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Friday, May 8, 2009

Sweet Pea's Fried Okra

Let me introduce you to Van. And I must clarify that his name is pronounced Van, like a minivan. I have had so many people call him Von. I just can't handle that. And did you know that I have actually had people ask me how it is spelled? I did lie once and say it was "Vhanne". Anyways, Van loves fried okra. He kept chewing and then opening his big mouth like a bird, waiting for more fried morsels of crunchy, sticky okra goodness.


I had never had okra until these little fried babies. Apparently, it is a big Southern thing. I was a little worried about finding some in my tiny grocery store, but amazingly enough, I found frozen cut okra in the frozen section. Weird that I can find frozen okra in that little store but I can't find fish sauce. Stupid.

This recipe is yet another of Sweet Pea's creations. Actually, Sweet Pea Husband's. Bravo SPH, we love these.



1 bag frozen cut okra
1 cup flour
1 tsp kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning after frying
3/4 tsp ground pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet (probably a good 2-3 cups)

Heat the oil over medium high heat. Rinse the okra under warm water until defrosted. Combine with the flour, salt, pepper and cayenne in a large plastic bag. Seal it and shake it so coat all the okra pieces. Pour all the flour and okra into a colander and shake to remove excess flour.

Test to make sure the oil is hot enough with one piece of okra (it will bubble and fry furiously if the oil is hot enough) and then pour in the rest. Let cook for 5-6 minutes or until the piece begin to brown. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a bit more salt, if desired.

7 comments:

Sweet Pea Chef said...

Thanks Whitney.

Van and my boys would get along famously. R and G inhale, I mean, *inhale* fried okra. I could too, but I am a lady, I have to keep some form of grace around the house, what with me being the only girl and all...

Tasha Allen said...

Gotta love the Good 'ol Southern Cookin Ya'll! We love livin' in the South!

Mike and Jill said...

Growing up in TX, fried okra was one of my FAVS! Oh how I miss it...
And that is one of the cutest, smiling faces I've ever seen! *Sigh*
j

d smith kaich jones said...

Nothing is better than fried okra! Nothing! I just wash the okra, slice it, and then put it naked into olive oil, at which time I then shake corn meal over the whole shebang, salt & pepper, and turn as needed. I like it almost burnt - in fact, maybe a little burnt! SO GOOD! But later is better. Refrigerate overnight, or until cold, and toss with sliced or diced homegrown tomatoes - yes, yes, yes!!! OR just cold with Worcestershire sauce sprinkled over the top. OR! Fry with diced squash & cubed new potatoes. Dear me, you just cannot go wrong.

I am so loving this post!

:) Debi

heather said...

i've made sweet pea's oven fries a couple of times and i L.O.V.E. them! (just today i bought stuff to make them again for dinner next week). so i'll have to try out this okra stuff.

HuggingtheCoast.Com said...

Thanks so much for linking to our Fried Okra Macaroni and Cheese.

I make okra as often as I can!

Helene said...

Married to a Southerner, I have to learn as I go along and fried okra has always been on my list. I know his mom makes the best (ehehe) but I still have to see that for myself!
Thanks!