In the South, there are basically two ways to do fried okra. I don’t really have a favorite. This particular method is what I call the “piece” method using a deep fryer. This is where you coat individual pieces of okra in batter and deep fry them. The other method I call the “hash” method, which is where you combine the batter and okra together and cook it stove top in a cast iron skillet.

The Best Fried Okra

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups of cut okra
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 (12-ounce) box of Zatarain’s Seasoned Fish-Fri Southern Style

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a deep fryer to around 360 degrees.
2. Soak okra in buttermilk and then dredge in Fish-Fri to coat well. Shake off excess coating.
3. Carefully add okra to the hot oil and cook until golden brown. (It will be necessary to fry the okra in batches.)
4. Remove from oil, drain on paper towels and then serve immediately.

This recipe originally appeared on SouthernBite.com. For more great recipes, visit the website or check out ”The Southern Bite Cookbook.”