Cajun Fried Okra

By RoketJSquerl

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh okra, washed/dried, tops trimmed
• 1/2 cup flour plus 1/2 cup flour, divided
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic (or powder)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin, ground
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne, (more for spicy, less for more mild)
• pinch cinnamon
• additional salt & pepper, to taste

Details

Servings 3
Preparation time 10mins
Cooking time 15mins
Adapted from southernfatty.com

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oil to 350 F. (enough to cover okra)

In bowl #1, add one portion of flour and add a healthy pinch each of salt and pepper.

In bowl #2, mix together remaining four, cornmeal.

In bowl #3, add buttermilk. (sub milk with teaspoon lemon juice, sit for 5 minutes, if no buttermilk on hand)

Combine Cajun seasonings in a small bowl. Add about 3/4 of seasoning to the flour/cornmeal mix.

Keep the remaining Cajun seasoning on hand to season okra after frying.

Place okra in bowl #1 (flour, s&p). Toss well.

Transfer to buttermilk.

Transfer to bowl with flour/cornmeal/Cajun and cover well, pressing mix around okra well to form a solid crust. Tap off excess carefully.

Transfer okra to a sheet pan to rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the outer layer to "gum up" and give a better, more stable crispy exterior.

Carefully fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Remove to paper towel lined pan. Toss with more Cajun and salt/pepper, if desired.