Crispy Okra Fritters with Cornmeal and Scallions
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Every summer I seem to find myself with more okra than I know what to do with—and that’s exactly how these crispy fritters came to be. They’re golden, crunchy, and packed with okra flavor without a hint of slime. The trick is a quick batter with cornmeal, chopped scallions, and a hot skillet.
These fritters are perfect for when you want something savory, crispy, and snacky but still packed with garden goodness. I love serving them with a little dipping sauce or alongside grilled meats for a Southern-style veggie plate.
📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🌿 Crunchy and totally craveable
🌽 Cornmeal batter adds rich texture
🧄 No slime—just crispy bites of okra and scallion
🕒 Fast to prep and fry in under 30 minutes
🌱 Naturally gluten-free with simple ingredients
📌 Quick Reference Section
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 small fritters
Dietary Info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Key Ingredients at a Glance:
Fresh okra, cornmeal, scallions, egg, buttermilk
📌 Ingredients List
1 cup fresh okra, thinly sliced
½ cup cornmeal (medium grind)
¼ cup gluten-free or all-purpose flour
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 egg
⅓ cup buttermilk or milk of choice
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne or paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Oil for frying (avocado or vegetable)
Optional Add-ins & Swaps:
Add minced jalapeño for heat
Swap buttermilk for plant-based milk + lemon juice
Serve with spicy mayo, ranch, or remoulade
📌 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir in sliced okra and scallions. Add egg and buttermilk and stir just until combined. - Heat the Oil
In a cast iron or heavy skillet, heat ¼ inch of oil over medium-high until shimmering. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and flatten slightly. - Fry Until Crispy
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with extra salt. - Serve Hot
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
📌 Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve as an appetizer or Southern-style side
Pair with grilled chicken, BBQ, or black-eyed peas
Add to brunch with eggs and a salad
📌 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Fridge: Store for 2–3 days and reheat in a skillet or air fryer
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then store in a bag for up to 2 months
Make-Ahead: Mix dry ingredients ahead and add wet just before cooking
📌 Final Thoughts
These fritters are a crunchy, garden-fresh answer to “what do I do with all this okra?” 🧄 Tag your skillet snapshots with #SouthernSoilSunshine and let us know if yours had a spicy kick or stayed classic!
Hungry for more Southern-style sides? Try our Garlic Roasted Okra or Stuffed Bell Peppers with Pine Nuts!
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