Easiest Fried Okra (Gombos Frits), with Video

fried okra

Hello there!

We’re back with another recipe.

Fried Okra: this works perfectly as an appetizer for your Friday apéro, dinner with your friends or whenever you want to surprise your guests with something different.

If you’re not familiar with okra, don’t worry: I got you.

fried okra
Fresh okra

Okra, also known as Gombo in French-speaking countries, is a fruit often consumed as a vegetable.

It has many health benefits: it is rich in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. It is also extremely low in calories, so do not be scared to indulge xD

It’s heavily consumed in sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, Southern US states and South Asia.

Each country has its own way of cooking okra. African countries usually eat it finely cut in stews, whereas in the Caribbean it would probably be eaten sautéed or fried. We can’t forget the famous Gumbo, a popular dish from Louisiana!

fried okra

Okra is known for its slimy texture, which is why not everyone enjoy eating it, or why people like myself absolutely love it! Fried okra is not as slimy as steamed or sautéed okra, hence why everyone usually like it.

When buying okra, make sure it is fresh: the greener, the fresher. The texture is also very important: it should be firm but not rock-hard. Store it in a paper bag in the refrigerator alongside your other vegetables.

fried okra

Now, back to the recipe.

This recipe is a no brainier, it mainly involves 4 steps:

  • Cut the okra
  • Dip the okra into the milk
  • Roll the okra in the cornmeal mix
  • Fry and drain the okra

Sounds easy, right? Well, it is 🙂

#Tip: You can make this vegan by replacing the buttermilk with plant-based milk and a tablespoon of white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar).

fried okra

Looking for another easy and tasty appetizer? Click here: Cameroonian Croquettes (Chin Chin) with Video

Well, without further ado, here is the recipe. Scroll down for video instructions.

Bon Appetit!

Easiest Fried Okra (Gombo Frits), with Video

Recipe by laviebamiCourse: AppetizersCuisine: African, Southern, Creole
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

  • 20 Okra (230g)

  • 80g Buttermilk

  • 100g Flour

  • 100g Cornmeal

  • 1 teaspoon Salt

  • 1 teaspoon Paprika

  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

  • Pinch Black pepper

  • 500ml Oil for deep frying

Directions

  • Clean okra with water. Pat okra dry with paper towels.
  • Remove the stem of the okra. Cut each okra into 1cm slices.
  • In a large bowl, add the buttermilk. Add in the okra and toss until evenly coated.
  • Heat oil in a deep pot.
  • In another bowl, add in the flour, cornmeal, salt, paprika, garlic powder and pepper.
  • Drain some pieces of okra and roll in cornmeal mixture. Stir to combine, until evenly coated.
  • Repeat until all the okra is coated.
  • Fry okra, small quantity at a time. Fry for 2/3 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Place to drain on paper towel.

Recipe Video

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