I vividly remember the first time I had okra fritters. It was a warm summer evening at my grandmother’s house in the South. The air was filled with the scent of blooming magnolias, and the sound of cicadas provided the perfect background symphony. My grandmother, with her apron tied around her waist, was bustling around the kitchen, preparing her famous okra fritters for the family gathering. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked – the crispy exterior giving way to the tender, flavorful okra inside was simply divine.
Fast forward a few years, and I’ve taken it upon myself to recreate this beloved recipe with a few personal tweaks. One of my favorite adjustments is using buttermilk in the batter, which adds a delightful tanginess and helps create an even crisper crust. Adding finely chopped onions not only enhances the flavor but also gives the fritters a bit of sweetness and a lovely texture. Whether you’re a lifelong okra lover or a newcomer to this unique vegetable, these fritters are sure to win you over.
This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, a potluck with friends, or even as a quick snack. They come together in under half an hour, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Plus, you can serve them with a variety of dips or enjoy them simply with a pat of butter. Trust me, once you try these okra fritters, you’ll be finding any excuse to make them again.
How to Make Okra Fritters
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups self-rising cornmeal
- 2 cups okra (cut into round pieces, fresh or frozen)
- Salt & Pepper (optional)
- 1 cup oil
Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, flour, and cornmeal until smooth.
Gently fold in the okra and chopped onion. Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Scoop spoonfuls of the batter using a spoon or a 1/4 cup measuring cup, and carefully drop them into the hot oil.
Fry each fritter for about 2 minutes on one side until golden and crispy.
Flip the fritters and fry the other side until fully cooked.
Drain the fritters on paper towels once they are done.
Serve warm, slathered with butter if you like, and enjoy!
FAQs:
What are the key ingredients for making okra fritters?
The essential ingredients for making okra fritters include 2 cups of okra (cut into round pieces), 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups of self-rising cornmeal, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion, and 1 cup of oil. Optionally, you can add salt and pepper for seasoning.
Can I use frozen okra for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen okra for this recipe. If you use frozen okra, ensure it is thawed and well-drained before adding it to the batter. This will help maintain the desired texture of the fritters.
How do I ensure the fritters are crispy?
To achieve crispy fritters, make sure the oil is adequately heated to medium-high heat before adding the batter. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fritters. Fry the fritters until golden and crispy on each side, which typically takes about 2 minutes per side.
What is the best way to serve okra fritters?
Okra fritters are best served hot and fresh. After frying, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. You can slather them with butter or serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. These fritters make a great appetizer or side dish for various meals.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
While it is possible to prepare the batter in advance, it is recommended to fry the fritters immediately after mixing the batter for the best results. If you need to prepare ahead of time, you can mix the dry ingredients and store them separately, then combine with the wet ingredients and okra just before frying.
Okra Fritters
Ingredients
- 2 cups okra cut into round pieces, fresh or frozen
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups self-rising cornmeal
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- Salt & Pepper optional
- 1 cup oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, flour, and cornmeal. Mix well.
- Fold in the okra and finely chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Using a spoon or 1/4 cup measuring cup, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.
- Fry the fritters for about 2 minutes on one side until they are golden and crispy.
- Flip them over and fry the other side.
- Once done, drain the fritters on paper towels.
- Slather with butter and enjoy!
