How do you fry okra in a skillet

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Fried Okra is a tried and true, classic southern recipe! You are ready to dig into this incredible fried veggie with just a few simple ingredients and a cast iron skillet. Crispy, crunchy, and flavorful, this tasty recipe is a perfect summertime side dish.

How do you fry okra in a skillet

Okra – you either love it or hate it.  I just had to be blunt, because that’s really how people feel.  For me, I am confessing right now, as a true southerner, I only like it one way – summertime fresh and fried. Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, here’s a few facts about that green pod that was officially voted “the most hated vegetable ever”…

Okra has some incredible health benefits. It’s low in calories, one cup of raw okra only has around 30 calories. One cup also has a whopping 66% RDA of Vitamin K. Okra is also high is calcium, fiber, vitamin C, protein, folate & magnesium.

I know y’all are so glad that I shared these important tidbits about okra!  So now, let’s get to the good stuff…cooking and eating.  Even though I said I like my okra fried, that doesn’t mean greasy. It’s actually funny when I say I’m making okra – friends kinda roll their eyes but when it comes time to put the plate on the table, there’s never any left.  

Ingredients Needed To Make Fried Okra

  • Sliced Fresh Okra
  • Buttermilk
  • Cornmeal
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Canola Oil

People Often Ask…

Can You Use Frozen Okra To Make Fried Okra?

While I definitely encourage you to use fresh okra, just for the texture and flavor of it, I completely understand that it is hard to find fresh in many places.

If you’re unable to get fresh okra, you can absolutely use frozen, just make sure to thaw it out first. For the best results, you’ll want to thaw the okra completely and then pat it with a paper towel to absorb moisture prior to starting the recipe.

What Do You Fry Okra In?


I like to use either a heavy bottom cast iron pan, or a Dutch Oven for frying okra. I would recommend using a Dutch Oven if you have one to avoid any splattering oil.

How do you fry okra in a skillet

Crispy and crunchy on the outside yet tender on the inside with just the right sprinkle of sea salt. My extra because your family will eat this fried okra up!

  • 3 cups washed and sliced fresh okra
  • 1/2 cup homemade butter milk – 1/2 cup milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Canola oil for frying

  • Make buttermilk by adding vinegar to milk and let sit for 5 minutes.

  • Mix cornmeal, flour, salt and pepper in a bowl.

  • Heat oil in cast iron skillet.

  • In a large bowl, place okra and buttermilk.

  • Strain okra in a mesh colander.

  • Gently add okra to dry ingredients, turning to coat.

  • When oil is hot (test by dropping a small amount of cornmeal into grease & if it starts to sizzle, oil is ready) shake off excess cornmeal on okra and add to skillet.

  • Cook for approximately 12 to 15 minutes on medium heat until brown.

  • Place on paper towels to drain and sprinkle with sea salt.

How do you fry okra in a skillet

What is the best cooking technique for okra?

Trim the okra ends, then cut each one into 1cm pieces. Heat the oil in a large frying pan, then tip in the okra, keeping the heat relatively high. Shake the pan so the okra starts to fry on all sides. Fry for about 8 mins, shaking every now and then, and turning the heat down if you need to.

How do you fry okra without it getting slimy?

One popular way to reduce okra's sliminess is to "soak it in vinegar for 30 minutes [before cooking with it], which helps to break up and dissolve the slime," says food scientist, food industry consultant, and author Bryan Le.

How long should okra be cooked?

Place okra in a saucepan; add enough water to cover the okra and salt to taste; bring the water to boil. Cover the pan and cook eight to 10 minutes or until the okra is tender. Drain well and, if desired, toss with a little butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Does okra need to be soaked before cooking?

The short answer is no, you don't have to soak it before cooking, but some recipes suggest soaking the okra in a vinegar mixture to reduce sliminess. To soak okra, pour 125ml (1/2 cup) vinegar into a bowl. Add 500g okra (the ratio of vinegar to okra is 125ml vinegar to every 500g okra). Turn the okra to coat.