Introduction
Okra patties are a classic Southern side dish made with fresh chopped okra, cornmeal, and spices, pan-fried until golden and crispy. They’re a delicious way to enjoy okra beyond gumbo or stews, and they pair beautifully with fried chicken, barbecue, or even just a simple salad.
Ingredients (Makes about 10 patties)
- 2 cups fresh okra, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ½ cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prep okra: Wash and finely chop okra into small pieces.
- Mix batter: In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir in onion and chopped okra. Add beaten egg and buttermilk, mixing until thick batter forms.
- Heat oil: In a large skillet, heat about ¼ inch of oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Fry patties: Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and flatten slightly with a spatula. Fry 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain & serve: Remove patties and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Add shredded cheddar cheese for cheesy okra patties.
- Use a mix of corn kernels and okra for more texture.
- Make them spicier with diced jalapeños in the batter.
- Serve with ranch dressing, hot sauce, or remoulade for dipping.
Enjoy !!
