a few tweaks, helped me create fried okra that surpassed my mom's! I decided to swap plain cornmeal for a pre-mixed cornmeal, flour, and salt blend. I also incorporated a splash of buttermilk into the egg mixture. I believe that using both flour and cornmeal is key to ensuring the batter sticks during cooking. Another tip is to ensure the oil is nice and hot before frying the okra.
Nicholas Phillips
10/07/2025 03:39:44 AM
Here is the rewritten review: Even though I'm not originally from the south, I found this recipe to be decent but felt it had the potential to be significantly improved with a few adjustments. The texture of the cornmeal breading was satisfying, especially after incorporating the modifications I made (listed below), but I found the overall flavor to be lacking. To enhance the dish, I believe it would benefit from being either sweeter, spicier, or served with a complementary dipping sauce such as ranch, dill, or horseradish. Making these changes could easily elevate this recipe to a 5-star level. Nonetheless, I had an enjoyable experience preparing this dish, and it serves as a good foundation. Based on the suggestions of various other reviewers, I made some alterations to the recipe by using a blend of 1/2 cup whole wheat white flour and 1/2 cup cornmeal for the breading. Additionally, I incorporated 1 beaten egg and 1/4 cup of milk into the mixture. I would advise using a cooking thermometer to monitor the oil temperature before adding the coated okra, as variations in stovetops may exist. I ensured that my oil reached 375 degrees Fahrenheit before introducing the mixture and then adjusted the heat slightly to maintain a temperature between 300 and 350 degrees, following the guidelines recommended on Martha Stewart's website for frying okra.
Matthew Diaz
10/08/2025 10:26:28 AM
I'm giving this recipe 4 stars. I followed the instructions using only cornmeal at first, but it was a bit overwhelming. I then mixed cornmeal with Louisiana chicken fry and flour for the rest of the dredge. We "deep fried" in our copper kettle with the fry basket, which made it easy with no flipping required – that was the winning technique. I will definitely use this base again with some adjustments. The flavor was fantastic and even convinced a family member who doesn't normally eat okra.
Angela Williams
10/07/2025 10:25:30 PM
Rewritten review: This recipe serves as a great foundation to build upon. Following the initial instructions, I added my own personal twist. Instead of salt, I opted for 1/4 tsp of Cajun seasoning. Additionally, I mixed 3 tablespoons of milk with the three eggs to facilitate the soaking process, ensuring the batter adheres to the okra more effectively. An additional tip: generously coat the okra in batter post-soaking, then store all pieces in a large ziplock bag with any excess dry mix. Refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes to chill, and before frying, vigorously shake the bag for better batter adhesion. Overall, I found this recipe delightful. Many thanks for sharing it.
Larry Ramirez
10/07/2025 01:29:29 PM
As a Louisiana native, fried okra was a frequent dish during my childhood. I have always loved it, and I made sure to pass down my appreciation for Southern cuisine to my sons. A recipe is just a starting point for enhancing flavors, and I appreciate you sharing a taste of the South with us. Thank you!
Ronald Taylor
10/09/2025 08:44:30 AM
This dish reminds me of my Southern upbringing. I absolutely adore okra, especially when it's fried. I don't have it often because of its high fat content, but whenever I do, I thoroughly enjoy it! Kudos to those who are discovering this recipe for the first time!
Timothy Clark
10/08/2025 11:08:38 AM
This recipe is amazing! I grew extra okra in my garden this year specifically to freeze some for the winter.
Thomas Sanchez
10/06/2025 09:01:38 PM
I absolutely adored it.
Samantha Johnson
10/08/2025 08:32:26 AM
The dish lacked flavor and the cornmeal had a gritty texture. I wonder if I used the wrong type of cornmeal. My grandmother, who hailed from Texas, was the master of frying okra in a cast iron skillet. I wish I could replicate her cooking skills.