Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal
This simple, six-ingredient recipe from Southern Living Magazine takes just half an hour to prepare, but it’ll add something special to any supper. For the best results, choose fresh okra pods no longer than 4 inches in length. Depending on the variety, if the pods are much longer they are going to be tough and woody, which is never ideal. You simply heat the oil in the skillet and add the okra, stirring to coat. Sprinkle okra with salt and pepper and, as the okra fries, sprinkle it with the cornmeal. It’s a no-nonsense process fitting for this simple dish. This quick recipe calls for you to use two skillets, so the okra will have room to cook up extra crispy. But you can also cook two batches in one skillet, just make sure the oil in the second batch gets nice and hot before adding the okra.
Prep Time
10minutes
Cook Time
20minutes
Prep Time
10minutes
Cook Time
20minutes
Ingredients
  • 6tbsp canola oildivided
  • 2lb fresh okra1/2 inch pieces
  • 1.5tsp coarse sea salt
  • 1tsp black pepper
  • 2/3cup fine yellow cornmeal
  • 1/8tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
  1. Place 1 1/2 tablespoons of the canola oil in each of 2 medium-size nonstick skillets, and heat over medium-high. Divide okra between skillets, and stir to coat. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green, about 10 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle okra in each skillet with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Divide yellow cornmeal and cayenne pepper evenly between skillets; stir to coat. Drizzle 1 1/2 tablespoons oil over mixture in each skillet, and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until okra is tender and browned, about 6 minutes.