Tempura Fried Okra
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 4 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 4 servings
- Calories
- 598
- Total Fat
- 46
- Saturated Fat
- 9
- Carbohydrates
- 44
- Dietary Fiber
- 4
- Sugar
- 4
- Protein
- 6
- Cholesterol
- 31
- Sodium
- 706
- Total: 1 hr 40 min
- Prep: 30 min
- Inactive: 1 hr
- Cook: 10 min
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups canola oil
12 to 16 ounces fresh okra
1/2 cup tapioca flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper, divided
1/4 cup cornstarch
4 to 6 dashes hot pepper sauce
3/4 cup ice cold water
Spicy Ranch Dressing, for serving, recipe follows
Spicy Ranch Dressing:
1 clove garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup loose packed fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon dried dill
1 teaspoon dehydrated onion flakes
2 drops Worcestershire sauce
Pinch cayenne pepper
Pinch ground white pepper
Directions
- Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 375 degrees F.
- Wash the okra, drain thoroughly and pat dry. Cut off the ends of the okra, and then cut the okra crosswise into 1/2-inch rounds.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper and set aside.
- Place the cornstarch in a small bowl.
- When the oil is hot, add the hot sauce and ice water to the spiced flour. Gently mix; there will be some small lumps.
- Skewer the okra pieces through the middle of the flesh, leaving enough room between each piece of okra so they can fry individually. Repeat with remaining okra. Dredge the skewers through the cornstarch. Place into the tempura batter and then immediately and carefully into the hot oil.
- Fry the okra in batches until browned, 4 to 6 minutes for each batch. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with the reserved salt and spice mixture and serve immediately with Spicy Ranch Dressing.
Spicy Ranch Dressing:
- Mince the garlic and then add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and mash with the edge of the knife until a paste is formed.
- Add this to a blender with the remaining ingredients. Puree and taste to adjust seasoning.
- Remove and place in a small bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour.