Fried Okra

Article by Layla Khoury-Hanold

You might be deterred from cooking fresh okra due to their reputation of having a slimy texture. But quickly frying okra in hot oil removes the slimy texture and yields an irresistible crispy, tender finish. Bookmark this recipe for summer months, when fresh okra is plentiful at farmers’ markets and grocery stores. With Sunny Anderson’s easy recipe, you’ll learn how to prepare fried okra like a pro and get our top tips for ensuring a crispy, flavorful finish.

How to Fry Okra Like a Pro

Select small okra pods for the best texture. Small- to medium-size okra pods will yield the best texture when fried. Avoid large okra pods as they tend to be tough and fibrous.

Wait to slice the okra until just before frying. The longer okra sits cut open, the slimier it gets, so waiting to slice just before frying ensures an optimal crisp texture.

Reach for canola oil for frying. Canola oil has a neutral flavor which ensures that okra’s mild, grassy, lightly sweet flavors shine. Canola oil also has a high smoke point, which ensures that the temperature stays hot without burning and yields a crisp finish to fried foods.

Fry the okra in batches for optimal crispiness. This prevents overcrowding in the pan (which can create steam and produce a slimy texture) and helps keep the oil hot enough to ensure that the okra doesn’t get soggy or greasy as it cooks.

Drain okra on paper towels and salt them while hot. Draining the okra on paper towels helps remove excess oil or grease. Salting the okra while hot out of the oil ensures that the salt crystals will adhere to the okra, yielding a flavorful finish.

Garnish with herbs for a pop of flavor. Sage pairs beautifully with okra, echoing the vegetable’s natural earthiness and the fried texture is a nice complement too.

Serving Suggestions

Serve fried okra as an appetizer with dipping sauces such as Remoulade, Jalapeno Tartar Sauce, Comeback Sauce or Sunny’s Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce. Or serve fried okra as a side to accompany Southern-style dishes such as Sunny Anderson’s Cider-Brined Fried Chicken, Crunchy Catfish Sandwich or Easy BBQ Short Ribs.

Storage and Reheating

Fried okra is best enjoyed immediately after preparing, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat fried okra in an air fryer (check manufacturer guidelines for the best results).