Best 2 Fried Okra Croutons Recipes

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Indulge in the Southern charm of fried okra croutons, a delightful culinary creation that combines the crispy texture of croutons with the unique flavor of okra. These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking, elevating salads, or adding a touch of crunch to your favorite soups. Discover two irresistible variations: the classic fried okra croutons, showcasing the natural taste of okra, and the tantalizing spicy fried okra croutons, infused with a subtle heat that adds an extra layer of flavor. Both recipes are easy to follow, requiring simple ingredients and straightforward steps, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve crispy, golden-brown croutons bursting with flavor. Get ready to elevate your culinary repertoire with this delightful Southern delicacy.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CORN AND TOMATO SALAD WITH FRIED OKRA CROUTONS



Corn and Tomato Salad With Fried Okra Croutons image

THIS IS SOOOO GOOD! Everyone who likes tomatoes, corn, or fried okra needs to try this. And especially if its in season! Food and Wine's BEST of the BEST From The Rustic Table by Constance Snow "Southerners are known for their ability to turn a blind eye to the unpleasantries of life, so if something seems to ugly and slimy to eat, we jsut ignore the baster aspects, cover it with cornmeal, and throw it into a sizzling iron skillet. Thus okra, on of nature's most imperfect foods, is transformed into ethereal little crisps that even a Yankee could love. Good old "fried okry" is great on its own (as a traditional side dish or offbeat cocktail snack), but it also adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to the simplest garden salads. Here fresh sweet corn and vine riepened tomatoes are essential, so save this one for a cool meal in midsummer when vegetables are at their best." You can also use pre-packaged okra as well.

Provided by College Girl

Categories     Corn

Time 25m

Yield 6 starter servings, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 cups corn, fresh kernels
2 tomatoes, large seeded and chopped
2 scallions, thinkly sliced (white and green parts)
2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon sugar
salt
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon thyme, fresh or 1/2 teaspoon a pinch thyme, dried
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
fresh ground black pepper
1 lb okra, fresh cut into 1/4-inch rounds
frying oil

Steps:

  • Place the corn kernels in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on high power for 1 minute: stir, and microwave just until crisp-tender, up to 1 minute longer. Toss the corn in a mixing bowl with the tomatoes, scallions, and parsley.
  • Whisk the sugar and 1/4 tsp salt with the vinegar in a small bowl until dissolved. Then whisk in the olive oil and thyme leaves until the dressing is thick and well blended. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing to coat it well. Season with pepper, and additional salt if needed. Set the salad aside to allow the flavors to mellow while you fry the okra.
  • Combine the cornmeal, salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl, and toss the okra slices in the mixture. Warm 1/3 inch of oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat.
  • Drop a cornmeal-coated okra slice into the hot oil to test the temperature. When it sizzles energetically, add half of the remaining okra, without crowding. Fry until ver crisp and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spatula and place them on paper towels to drain. Repeat with the second batch.
  • Just before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasonings if needed. Top each dish of salad with a generous mound of fried okra.

FRIED OKRA CROUTONS



FRIED OKRA CROUTONS image

Categories     Condiment/Spread     Vegetable

Number Of Ingredients 3

Fried Okra Croutons (see seperate recipe)
Green, cesear, or greek salad.
Soup

Steps:

  • Sprinle buttermilk fried okra over any salad or soup to substitute for real croutons.

Tips:

  • Opt for tender okra. Choose young, tender okra pods that are about 2 to 3 inches long. Avoid pods that are too large or have blemishes.
  • Prepare your workstation. Cover a baking sheet with paper towels to let the fried okra croutons cool and drain excess oil.
  • Slice okra evenly. Cut the okra pods into ΒΌ-inch thick rounds for even cooking. Make sure to cut them consistently in size, so they cook evenly.
  • Use a non-stick skillet. A non-stick skillet will help prevent the okra croutons from sticking and burning. If you don't have a non-stick skillet, be sure to grease the pan with cooking spray.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan. When frying the okra croutons, make sure to not overcrowd the pan. This can cause them to steam instead of fry, resulting in soggy croutons.
  • Flip the okra croutons halfway through cooking. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from burning.
  • Season the croutons. Once the okra croutons are cooked, season them with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also add herbs or spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Fried okra croutons are a delicious and versatile snack or side dish. They can be enjoyed on their own, used as a salad topping, or added to soups and stews. With their crispy texture and savory flavor, fried okra croutons are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Experiment with different seasonings and toppings to find your favorite combination.

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